Help
I just learned the Girl Scouts are now recognizing Geocaching in one of their new Interest areas for girls ages 11-17.
http://www.studio2b....uff/ip_tech.asp
AuntieNae
Girl Scouts Go Geocaching! GSUSA recognizes Geocaching in new Award
#2
Posted 12 October 2005 - 02:25 PM
Well, that's good to hear. I mentioned it to my local council, and they had never heard of it.
#3
Posted 12 October 2005 - 07:10 PM
Now this is just the kind of positive PR that our activity needs. Great news and thanks for sharing!!! 
#4
Posted 13 October 2005 - 06:13 AM
My stepdaughter just started Girl Scouts and she was psyched, until she saw it was for 11 year olds...she's 10 
#5
Posted 13 October 2005 - 06:22 AM
That's great news. I wonder if there is any chance the Boy Scouts organization would consider a geocaching merit badge?
#6
Posted 13 October 2005 - 10:14 AM
Man, I wish we could make an exception to the "no food in caches" dictum for some Girl Scout cookies.
#7
- Moderatin' the Neo-cachers & helping the How Do I?
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Posted 13 October 2005 - 11:46 AM
Let's move this to "Organized Geocaching" instead of "Getting Started"
#8
Posted 13 October 2005 - 01:35 PM
CharlieP, on Oct 13 2005, 06:22 AM, said:
That's great news. I wonder if there is any chance the Boy Scouts organization would consider a geocaching merit badge?
The BSA is not ignorant of geocaching.
While I don't know if there will be a geocaching MB (takes some time to create a new MB, prehaps an extension of the current Orientering one will do), they have made use of geocaching:
Geocaching was a new event made available at the subcamps at the recent National Scout Jamboree, done in partnership with Magellian.
Geocaching is part of the new leadership training event for boy scout youth leaders called National Youth Leadership Training. In fact, some scout leaders were a little annoyed at that, as they are concerned of the cost of GPSr and their ability to obtain these for their courses.
Within the Venturing program (co-ed 14-21 program), many are doing geocaching events as part of Venturing events.
(yes, I'm a BSA member).
#9
Posted 13 October 2005 - 03:00 PM
Excellent. There should be a girl scout coin for any who find their first 100 caches. 
This post has been edited by Renegade Knight: 13 October 2005 - 03:00 PM
#10
Posted 18 October 2005 - 06:07 PM
Very cool! Learning how to use maps and tools I am sure is a good thing for kids in the woods.
#11
Posted 19 October 2005 - 04:01 AM
This past Monday, I taught a class on geocaching to a local brownie-troop, and we went out to find 6 caches hidden in the nearby woods...they had a ball, did a great job, and were still raring to go when we stopped for the day...we hid a cache as a group and it will be listed for approval on gc.com in the next few days.
nfa-jamie
nfa-jamie
#12
Posted 20 October 2005 - 08:46 PM
Renegade Knight, it would be fun to have such a coin! My niece goes by the name of Messa, at age 9, has 719 finds already. She is only a Junior level Girl Scout so she has to wait 2 years before she is old enough to earn the award. Leave it to Messa, she figures by that time she will be well past 1,00 finds so it will be a piece of cake.
This post has been edited by AuntieNae: 20 October 2005 - 08:48 PM
#13
Posted 03 November 2005 - 04:41 PM
I would like to let people know that the Council of Central New York has now a new junior badge and a brownie try-it for girl scouts. Three of my troop girls has created these new badge and try-it for their bronze award and it is now available at this council for purchasing. You can email them at girlscouts@gsccny.org or phone them at 315-698-9400. The name of the new badge and try-it is called Let's Go GEO
#14
Posted 03 November 2005 - 04:58 PM
Now available at the girl Scouts Council of CNY is a new junior badge and brownie try-it for geocaching. It was created by 3 of my troop girls for their bronze award. These badges and try-its and the requirements can be ordered by email to girlscouts@gsccny.org or phone (315)698-9400. Ask for Let's Go GEO (badge and try-it name).
#15
Posted 08 November 2005 - 04:21 PM
I was exposed to geocaching because Trillium Council sent me to be trained in it at Edith Macy Conference Center by Girl Scouts USA. There is a geocaching try-it, badge and IP already established through Erie Shores Council. If you pop them an e-mail, they'll send you the info on all three and pictures of the awards and info on where to buy them. Also, I'm training trainers regionally so that they can go back to their councils and offer trainings for leaders to pass it on to their troops.
