[media-credit id=”2″ align=”alignleft” width=”200″]Keystone GPS3[/media-credit]

What is Geocaching?

Geocaching is an entertaining adventure activity that is growing in popularity throughout the world. Participants use GPS technology to “hunt” for various locations using GPS coordinates. These coordinates can lead participants to community attractions, and cultural and environmental areas of significance.
In 2005, Friends of Riding Mountain National Park and the Riding Mountain Biosphere Reserve launched a program entitled “Caching Riding Mountain” which showcases GPS technology and the activity of Geocaching as a means of participating in innovative learning experiences.
One of the most important aspects of Caching Riding Mountain is that it allows you to be “with” nature. At the same time, you are visiting and learning about interesting natural and cultural heritage sites, near many of our communities. Enjoy and connect with our cultural and natural resources year round.

General GPS / Geocaching Programs:

We offer a variety of GPS / Geocaching programs in Riding Mountain National Park that are geared towards the general public. Programs are approximately 2.0 hrs in length and focus solely on learning how to use a GPS unit, followed by a hands-on Geocaching activity around the Wasagaming Townsite. Programs are geared towards those ages 8 and up. Cost is $5.00 per participant.

School & Education Programs:

For schools, 4-H groups, scouts etc we offer educational GPS & Geocaching programs that are flexible to suit the needs of the groups.

  • Basic program is approximately 2.0 hrs in length and focus solely on learning how to use a GPS unit, followed by a hands-on Geocaching activity around the community. Cost is $5.00 per student (teachers & chaperones are Free).
  • Intermediate programs are approximately 3.5 hrs in length. These programs begin with a basic introduction and history of GPS, followed by an introduction to mapping and compass reading. Students also learn the basics to using a GPS unit. Programs conclude with a hands-on Geocaching activity. Cost is $7.00 per student (teachers & chaperones are Free).
  • Advanced programs are approximately 4.5 hrs in length. They include an overview of GPS units, followed by an introduction to mapping and compass reading. Students then learn how to use a GPS unit, including how to mark, find and edit waypoints. Programs conclude with a hands-on Geocaching activity. Cost is $10.00 per student (teachers & chaperones are Free).

If the event takes places outside of the immediate area of Wasagaming, mileage is also charged at $0.37 / km, round trip. For programs that take place at Riding Mountain National Park the mileage rate is dropped.

Corporate GPS Programs:

Corporate GPS programs are fun-filled, team building workshops that are a great way of starting off a conference or used as a health-break program in the middle of the day. These programs focus solely on learning how to use a GPS unit and then a hands-on team building geocaching course. Program length are tailored to meet the needs of the group. Cost is $20.00 per person (if the event takes places outside of the immediate area of Wasagaming, mileage is also charged at $0.37 / km, round trip).

Special Event GPS Programs:

Our staff can also develop and host a special GPS event in your community for special occasions (Christmas, Easter) or as part of a community event (reunions, homecomings, festivals). Special Event programs focus solely on learning how to use a GPS unit and then a hands-on Geocaching course around the community. Program length varies. Cost is $150.00 for course visit, design & set-up / take-down; $5.00 per participant (children 5 & under FREE); plus mileage to and from Onanole, Manitoba at $0.37 / km.

Community GPS Workshops:

These programs are geared towards EDOs, Chambers and businesses, focuses on using GPS and Geocaching as a tourism initiative in your community. These are full day workshops (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). This workshop focusing on experiential tourism, current market trends in the tourism industry, and how Geocaching can be used as part of a successful tourism plan. Participants will also receive a basic GPS training session and participant in a Geocaching activity around the host community. Cost is $750.00 per workshop.

Contact Friends of RMNP (friends.rmnp@mymts.net or 204.848.4037) for more information or to book a program.