7 Tips to Sprinkle Extra Awesome on the 7 Souvenirs of August

 

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Geocaching HQ staffers love August. The Seattle weather is perfect. We get to meet geocachers from all over the world who come to log the Geocaching HQ geocache or attend Geocaching Block Party. And each year, we find a new way to challenge each other to geocaching greatness.

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See, we love teamwork at Geocaching HQ!

This year, we have a collective goal: 100% of the 70+ HQ’ers will earn all 7 Souvenirs of August. This is something we’ll do together, and we would love to see you use the same teamwork-based strategy in your local geocaching community.We’ll carpool to geocaches, help each other solve Mystery Caches, and cheer each other on.

At the same time, we couldn’t resist throwing a healthy dose of competition into the mix.

To add in an extra sprinkle of challenge and fun to keep us geocaching all month long, we’ve formed seven teams that, in addition to supporting each other in achieving the 7 Souvenirs of August, will compete against each other to be the best in the following categories:

  • First team to have every member complete all 7 Souvenirs of August
  • Most geocache finds in August
  • Greatest distance traveled
  • Greatest number of Travel Bugs moved
  • Average difficulty rating
  • Average terrain rating
  • Best geocaching-themed Instagram video with the hashtag #7SofA

This summer, you and your family, friends, coworkers, and geocaching organization can take the 7 Souvenirs of August to the next level too.

Here are Geocaching HQ’s 7 steps to attaining geocaching greatness this August:

1. Break into teams. Here at HQ, we decided to randomly assign teams to allow staffers to spend time with coworkers they don’t usually get to work with. Dividing by skill level or geocaching interest (i.e. the perfect blend of geocaching personality types) is also a great way to ensure the competition will be close.

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Last year was all about orange headbands; this year, we’re rockin’ green sunglasses.

2. Give your team an identity. Team names are a must. Without one, what will you chant when you are victorious? Our  teams are (surprise, surprise) named after the 7 Souvenirs of August: The Nature Lovers, The Explorers, The Puzzlers, The Collectors, The Socializers, and The Sightseers. (We’re all going to be Achievers, after all.) Bonus points for jerseys, headbands, sunglasses, and 7 Souvenirs of August SWAG.

3. Set up a leaderboard. Share a spreadsheet to track individual and team stats, or if you’re technically inclined, work some GPX magic.

4. Strategize. Get together with your team to talk shop. Will someone host a midnight Event Cache so the team can earn all 7 Souvenirs first? Or will you focus on find count or terrain rating? Is your team made up of people who are great at solving puzzles, climbing trees, or road-tripping? (Hint: Eating pizza while strategizing helps the brain think. It’s science.)

5. Make a calendar of geocaching outings. Once you have your strategy, plan when you’ll make it happen. Geocaching together is a great way to keep inspired and avoid the dreaded DNF.

6. Create a shared online space. Setting up a Facebook group or email chain is a great way to share updates, make sure you’re on track to achieving your goals (and winning!), and keep the team engaged and inspired.

7. Capture your favorite geocaching moments. So maybe your team won’t find the most geocaches or travel the furthest distance, but you can show off that you had the most fun. Create a geocaching highlight reel and be sure to share it on your favorite social media platforms. Don’t forget to use the #7SofA hashtag.

Ready to start plotting your August strategy? Share this video and invite your friends to join in the fun:

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyuepAOlhrg&feature=youtu.be]

Now Tell Us Your Tips

How will you and your geocaching organization sprinkle a little extra awesome on the 7 Souvenirs of August?

Paige (ThePaigeTurner) is a Marketing Specialist at Geocaching HQ. She likes books.