This post has been edited by RUFFLEDOSTRICH: 08 November 2005 - 04:21 PM
#16
Posted 14 November 2005 - 03:58 AM
Girl Scouts of Erie Shores developed a councils own in the way of Geocaching.
I have requirements for the Brownie Try It, Junior Badge and the Cadette/Senior IP. If anyone is interested in the requirements (which also has orderring information) let me know. I don't check the boards often so you may want to email me. It is a word file, so if someone knows where it can be posted for dl I'll send it to you.
I have requirements for the Brownie Try It, Junior Badge and the Cadette/Senior IP. If anyone is interested in the requirements (which also has orderring information) let me know. I don't check the boards often so you may want to email me. It is a word file, so if someone knows where it can be posted for dl I'll send it to you.
#17
Posted 16 November 2005 - 08:42 PM
Thank you to those who have posted regarding their councils Geocaching Brownie Try-It and Junior Badge.
My niece, Messa here on geocaching.com, is totally thrilled. Although she already had a cache in place for over a year and a travel bug, we will be working on a new cache for her and travel bug. You have made me "one cool" Aunt!
My niece, Messa here on geocaching.com, is totally thrilled. Although she already had a cache in place for over a year and a travel bug, we will be working on a new cache for her and travel bug. You have made me "one cool" Aunt!
#18
Posted 23 November 2005 - 12:00 PM
This is wonderful news...
I use to be a GSUSA Member... I had a lot of fun... I was the oldest in my troop for a long time... I was a deligate for the national council. I had brought caching up to them a couple of years ago.. I'm glad to see that it is being incoroerated now..
Awsome Ev
GSUSA member 1990-2002
lakeland council
I use to be a GSUSA Member... I had a lot of fun... I was the oldest in my troop for a long time... I was a deligate for the national council. I had brought caching up to them a couple of years ago.. I'm glad to see that it is being incoroerated now..
Awsome Ev
GSUSA member 1990-2002
lakeland council
#19
Posted 25 November 2005 - 12:47 AM
As a retired girl scout (Ok so once a girl scout, always a girl scout) I think this is awesome!
Um... What Can I do to get this merit badge?!? LOL I may be 29, but I sure do wish they had this when I was in scouting!
Um... What Can I do to get this merit badge?!? LOL I may be 29, but I sure do wish they had this when I was in scouting!
#20
Posted 25 November 2005 - 05:54 AM
Maybe the boy scouts can do this as a merit badge. That would be cool.
#21
Posted 25 November 2005 - 05:58 AM
emb021, on Oct 13 2005, 01:35 PM, said:
CharlieP, on Oct 13 2005, 06:22 AM, said:
That's great news. I wonder if there is any chance the Boy Scouts organization would consider a geocaching merit badge?
The BSA is not ignorant of geocaching.
While I don't know if there will be a geocaching MB (takes some time to create a new MB, prehaps an extension of the current Orientering one will do), they have made use of geocaching:
Geocaching was a new event made available at the subcamps at the recent National Scout Jamboree, done in partnership with Magellian.
Geocaching is part of the new leadership training event for boy scout youth leaders called National Youth Leadership Training. In fact, some scout leaders were a little annoyed at that, as they are concerned of the cost of GPSr and their ability to obtain these for their courses.
Within the Venturing program (co-ed 14-21 program), many are doing geocaching events as part of Venturing events.
(yes, I'm a BSA member).
The problems of tacking Geocaching on to the existing Orienteering merit badge were discussed in some detail here about a month ago. Major problems are that use of a GPS while orienteering is illegal by the rules of the sport. The most likely way to go is an electronic navigation merit badge which would certainly include use of a GPS and lead to geocaching as a logical teaching tool.
#22
Posted 13 December 2005 - 01:04 PM
My wife is the leader of Jr. Girl Scout Troop 258, here in Northern California and she had me come in a do a class on Geocaching with them. I hid 4 caches within 500' of our meeting place and had my two daughters help them along the way with the GPSr's.
They had an absolute blast and wanted to do it more. We have just put together a cache for the troop that we will be hiding in the next couple weeks and they have already sent out a troop travel bug. My wife is also working on the set up for an official patch for Girlscout Geocaching.
They had an absolute blast and wanted to do it more. We have just put together a cache for the troop that we will be hiding in the next couple weeks and they have already sent out a troop travel bug. My wife is also working on the set up for an official patch for Girlscout Geocaching.
#23
Posted 22 December 2005 - 02:55 PM
We (Luxemburgish Boyscouts) practise GC since January 2003!
