Personal Development’s Semi-Trekker’s Geocaching team attained a momentous achievement. On April 2, 2015 they found their 700th cache.
It all began in April of 2010 when the idea for a new class took form. The original group was a transit class. They had only one zone bus passes and were inspired to think of ways to make the day more interesting. While riding on the bus the idea was born to try Geocaching, a relatively novel phenomenon at that time.
According to Wikipedia the definition of Geocaching is: “An outdoor recreational activity, in which participants use a Global Positioning System receiver or mobile device and other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers, called “geocaches” or “caches”, anywhere in the world.”
A typical cache is a small waterproof container containing a logbook (with a pen or pencil). The geocacher enters the date they found it and signs it with their established code name. After signing the log, the cache must be placed back exactly where the person found it. Larger containers such as plastic storage containers or ammunition boxes can also contain items for trading, usually toys or trinkets of little financial value, although sometimes they are sentimental.
The class evolved into a Transit/Geocaching group. As time went on and they acquired experience with the different types of caches, staff and participants became more skilled at discovering the hiding places. They had great success all around South Surrey finding and logging geocaches.
Now this class goes out every Thursday, with a van, to explore new trails and neighbourhoods far and wide. A second Geocaching class was offered a year ago, on Wednesdays and both classes filled quickly with eager participants. This activity has brought them to beautiful places that would never have been discovered without the inspiration of geocaching.
It has also brought unexpected encounters. While walking on one bridle trail, everyone stopped to visit with a friendly horse who hung her neck across the fence. Her caregiver came out, introduced her as Alberta and invited the group to come onto the property to visit other animals. They met more horses, donkeys and a dog. They were given carrots to feed the animals and had a chance to watch a young Arabian horse being trained.
Geocaching is an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in the company of friends and for everyone involved to find joy in the unexpected.
Semiahmoo House Society, a non-profit organization located in Surrey/White Rock, exists to provide quality services and supports to people with disabilities and their families in the community. Our Personal Development Services offer programs that promote education, social development, life skills, creativity, community involvement and recreation. The Semiahmoo Foundation exists to fund, support and enhance the programs and services delivered by Semiahmoo House Society.
By Sue Forster, Personal Development Support Worker, Semiahmoo House Society