International Geocaching Day

Disha Bhattacharyya
Dec 22, 2023 By Disha Bhattacharyya
Originally Published on Mar 20, 2022
Fact-checked by Sonali Rawat
Learn about International Geocaching Day in this article.

Where is International Geocaching Day celebrated?

Geocaching is a hidden treasure hunt game played outdoors, widespread among explorers, and celebrated worldwide.

Who celebrates International Geocaching Day?

 People who love exploring new locations and locating hidden objects celebrate this day.

When did International Geocaching Day start?

The day was celebrated first in 2011. Since then, this sport has become very popular and is celebrated every year on the third Saturday of August. Millions of geocachers join the celebration.

Who started International Geocaching Day?

Dave Ulmer placed the first geocache outdoors on May 3, 2000. The first International Geocaching Day was celebrated in 2011, but the founder of this global holiday is still unknown.

History And Timeline

 The highest number of geocaches found in a day is 1157. Let's read about the history of this fun sport.

Letterboxing

Geocaching history dates back to the 19th century when it was played as a hobby without the GPS. Players had to locate a box containing a rubber stamp to make imprints on paper for other players to find.

19th century

Invention Of The GPS

The game of geocache uses the Global Positioning System. GPS became functional in 1993.

1993

Coining The Term

In 2000, Matt Stum coined the word 'geocaching.' He infused two similar words, 'geo' meaning 'earth' and 'caching,' described as a process of hunting new objects on earth.

2000

First Geocache

Dave Ulmer of Oregon placed the first geocache on May 3, 2000. Only experienced GPS users could play the game at that time.

2000

Founding The Day

International Geocaching Day was first celebrated in 2011.

2011

Traditions And Customs

Geocaching Day is celebrated in August every year. This game is played with the Global Positioning System, which participants use to discover a hidden box.

Once they have located the box, they sign the logbook and keep the box in the exact location for other players to find it. This sport is hugely popular today, and millions of geocaches are placed around the earth for enthusiasts to explore.

This international day honors this traditional sport, and you can celebrate the day by participating in any geocache contest.

Ways To Observe Or Celebrate International Geocaching Day

Observe International Geocaching Day by taking part in this fun yet competitive sport. Join or create a geocaching event with your friends. Explore a new area that you have never been to before.

You can visit a local attraction or park and locate natural objects. Many active geocaches are concealed worldwide; challenge yourself to find a cache in an unusual or difficult location.

You can also participate in a themed scavenger hunt. For example, try finding caches of different shapes or colors. Don't forget to share your stories on social media!

Facts And Stats

  • Geochaching.com is the official website of the game and the holiday.
  • 290,000 active geocaches have been placed for this day's celebration in the past 20 years.
  • On August 20, other than International Geocaching Day, this day also celebrates World Honey Bee Day and Break The Monotony Day.

What is the maximum number of geocaches found in one day?

A group of geocachers discovered 1157 caches in Nevada in a day, the maximum number of caches found in one day.

What country has the most geocaches?

Norway has the most active geocaches, and 82,000 geocaches are kept there, which people are yet to discover.

Who invented the idea of an International Geocaching Day?

Matt Stum coined the term 'geocaching' to describe this sport of finding a hidden treasure with the help of clues. He is the inventor of this game. However, the creator of this international holiday is yet to be found.

What are some reasons for celebrating International Geocaching Day?

This is the perfect day to explore new locations in the world. The sport has the ideal mixture of thrill and technology and is one of the most loved games in the world.

What are some days similar to International Geocaching Day?

Some days similar to this day are International Earth Cache Day, Cache In Trash Out Day, and Blue Switch Day; these days celebrate the geocaching sport.

How does celebrating International Geocaching Day support the environment?

Geocaching is an outdoor game where participants are invited to locate a treasure with the help of clues using a GPS. As this game involves running and exploring the planet, it impacts the environment positively.  

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Saturday, August 15, 2020
  • Sunday, August 15, 2021
  • Monday, August 15, 2022
  • Tuesday, August 15, 2023
  • Thursday, August 15, 2024

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Sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Positioning_System

https://nationaldaycalendar.com/international-geocaching-day-third-saturday-in-august/

https://www.visitnorway.com/things-to-do/outdoor-activities/geocaching/

https://www.geocaching.com/blog/2021/01/2021-geocaching-hq-souvenir-moments/

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Written by Disha Bhattacharyya

Bachelor of Pharmacy

Disha Bhattacharyya picture

Disha BhattacharyyaBachelor of Pharmacy

She holds a Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy from West Bengal University of Technology and a medical-writing accreditation from Stanford University. Disha is an experienced SEO writer with a passion for writing about science and psychology. Her prior work experience as a content writer has equipped her with the necessary skills to write engaging and informative content. Disha is known for her versatility and thorough research skills. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, dancing, and writing mental health journals on her blog.

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Fact-checked by Sonali Rawat

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature, Masters of Art specializing in English and Communication Skills

Sonali Rawat picture

Sonali RawatBachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature, Masters of Art specializing in English and Communication Skills

Sonali has a Bachelor's degree in English literature from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University and is currently pursuing a Master's in English and Communication from Christ University. With considerable experience in writing about lifestyle topics, including travel and health, she has a passion for Japanese culture, especially fashion, and anime, and has written on the subject before. Sonali has event managed a creative-writing festival and coordinated a student magazine at her university. Her favorite authors are Toni Morrison and Anita Desai.

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