Ben
Ben
#24
Posted 27 December 2005 - 03:37 PM
I am a Boy Scout (Hudsonville Troop 146) and I think it would be great if there was a Geocaching MB or an Electronic Navigation MB.
#25
Posted 11 January 2006 - 07:55 PM
My Brownie Troop earned the Geocaching Try-It from Erie Shores GS Council last year. They had a great time. I'll post the requirements for the Junior level badge and the Older Girl IP as well. Maybe it'll help other groups get something set up locally.
Girl Scouts of Erie Shores
Lorain, Ohio 44053-3820
(440) 233-6112
Email: info@girlscoutserieshores.org
Web Site: http://www.girlscoutserieshores.org
---------------------------------------------------
Girl Scouts of Erie Shores
GEOCACHING BROWNIE TRY-IT
To earn this Try-It, you must complete at least 4 of the following activities, including the starred ones.
Purpose: To increase one's knowledge and understanding of geocaching (high tech treasure hunting)! Please note, you will need a GPS receiver to complete this Interest Project. Many late model cell phones have GPS receivers in them.
1. *Learn what GPS stands for. Why do you think GPS was invented?
2. Latitudes and longitudes are big words, but they are very important for GPS units. One goes around the world east to west, and the other goes around the world north to south. Find out which is which!
3. Geocaching is a relatively new “sport” that uses GPS receivers. Learn what geocaching is and why it is so much fun!
4. *With an adult, visit www.geocaching.com or www.navicache.com to identify a cache you would like to find and go on a high tech treasure hunt! Be sure to follow all local and Girl Scout safety standards.
5. Visit www.geocaching.com or www.navicache.com to learn more about geocaching. With an adult, create a screen name for your troop/group so you can explore different caches in your area. Find out how many caches are within a 25-mile radius of your troop’s meeting spot.
6. Pretend that you were going to make a cache for a Girl Scout from another country to find. Where would you hide it? What would you put in it? Write a letter to the Girl Scout so she knows why you included each item.
Girl Scouts of Erie Shores
Lorain, Ohio 44053-3820
(440) 233-6112
Email: info@girlscoutserieshores.org
Web Site: http://www.girlscoutserieshores.org
---------------------------------------------------
Girl Scouts of Erie Shores
GEOCACHING BROWNIE TRY-IT
To earn this Try-It, you must complete at least 4 of the following activities, including the starred ones.
Purpose: To increase one's knowledge and understanding of geocaching (high tech treasure hunting)! Please note, you will need a GPS receiver to complete this Interest Project. Many late model cell phones have GPS receivers in them.
1. *Learn what GPS stands for. Why do you think GPS was invented?
2. Latitudes and longitudes are big words, but they are very important for GPS units. One goes around the world east to west, and the other goes around the world north to south. Find out which is which!
3. Geocaching is a relatively new “sport” that uses GPS receivers. Learn what geocaching is and why it is so much fun!
4. *With an adult, visit www.geocaching.com or www.navicache.com to identify a cache you would like to find and go on a high tech treasure hunt! Be sure to follow all local and Girl Scout safety standards.
5. Visit www.geocaching.com or www.navicache.com to learn more about geocaching. With an adult, create a screen name for your troop/group so you can explore different caches in your area. Find out how many caches are within a 25-mile radius of your troop’s meeting spot.
6. Pretend that you were going to make a cache for a Girl Scout from another country to find. Where would you hide it? What would you put in it? Write a letter to the Girl Scout so she knows why you included each item.
This post has been edited by souperteam: 11 January 2006 - 08:01 PM
#26
Posted 11 January 2006 - 07:56 PM
Girl Scouts of Erie Shores
GEOCACHING JUNIOR BADGE
To earn this badge, you must complete at least 6 of the following activities, including the starred ones.
Purpose: To increase one's knowledge and understanding of geocaching (high tech treasure hunting)! Please note, you will need a GPS receiver to complete this Interest Project. Many late model cell phones have GPS receivers in them.
1. *Learn what GPS stands for and the history of GPS. Who invented GPS? Why was it invented?
2. *Coordinates are the keys to utilizing GPS. What are coordinates? How do they help a GPS receiver work? Using a GPS receiver, practice identifying your location using coordinates.
3. Geocaching is only regulated by the people finding and placing caches, meaning everyone involved needs to follow rules and guidelines. Using www.geocaching.com, identify the three basic rules for geocaching. Make a poster with these rules, and add a few of your own that will help Girl Scouts to remain safe while geocaching.
