Z.A.K.

Geocaching with Z.A.K.

= Learning how to Cache =

This is a story of three fine lads who were embarking on a new journey. This journey would lead to many different places and many lessons would be learned, but it certainly would not be easy. While lots of obstacles occurred, the members were resilient. This journey would revolve around one central aspect, learning to cache. Geocaching that is.

The first adventure would start with the destination of an animal predominantly found in the Middle East, but the key on the website indicated the cache was not actually located on the Camel. As the group members were avidly searching for the cache, there started to be frustration. The frustration that initially started as nerves of hoping and longing for a quick find led to deeper and deeper frustration until eventually the first location would have to be put on hold. The members collaborated and decided it was in the best interest of the group to proceed to the next location.

As the members started to meander to Saylor Park, there was a sense of hopelessness in the air. Although there was some sense of worry, nothing would stop this resilient group of kiddos. Checking basketball poles, park benches, and even volleyball courts it was apparent the location was a little off the mark from where they had thought. Needing more precise directions, the students utilized their weapons, cell phones, that they were equipped with to access the official Geocaching app accompanied with the direct coordinates to try and be as close as possible to the cache. The hint “EGGE412” was regarded as gibberish for the group, until group members Allison and Katharyn glanced down at the box with those exact characters and the first cache was found. Pictures were taken, smiles were seen, and laughs were heard as the group was successful in their find.

The group members needed to call it a day after their first find, but one courageous member decided to hike back on the trail to face an old foe, the Camel cache. With no luck at first, this member was able to find the cache alone and within two minutes due to advanced technology, group messaging, the other members had been informed that the invisible cache had been spotted and was still there. Katharyn and Zackery scurried over to the location and like a true team player, Allison made them find the cache as if they were by themselves. Displaying much moxie, the group had found the second cache.

No caches remained in the beautiful Bikes Creek, so the third would require further searching. The members decided to take a route to the nearest town of Lillington in order to face the final battle, finding the third cache. With a parked car and moving students, the app with feedback from fellow Geocachers across the globe led them to the town clock with a simple hint: at the bottom left corner. Zackery took the lead on this one as he approached the clock and quickly defeated this task, collecting the cache and posing for pictures after. They were headed back to campus, victorious. When asked what they would call themselves; Zackery, Allison, and Katharyn all responded the same way. “We win as a team, we find as a team, and we name our team as a team. We are Z. A. K.”


 * Reflection **

The Geocaching process was very fun and while not completely easy it encouraged some exercise, collaboration, and a fun way to play a game as adults. There are various good components of the Geocaching concept and functionality that can be used inside and outside of the classroom. This is an activity many people all over can do and connect with. We have one additional example of how it could be incorporated in the classroom with our featured lesson plan. Hope you enjoy!