Not too long ago, if you saw someone searching around a park with a compass or a cell phone, it was more likely you’d stumbled upon a geocaching enthusiast rather than someone who’d downloaded the world’s most downloaded app to hunt make-believe creatures.
To steal Camp Verde Community Library Specialist Carlson Ralston’s words, “Before Pokémon Go, there was geocaching.”
On Sunday, Oct. 9, at 1 p.m., the library has arranged for participants to try out geocaching, a real-world outdoor game that makes novel use of GPS-enabled devices.
“Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache container hidden at that location,” Ralston stated via press release Sept. 30. She described the free event as “an introduction to this fun, affordable activity designed to get the whole family out of doors to explore new places and spend quality time together.”
Those interested will meet — in street clothes or outfitted in the kind of specialized gear typically reserved for hunting Pokémon — in the ramada next to Fort Verde State Park on Hollamon Street for a tutorial and hands-on adventure. As part of Fort Verde Days, the program “highlights a bit of history, geocaching basics and outdoor safety,” according to Ralston.
“Participants are invited to solve the puzzle cache that starts at Fort Verde State Park,” Ralston said. “Once the puzzle is solved with clues found at the park, the coordinates will reveal the true location of the cache, located less than two miles away. Wear walking shoes and bring water to drink.”
According to CVCL Director Kathy Hellman, recent hire Ralston came up with the program after Camp Verde Promotions came to the library seeking new programming for Sunday.
“He’s done geocaching with his family,” Hellman said of Ralston “I’m curious to see if it becomes a regular activity because it’s a great thing to do with the family.”
For questions about this program, contact Camp Verde Community Library at 554-8391.