4. *Identify a cache you would like to find and go on a high tech treasure hunt! Be sure to follow all local and Girl Scout safety standards.
5. Visit www.geocaching.com or www.navicache.com to learn more about geocaching. With an adult, create a screen name for your troop/group so you can explore different caches in your area. Find out how many caches are within a 25-mile radius of your troop’s meeting spot.
6. Find out how GPS units work. What are the basic ways a GPS can tell you your location anywhere on the earth (hint: it involves 24 satellites)?
7. Geocaching is a relatively new “sport” that uses GPS receivers. Brainstorm other new “sports” that would use a GPS receiver. Make an advertising sign describing your new GPS sport.
8. Think about your future! What kind of job could you get where you could use a GPS unit? How would using a GPS unit make that job easier (or harder)? Write a want ad for a newspaper describing this job!
GEOCACHING JUNIOR BADGE
To earn this badge, you must complete at least 6 of the following activities, including the starred ones.
Purpose: To increase one's knowledge and understanding of geocaching (high tech treasure hunting)! Please note, you will need a GPS receiver to complete this Interest Project. Many late model cell phones have GPS receivers in them.
1. *Learn what GPS stands for and the history of GPS. Who invented GPS? Why was it invented?
2. *Coordinates are the keys to utilizing GPS. What are coordinates? How do they help a GPS receiver work? Using a GPS receiver, practice identifying your location using coordinates.
3. Geocaching is only regulated by the people finding and placing caches, meaning everyone involved needs to follow rules and guidelines. Using www.geocaching.com, identify the three basic rules for geocaching. Make a poster with these rules, and add a few of your own that will help Girl Scouts to remain safe while geocaching.
4. *Identify a cache you would like to find and go on a high tech treasure hunt! Be sure to follow all local and Girl Scout safety standards.
5. Visit www.geocaching.com or www.navicache.com to learn more about geocaching. With an adult, create a screen name for your troop/group so you can explore different caches in your area. Find out how many caches are within a 25-mile radius of your troop’s meeting spot.
6. Find out how GPS units work. What are the basic ways a GPS can tell you your location anywhere on the earth (hint: it involves 24 satellites)?
7. Geocaching is a relatively new “sport” that uses GPS receivers. Brainstorm other new “sports” that would use a GPS receiver. Make an advertising sign describing your new GPS sport.
8. Think about your future! What kind of job could you get where you could use a GPS unit? How would using a GPS unit make that job easier (or harder)? Write a want ad for a newspaper describing this job!
#27
Posted 11 January 2006 - 07:57 PM
GIRL SCOUTS OF ERIE SHORES
GEOCACHING INTEREST PROJECT PATCH
To earn this Interest Project, you must do (7) seven of these activities, including the starred activities:
Two (2) Skill Builders
One (1) Technology
One (1) Service Project
One (1) Career Exploration
Two (2) activities from any category that you choose
Purpose: To increase one's knowledge and understanding of geocaching (high tech treasure hunting)! Please note, you will need a GPS receiver to complete this Interest Project. Many late model cell phones have GPS receivers in them.
Skills:
1. *Learn what GPS stands for and the history of GPS. Who invented GPS? Why was it invented?
2. *Coordinates are the keys to utilizing GPS. What are coordinates? What is longitude and latitude? How do they help a GPS receiver work? Using a GPS receiver, practice identifying your location using coordinates.
3. Geocaching is only regulated by the people finding and placing caches, meaning everyone involved needs to follow rules and guidelines. Using www.geocaching.com, identify the three basic rules for geocaching. Make a poster with these rules, and add a few of your own that will help Girl Scouts to remain safe while geocaching.
4. *Identify a cache you would like to find and go on a high tech treasure hunt! Be sure to follow all local and Girl Scout safety standards.
Technology:
1. Visit www.geocaching.com or www.navicache.com to learn more about geocaching. With an adult, create a screen name for your troop/group so you can explore different caches in your area. Find out how many caches are within a 25-mile radius of your troop’s meeting spot.
2. Find out how GPS units work. What are the basic ways a GPS can tell you your location anywhere on the earth (hint: it involves 24 satellites)?
3. Visit www.geocaching.com to learn about Travel Bugs. What are they? How are they used? If you want, purchase a Travel Bug, and with an adult’s assistance, start tracking it!
Service Projects:
1. Using the guidelines on www.geocaching.com, create and place your own cache. Be sure to register it on the same web site so others can enjoy it!
