Plan a Hike

By this time you are ready to starting planning an individual Treasure Hike.

You should have the following defined before proceeding.

• Hike Leader(s)  with email address and cell phone number
• Hike Location - public park
• Hike Date & Time

If you have more than 15 attending, you need create hike groups.

• Make sure you have a Hike Leader and GPS unit for each group
• Print out the Hike Grouping Form
• Using the form, groups the boys trying to keep Dens together
• Stage the starting time of the groups 30 minutes apart
• Include siblings in the same group for convenience of the parents
• Remember to schedule groups with older boys to go first

Each Hiking Leader (hike group) should perform the following.

1. Print out a Hike Record Form
   • Fill out the Hike Details section
2. Select the Treasures you would like to look for
   • Write them down on the Hike Record Form
   • Refer to the section on Appropriate Caches to select Treasures
   • Go to www.geocaching.com
   • Type your zip code into the box in the upper right corner
   • Click the arrow to search
   • Click on the "Map It" icon in the upper right corner
   • Find the public park you will be hiking in
   • Search through the available caches, selecting at least 4 to find.
     • Print out each cache's detail page
     • Write the Cache ID on the Hike Record Form
     • Download the location file to transfer to your GPS unit
3. Find a map of the park location, including trails
   • Your county's website will usually have these available
4. Communicate with your group
   • Send out an email at least a week ahead of time
   • Provide detailed directions to the parking location
   • Include your cell phone number for "day of" contact
   • Include your hike group's specific start time
5. Gather all the items on the Hike Day Checklist (see below)
6. Communicate with your group again
   • Send out a reminder 2 days before the hike
7. Get ready to have a great time !