GeoCaching & Orienteering

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Whether you use technology, or just a good old-fashioned paper map and compass, both of those activities are basically… treasure hunts! And what kid doesn’t like a treasure hunt? Here’s what you need to know and where to go…

GEOCACHING BASICS

  • Global treasure hunt using a GPS enabled phone or tablet
  • More than 3 million caches available worldwide
  • Some are virtual caches (visiting a location) and some are physical caches (in a box that contains log sheet and sometimes trinkets to to take and leave)
  • Geocaching.com and apps available both on Android and Apple. Free and premium versions. There are other apps available as well, but most of them use the cache info from this company
  • Find them them at your own time and pace
  • You can see locations once you download the app
  • Overall a fun time and a good way to see interesting sites and locations where-ever you are

ORIENTEERING BASICS

  • Find physical markers (called controls) using a map and a compass on marked courses and complete them in order given. There are start and finish points to track your time of completing the course.
  • Some maps are free to download, and some you can buy for a few dollars from local orienteering clubs
  • Courses can be permanent or set up for an orienteering event for that day and then removed. Usually you’ll have many difficulty levels from novice to expert in the same location whether it’s a permanent course or an event
  • It can be a competitive sport, but many clubs will have courses that are easier and you can just hike through them at your own pace.
  • Take your own pencil with you, as well as a printed course map and score card (if available online) and a whistle (3 short whistles means an emergency)…
  • Overall a fantastic way to learn to navigate using a map and compass and to get some fresh air and exercise

QUEENS

  • Alley Pond Park– Permanent course. First and only in NYC parks system. Download a map on their website and head to the starting point at the bulletin board at Adventure Course Parking Lot…

LONG ISLAND

CONNECTICUT

NEW JERSEY

  • Hudson Valley Orienteering
  • Delaware Valley Orienteering Association
  • Turkey Swamp Park– Course established as an Eagle Scout Project. Get a map from from the Turkey Swamp Campground office and off you go…

UPSTATE NY

PENNSYLVANIA

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