2. Invite a Brownie or Junior Girl Scout troop to go geocaching with you.
3. Help a Brownie or Junior Girl Scout troop earn their Geocaching Try-It or Badge.
Career Explorations:
1. Brainstorm at least 5 careers in which a GPS receiver is utilized. Explore how using a GPS unit has changed the nature of at least 3 of these careers.
2. Talk with someone who uses a GPS receiver in their daily job. What is the GPS receiver used for? What do they think GPS receivers will be used for in the future?
3. Think about your future! Play the role of a journalist and write a review of your geocaching experience. How did it differ from what you expected? What did you learn? What did you enjoy? What would you change about your experience? If you want to get others excited about geocaching, submit your review to your school or local newspaper.
GEOCACHING INTEREST PROJECT PATCH
To earn this Interest Project, you must do (7) seven of these activities, including the starred activities:
Two (2) Skill Builders
One (1) Technology
One (1) Service Project
One (1) Career Exploration
Two (2) activities from any category that you choose
Purpose: To increase one's knowledge and understanding of geocaching (high tech treasure hunting)! Please note, you will need a GPS receiver to complete this Interest Project. Many late model cell phones have GPS receivers in them.
Skills:
1. *Learn what GPS stands for and the history of GPS. Who invented GPS? Why was it invented?
2. *Coordinates are the keys to utilizing GPS. What are coordinates? What is longitude and latitude? How do they help a GPS receiver work? Using a GPS receiver, practice identifying your location using coordinates.
3. Geocaching is only regulated by the people finding and placing caches, meaning everyone involved needs to follow rules and guidelines. Using www.geocaching.com, identify the three basic rules for geocaching. Make a poster with these rules, and add a few of your own that will help Girl Scouts to remain safe while geocaching.
4. *Identify a cache you would like to find and go on a high tech treasure hunt! Be sure to follow all local and Girl Scout safety standards.
Technology:
1. Visit www.geocaching.com or www.navicache.com to learn more about geocaching. With an adult, create a screen name for your troop/group so you can explore different caches in your area. Find out how many caches are within a 25-mile radius of your troop’s meeting spot.
2. Find out how GPS units work. What are the basic ways a GPS can tell you your location anywhere on the earth (hint: it involves 24 satellites)?
3. Visit www.geocaching.com to learn about Travel Bugs. What are they? How are they used? If you want, purchase a Travel Bug, and with an adult’s assistance, start tracking it!
Service Projects:
1. Using the guidelines on www.geocaching.com, create and place your own cache. Be sure to register it on the same web site so others can enjoy it!
2. Invite a Brownie or Junior Girl Scout troop to go geocaching with you.
3. Help a Brownie or Junior Girl Scout troop earn their Geocaching Try-It or Badge.
Career Explorations:
1. Brainstorm at least 5 careers in which a GPS receiver is utilized. Explore how using a GPS unit has changed the nature of at least 3 of these careers.
2. Talk with someone who uses a GPS receiver in their daily job. What is the GPS receiver used for? What do they think GPS receivers will be used for in the future?
3. Think about your future! Play the role of a journalist and write a review of your geocaching experience. How did it differ from what you expected? What did you learn? What did you enjoy? What would you change about your experience? If you want to get others excited about geocaching, submit your review to your school or local newspaper.
Posted 19 January 2006 - 09:05 PM
#30
Posted 20 February 2007 - 02:34 PM
I just grabbed a Travel Bug "Beany Duck" that wants to visit caches placed by Girl Scouts. Does anybody here know of any hidden in the South Florida Area? Thanks, CaneDNR
#31
Posted 21 February 2007 - 01:38 PM
CaneDNR, on Feb 20 2007, 02:34 PM, said:
I just grabbed a Travel Bug "Beany Duck" that wants to visit caches placed by Girl Scouts. Does anybody here know of any hidden in the South Florida Area? Thanks, CaneDNR 
I am aware of Boy Scout related caches in the South Florida area, but I don't know about Girl Scout ones.
I keep a Scouting Related GC bookmark set on geocaching.com, that all may access. When I see of new ones, I add them in. In the west palm beach, there is a whole series, based around the Scout Law.
