Want to create a private geocache event, but don't know how

[geohunter8128]

Hi everybody, this is my first post so forgive any naivety on my part...

 

Recently I and some friends of mine have been on the hunt for certain items that our city has placed to celebrate its anniversary, however the hunt is drawing to a close. So, I've been thinking of creating my own "hunt" that my friends can pick up for next year. My idea is this:

 

An urban private geocache event based off the Pokemon franchise, where we go around and locate/collect 151 little figurines placed in various locations in the city. There would be lots of clues in the onset where we can gain knowledge of some lat/long information and maybe some pictures even, then plot like a dozen or so locations on a printed map for a weekend excursion, go to each location and try to find the figurine hidden in those areas. Rinse and repeat for a number of weekends until all collectibles are collected. The clever bit of it is we could split up into two or more teams and try to grab the most figurines over the course of the year, then announce a winner.

 

The logistics part of this is tripping me up though. Obviously these little guys would have to be hidden very well, maybe even buried a couple inches underground to prevent other people from happening upon them. I was also thinking that once some hunters get close an API on their phone or something would activate and help home-in on where it's hidden. What sort of hardware could transmit through a couple of inches of ground like that?

[+T.D.M.22]

You can't do that on here for 2 reasons. First is that all geocaches are available to all geocachers. Even basic members are allowed to, and encouraged, to log Premium Member Only caches. Second is there are no buried caches allowed. Where would you bury them anyway? Who's going to give you permission to do so? You could be facing legal consequences, possibly as vandalism, or mischief charges digging up place you don't own/have permission to do so.

 

There are probably hundreds if not thousands of geocaches near you- you've probably even passed one daily and never known about it. So the question is why not do a normal geocache? Why does it have to be private?

 

There are also other similar games. You could try letterboxing or orienteering. There is also a smartphone and QR code based app- but again I don't think that could be private.

 

You could look into a CHIRP from Garmin, or other similar device.

Edited December 8, 2014 by T.D.M.22

[+T.D.M.22]

You also mentioned something that could transmit through ground- well one of the best defences against nuclear fallout is earth- essentially being buried. It's much harder to go through earth than buildings, trees, etc.

Edited December 8, 2014 by T.D.M.22

[+GeoLog81]

You can organize such an event only completely outside the geocaching.com.

[+Gitchee-Gummee]

Simple enough, put together a 'scavenger hunt'... that is what you are proposing.

There is no need to use coordinates, therefore no need a assure all taking part need a GPSr or a smart phone.

 

You already mentioned photos (clues) and a printed maps. Why complicate it with coordinates? Or... you can simply print out the coordinates for each location hide much as you print and hand out maps.

 

 

As you have it proposed, none of your hides would be approved by reviewers and published on geocaching.com.

Buried hides and 'private' caches are against the guidelines.

 

Wishing you luck, outside of geocaching.

[+kunarion]

Hi everybody, this is my first post so forgive any naivety on my part...

 

Recently I and some friends of mine have been on the hunt for certain items that our city has placed to celebrate its anniversary, however the hunt is drawing to a close. So, I've been thinking of creating my own "hunt" that my friends can pick up for next year. My idea is this:

 

An urban private geocache event based off the Pokemon franchise, where we go around and locate/collect 151 little figurines placed in various locations in the city. There would be lots of clues in the onset where we can gain knowledge of some lat/long information and maybe some pictures even, then plot like a dozen or so locations on a printed map for a weekend excursion, go to each location and try to find the figurine hidden in those areas. Rinse and repeat for a number of weekends until all collectibles are collected. The clever bit of it is we could split up into two or more teams and try to grab the most figurines over the course of the year, then announce a winner.

 

The logistics part of this is tripping me up though. Obviously these little guys would have to be hidden very well, maybe even buried a couple inches underground to prevent other people from happening upon them. I was also thinking that once some hunters get close an API on their phone or something would activate and help home-in on where it's hidden. What sort of hardware could transmit through a couple of inches of ground like that?

As mentioned, it's not really a Geocache idea, being temporary, not listed on the site, and not available to Geocachers in general.

 

Have you asked the city organizers? They may suggest large areas where you could place your items. Cover a small box with camo tape, place the item inside, tuck it away just off trail in a park, make a note of the coordinates. Repeat 151 times . A really good clue might work better than a separate "transmitter". Or use a piece of reflective material (like "Fire Tacks" have), and even in the daytime, people can narrow down a spot using a flashlight.

Edited December 8, 2014 by kunarion

[+L0ne.R]

Klikaklu might work for you. You can create private location based games. It's a picture treasure hunt location-based game.

There's also Xnote. "Hide messages and then send others on a treasure hunt to view them. Hide single messages or link many together. Create virtual geocaching, scavenger hunts and treasure hunts. As quick and easy as texting!" Your message could be where the hidden toy is located once they get to ground zero.

There are other location-based app games listed on pinterest.

Regarding burying the toy, take into consideration that because the finder doesn't know precisely where it's buried they could dig up a large area, leaving a big unsightly mess.

[+kunarion]

You also mentioned something that could transmit through ground- well one of the best defences against nuclear fallout is earth- essentially being buried. It's much harder to go through earth than buildings, trees, etc.

Yes. I tested my first Chirp under a tree root on the ground (not even buried), and it completely cancelled the signal.

[+kunarion]

You could look into a CHIRP from Garmin, or other similar device.

Chirp is not useful as a spot locater, it doesn't direct you to itself. Maybe some smartphone Apps will show relative signal strength, but the typical use is, a Garmin GPSr requests a transmission, the Chirp sends the signal, then shuts off. This is received at distance of 50 feet or more. The general location is given to the finder previously in some form (perhaps by a previous Chirp), in order to seek the Chirp.

Edited December 8, 2014 by kunarion