Groundspeak Weekly Newsletter – May 16, 2012

Trackables Travel the World

Geocaching.com Trackables have crisscrossed the globe as travel companions, international ambassadors, and metal dog tags on a mission. Odds are you’ve launched, discovered, or moved a Trackable – such as a Travel Bug® or Geocoin – along to the next geocache. Your chances of encountering Trackables are on the rise. They come in many shapes and sizes but can be identified by a unique tracking code (a series of letter and numbers) that is trackable on Geocaching.com.

Trackables are now appearing on t-shirts, car decals, and even gear for your dog. But Trackables hail from a humble beginning. The first Travel Bug dog tag was launched in 2001. A rubber “devil duck” was attached as its hitchhiker.

Since then Trackables have tallied tens of millions of miles, including a Trackable that has logged more than 1.5 million miles; “Steve’s geo-backpack” continues to ride along with a geocacher who is a pilot. Another Travel Bug crossed through North Korea, one has been to outer space, and others have traveled from cache to cache completely around the world.

When you encounter a Trackable remember to log it on Geocaching.com and have the courtesy to use the proper Trackable etiquette.

Great American Backyard Campout

(US Only)

Geocaching joins forces with an American rite of passage – the backyard campout. National Wildlife Federation (NWF) invites geocachers to open the doors and sleep under the stars on Saturday, June 23rd. Great American Backyard Campout is a virtual fundraising event that raises awareness about the benefits of camping, especially how camping connects people with nature.

You don’t need to be an experienced camper to participate – all you need is a backyard, campground, or community location. Sign up for free and fundraise to support vital NWF programs that get kids outdoors for their health and happiness. By signing up you have an opportunity to Win a Trip to L.A. or NYC to go Behind the Scenes of a television appearance with a celebrity naturalist. You can also earn great prizes for fundraising! Join others in the geocaching and camping community to make it easy for you and your family to embrace an active, healthy, outdoor lifestyle. Join the movement and sign up at backyardcampout.org.

When you take part in Great American Backyard Campout, you support our Be Out There™ movement – dedicated to getting children outside so they can enjoy a lifetime of healthy, outdoor play.