#32
Posted 10 March 2007 - 03:06 PM
We just got home from attending an all day celebration of the 95th anniversary of Girl Scout...the theme was "Girl Scouting - A State of Mind". Each troop picked a state and showcased it. The event organizer ask our troop to do a geocaching display (since she knows that I'm addicted and that I took the troop to a CITO event last spring), but my girls had aready decided that they wanted to have a state...so...we merged the two and came up with Geocaching Through North Carolina. We highlighted some caches around the state (including Geowoodstock), and set up an indoor puzzle cache for them to solve...finding 4 clues throughout the mall, and decoding some text (ROT13) to put the clues in the right order to unlock an ammo box loaded with sea shells and mini airplanes. It was a lot of fun, and the girls seemed to enjoy the hunt (but I'm exhausted!). Below are a couple of pictures of our display.
#33
Posted 09 April 2007 - 05:07 AM
I'm also a GS leader troop 418 and 673. The younger girls used geocaching for their bronze award and still cache from time to time. The older girls want to go out and find out what caching is all about. I'm Keystone Tall Tree Council which isn't promoting geocaching but a little to our north at Penn Lakes (Erie) they have a geocaching patch program. When we merge with Trillium, Penn Lakes, Talus Rock and Beaver/Lawrence Councils-maybe that will change and we'll see more geocaching and outdoors back into GS. For the Moraine SP CITO-there's about 3-4 girl scout troops and a boy scout troop coming. So-it's good to see an interest in the sport and community service on the scout level. I'm also part of the local outdoor club and working on stirring up interest there.
#34
Posted 06 May 2007 - 03:21 PM
KerBear, on Apr 9 2007, 05:07 AM, said:
I'm also a GS leader troop 418 and 673. The younger girls used geocaching for their bronze award and still cache from time to time. The older girls want to go out and find out what caching is all about. I'm Keystone Tall Tree Council which isn't promoting geocaching but a little to our north at Penn Lakes (Erie) they have a geocaching patch program. When we merge with Trillium, Penn Lakes, Talus Rock and Beaver/Lawrence Councils-maybe that will change and we'll see more geocaching and outdoors back into GS. For the Moraine SP CITO-there's about 3-4 girl scout troops and a boy scout troop coming. So-it's good to see an interest in the sport and community service on the scout level. I'm also part of the local outdoor club and working on stirring up interest there.
#35
Posted 06 May 2007 - 03:30 PM
I would like to let people know that the Council of Central New York has a junior badge and a brownie try-it for girl scouts. Three of my troop girls has created these badge and try-it in 2004 for their bronze award and it is available at this council for purchasing. You can email them at girlscouts@gsccny.org or phone them at 315-698-9400. The name of the badge and try-it is called Let's Go GEO
for requirements click on the link below or copy paste into search engine
http://www.ny-geocac...couts/index.htm
for requirements click on the link below or copy paste into search engine
http://www.ny-geocac...couts/index.htm
#36
Posted 08 May 2007 - 01:22 PM
CharlieP, on Oct 13 2005, 06:22 AM, said:
That's great news. I wonder if there is any chance the Boy Scouts organization would consider a geocaching merit badge?
Some of the volunteers in Packs have recognized the synergy of geocaching and Cub Pack programs. It can help you meet the National Summetime Pack Award/Pins, Outdoor Activity Award, Leave No Trace Award, and a number of cub scout rank specific requirements.
I've started a discussion on the topic of "Treasure Hiking" as I've named it at http://forums.Ground...howtopic=162779
There is also a sport for Troops at www.geoscouting.com
#37
Posted 11 May 2007 - 10:17 AM
Keystone Tall Tree GSC now has a Geocaching Try-it for Brownies. My troop created a council owned try-it that was aproved in November of 06 and the patches are now in the works. Reply to me and I can get you more info on it. My Juniors are going to be creating a badge for their bronze award.
#38
Posted 19 March 2008 - 12:38 AM
Hi Y'all,
My Daisies geocache, so I am surprised it would be limited to only 11 - 17 year old girls.
Has anyone requested if a coin be allowed to be made from GSUSA ?
S1eepygrl and Troop 663
My Daisies geocache, so I am surprised it would be limited to only 11 - 17 year old girls.
Has anyone requested if a coin be allowed to be made from GSUSA ?
S1eepygrl and Troop 663
#39
Posted 19 March 2008 - 12:40 AM
Xfer, on May 11 2007, 11:17 AM, said:
Keystone Tall Tree GSC now has a Geocaching Try-it for Brownies. My troop created a council owned try-it that was aproved in November of 06 and the patches are now in the works. Reply to me and I can get you more info on it. My Juniors are going to be creating a badge for their bronze award.
Hi,
I would love to get the try-it requirements and the junior badge when you have time.
