Paul Bemrose – Brighthelmstone Top Tips

In the Brighthelmstone district Elfins, Pioneers and Ventures have all been out Geocaching in the local area, here are from top tips from them:

  • Geocaching can be tailored to suit each of the different age groups by changing the walk length and how close together the caches are i.e. for Elfins it can be a short walk with close by caches to keep their attention.
  • There are many variables with Geocaching so make sure you customise it to suit your group.
  • Pick a route that doesn’t contain many small or micro caches as small caches won’t contain treasure.
  • Pick a realistic amount of caches and distance to walk.
  • Always make the walk a circular walk if possible.
  • Download the caches onto your GPS device or smartphone to save battery and you won’t need phone signal.
  • If using a GPS device then remember to write down the cache hint and log from the website before leaving as you won’t be able to access this. Both of these can be very helpful when trying to locate the cache. You can access the hint and log on your smartphone.
  • Make sure you take the young people through how the devices work so they can lead the group and do the tracking themselves. Make sure everyone gets a go at using the device ideally in pairs.
  • If you buy a GPS device, try to get one with OS maps on or download maps onto your GPS device (cost around £20 for a county). OS maps are better as they show key features of the landscape such as paths rather than just a pink line on a screen. They would recommend a Dakota 20 GPS device
  • Think about your group’s size in terms of the ratios to adults and GPS devices. A good group’s size is around 10 to 15 with two or three adults and one GPS device. The groups can be split into two with one going one way around the circle and the other group going the other.
  • Make sure all the young people have something to put in a cache when you find them and that they take turns to leave something to make sure everyone gets a chance.
  • Make sure you take an OS map to avoid getting lost.
  • Make sure you and the group are all wearing appropriate clothing for walking outdoors that might get dirty.
  • Always take a small first aid kit with you.
  • Get the parents involved so they are able to go out Geocaching with their family away from Woodcraft.
  • Grants can be found to go Geocaching such as Awards for All or Action Projects. In some cases the local outdoors store may donate you a GPS device.
  • If possible go find the caches yourself first so you’re able to help the groups find the cache to avoid disappointment.
  • If you create a cache, look at what’s on offer from Folk supply as possible treasure to put in the cache.
  • Just like Woodcraft geocaching has its own language and culture so try to familiarise yourself with this.
  • Visit for a helpful guide with more tips.

Benefits to the group

Doing Geocaching can have loads of benefits for groups and young people involved:

  • The group will learn key GPS and map reading skills
  • It will help engage the group
  • It can be difficult to get the young people to go out on a walk so Geocaching is an exciting way to encourage them
  • It encourages cooperation and sharing
  • It helps groups to go out into the open air and explore new places together
  • It helps the young people to use their imaginations as most routes have a story or theme