2012 World Wide Flash Mob Approaching

WWFM Event in 2011

It’s 15 minutes of fun, frivolity, and community creation that many geocachers anticipate each year. The 9th geocaching World Wide Flash Mob (WWFM) is approaching in just over two weeks. This year, on June 9, more than 200 WWFM events are already planned in 25 countries. More events are expected.

According to the creators of the WWFM, Sonny and Sandy of the Podcacher Podcast, a WWFM is, “… meant to be a fun ‘opposite’ of a Mega-Event. [It’s] all the cool aspects of a geocaching event, crammed into 15 minutes of excitement. An added dimension is represented by the letters “WW” – World Wide. These events occur across the planet on the same day at (mostly) the same time! These caching events are intended to bring geocachers together in a creative way, as well as introduce others (newbies) to the hobby.”

A WWFM Event in 2011

A WWFM event usually involves geocachers quietly gathering. They pretend they don’t know each other. When the chosen time arrives, geocachers perform prearranged tasks like pillow fighting, bubble blowing, or flying paper airplanes. All the geocachers sign the logbook, then after 15 minutes, they quickly leave. Many geocachers meet up later to go geocaching together.

At least 10,000 geocachers are expected to attend WWFM IX events for the on June 9, 2012. Find an event near you by exploring the WWFM IX Bookmark list. If you want to organize an event, all WWFM events need to be submitted at least two weeks before June 9.

Courtesy: Podcacher Podcast

If you’re attending an event, Sonny and Sandy say the advice is easy.

1) Arrive early

2) Act like a muggle before the event starts (don’t congregate with other geocachers)

3) Enjoy the fun spirit of the WWFM

4) At the end of 15 minutes, leave without a trace

5) Plan to meet up with other geocachers later to spend a fun day caching

Watch this blog for WWFM IX updates. Are you planning on hosting or attending a WWFM event?