Thanks,
S1eepygrl and Troop 663
#40
Posted 19 March 2008 - 10:47 AM
There are quite a few BSA Geocachers in my neck of the woods (SE Wisconsin) and we've placed a number of caches. OK, some of us have placed A LOT of geocaches. Not that many Girl Scout placed geocaches and that's a shame. I go out of my way to find them when I do run across them.
I didn't realize you were so involved in Girl Scouts AuntieNae, perhaps there should be a GS/BS Event brewing in the future?
I proposed (along with others) a geocaching merit badge. No action will be taken yet. Although, as I get more and more involved, I already see that many changes would have to be made to my proposal. I will continue to push for a Merit Badge.
I didn't realize you were so involved in Girl Scouts AuntieNae, perhaps there should be a GS/BS Event brewing in the future?
I proposed (along with others) a geocaching merit badge. No action will be taken yet. Although, as I get more and more involved, I already see that many changes would have to be made to my proposal. I will continue to push for a Merit Badge.
#41
Posted 19 March 2008 - 12:30 PM
rogheff, on Mar 19 2008, 10:47 AM, said:
There are quite a few BSA Geocachers in my neck of the woods (SE Wisconsin) and we've placed a number of caches. OK, some of us have placed A LOT of geocaches. Not that many Girl Scout placed geocaches and that's a shame. I go out of my way to find them when I do run across them.
I didn't realize you were so involved in Girl Scouts AuntieNae, perhaps there should be a GS/BS Event brewing in the future?
I proposed (along with others) a geocaching merit badge. No action will be taken yet. Although, as I get more and more involved, I already see that many changes would have to be made to my proposal. I will continue to push for a Merit Badge.
I didn't realize you were so involved in Girl Scouts AuntieNae, perhaps there should be a GS/BS Event brewing in the future?
I proposed (along with others) a geocaching merit badge. No action will be taken yet. Although, as I get more and more involved, I already see that many changes would have to be made to my proposal. I will continue to push for a Merit Badge.
In my experience, your chance of success will be higher if it isn't called a "geocaching" merit badge. The implied scope needs to be greater than simply going out and finding caches. They should be competent in all aspects of GPS usage, understand the basics of how the satellite system is used for navigation.. know how GPS units are used in various industries i.e. forestry, transportation, engineering, mapping, land management, etc. Also, having a true understanding of longitude and latitude, and be able to function in degrees and minutes or in UTM. Application of the skill to everyday life will grab more interest in BSA than simply presenting it as a tool for finding caches. The process can take years. It may be the next generation that is offered the merit badge, but in the meantime take your kids out caching.
PS.. the push must be in Dallas. Your local guys may nod and agree, but the decisions are made down there.
#42
Posted 21 March 2008 - 08:42 PM
Not sure I am crazy about geocaching being an activity/merit badge. I think that the BSA wants scouts to know what to do when the batteries poop out.
#43
Posted 28 March 2008 - 05:54 PM
edscott, on Mar 19 2008, 12:30 PM, said:
rogheff, on Mar 19 2008, 10:47 AM, said:
There are quite a few BSA Geocachers in my neck of the woods (SE Wisconsin) and we've placed a number of caches. OK, some of us have placed A LOT of geocaches. Not that many Girl Scout placed geocaches and that's a shame. I go out of my way to find them when I do run across them.
I didn't realize you were so involved in Girl Scouts AuntieNae, perhaps there should be a GS/BS Event brewing in the future?
I proposed (along with others) a geocaching merit badge. No action will be taken yet. Although, as I get more and more involved, I already see that many changes would have to be made to my proposal. I will continue to push for a Merit Badge.
I didn't realize you were so involved in Girl Scouts AuntieNae, perhaps there should be a GS/BS Event brewing in the future?
I proposed (along with others) a geocaching merit badge. No action will be taken yet. Although, as I get more and more involved, I already see that many changes would have to be made to my proposal. I will continue to push for a Merit Badge.
In my experience, your chance of success will be higher if it isn't called a "geocaching" merit badge. The implied scope needs to be greater than simply going out and finding caches. They should be competent in all aspects of GPS usage, understand the basics of how the satellite system is used for navigation.. know how GPS units are used in various industries i.e. forestry, transportation, engineering, mapping, land management, etc. Also, having a true understanding of longitude and latitude, and be able to function in degrees and minutes or in UTM. Application of the skill to everyday life will grab more interest in BSA than simply presenting it as a tool for finding caches. The process can take years. It may be the next generation that is offered the merit badge, but in the meantime take your kids out caching.
PS.. the push must be in Dallas. Your local guys may nod and agree, but the decisions are made down there.
BSA has already added GPS to the camping MB ....I also think it would be a cool MB to do but scouts need to learn their way through the woods with a compass as you don't get a good signal in the woods to a gps.
#44
Posted 28 March 2008 - 06:08 PM
I have a Daisy Girl Scout Troop (Kindergarteners), and we did sort of an "introduction to Geocaching". I talked a little bit about it and explained how it normally operates (you don't take the cache, you trade up or trade even if you take swag), but then let them do an Easter Egg hunt using the GPS, they had a BLAST! Girl Scouts actually has a geocaching "fun patch", but I'm not going to get that for my girls until they find their first "real" cache. I'm thinking of a hike in a local park that has several caches placed, and one I may either place myself and not list until after they find it, or go visit one the night before and load it with good swag so they won't be disappointed.
#45
Posted 15 April 2008 - 10:48 AM
I am taking a girl scout troop out for their first geocache. They are 2nd graders. Does anyone know of a powerpoint on other document that can help explain longitude and latitude and basic geocache concepts.
Please advise!
Thanks
Please advise!
Thanks
#46
Posted 15 April 2008 - 10:51 AM
S1eepygrl, on Mar 19 2008, 12:40 AM, said:
Xfer, on May 11 2007, 11:17 AM, said:
Keystone Tall Tree GSC now has a Geocaching Try-it for Brownies. My troop created a council owned try-it that was aproved in November of 06 and the patches are now in the works. Reply to me and I can get you more info on it. My Juniors are going to be creating a badge for their bronze award.
Hi,
I would love to get the try-it requirements and the junior badge when you have time.
Thanks,
S1eepygrl and Troop 663
I am trying to do the same with our Brownies - please send along any information
Thanks
#47
Posted 15 April 2008 - 10:57 AM
MissLatitude, on Nov 14 2005, 03:58 AM, said:
Girl Scouts of Erie Shores developed a councils own in the way of Geocaching.
I have requirements for the Brownie Try It, Junior Badge and the Cadette/Senior IP. If anyone is interested in the requirements (which also has orderring information) let me know. I don't check the boards often so you may want to email me. It is a word file, so if someone knows where it can be posted for dl I'll send it to you.
I have requirements for the Brownie Try It, Junior Badge and the Cadette/Senior IP. If anyone is interested in the requirements (which also has orderring information) let me know. I don't check the boards often so you may want to email me. It is a word file, so if someone knows where it can be posted for dl I'll send it to you.
not sure how to reach you but I am taking a group of brownies out geocaching on friday..would love any into materials to share
thanks
#48
Posted 17 August 2008 - 11:21 AM
I had the opportunity to volunteer at Girl Scout Summer Camp this past summer and had purchased and borrowed 8 etrex units and took them to camp. I was surprise how quick the girls picked up on geocaching. About a 15 minute lesson and they were off and running. The counselors seem to struggle more than the 8-12 year old girls. I would hide 8-10 geocaches aound the camp with dollar store items in the caches and call it a Treasure Hunt.
I am now scheduled to teach GeoCache to Girl Scout Leaders this fall.
Now all I need to do is find the time to GeoCache myself!
I am now scheduled to teach GeoCache to Girl Scout Leaders this fall.
Now all I need to do is find the time to GeoCache myself!
#49
Posted 18 August 2008 - 12:36 PM
The Girl Scout IP is how I found out about geocaching, actually! Great fun!
#50
Posted 10 September 2008 - 07:41 PM
I have a 6 and 7 year old daughter and I have been trying to get them into girlscouts for 2 years but there has been nobody to run the group and they tried talking me into being a leader but I am a single male parent and declined to run a girl scout troop.
Last week we found out they started girl scouts in our area again and they had over 30 kids show up the first night. I will be helping out and I am so glad to see they do get involved with Geocaching and i will be doing everything i can to help. I have powerpoint presentations done up for geocaching but it looks like now I need to make a new one that is kid friendly. My daughters have been geocaching since they were babies and do circles around most adults on finding caches.
Last week we found out they started girl scouts in our area again and they had over 30 kids show up the first night. I will be helping out and I am so glad to see they do get involved with Geocaching and i will be doing everything i can to help. I have powerpoint presentations done up for geocaching but it looks like now I need to make a new one that is kid friendly. My daughters have been geocaching since they were babies and do circles around most adults on finding caches.
