***To enter the 2026 contest: log in as a member and then visit HERE.

For 2026, we plan on introducing monthly themes for the Photo of the Month Contest to inspire NoVAGO cachers and provide a clearer focus for voting. In addition, we will be adding an optional field to insert a link to the log where the photo has been posted. This may provide some backstory to the photo for the enjoyment of the viewers.

The following are the proposed 2026 guidelines. This contest is for our community, and we welcome feedback. Please share your positive suggestions with TrexM8s (Monica Lynch) – PR.

Whether you found it around the corner or across the globe, your photo should be taken during a caching adventure within 12 months of the theme.*

Please consider a creative, theme-based title as it can provide a fun aspect. List the cache associated with the photo in the title so others can seek it as well if so inspired. In addition, there is a field to insert the link to the log where the photo may have been posted, which may provide a backstory to the photo.

You may nominate another member’s photograph by uploading on their behalf, but please give them credit and only share photos that have already been made public – it would be considerate to ask prior to submitting.

*webmaster reserves the right to remove submissions from the final voting.

The Cache Awards committee may include a Photo of the Year category, giving all monthly photo winners a chance to shine in the final vote.

Month	Theme Title	Photo Focus/Description
January	Caching Year in Review	Photo or a collage of a cacher’s favorite moment(s) in the 2025.
February	Cache Buddy Finds	Cachers together (human or pet), shared finding moments, or photos that highlight teamwork and friendship on the trail.
March	Winter Wonders	Photos featuring caches, trails, or logs taken in snowy, icy, or cold conditions. Emphasize the unique challenge/beauty of winter caching.
April	Fresh Air Finds	Photos of caches or trails bursting with new life, flowers, or green foliage. Focus on the beauty of caching as nature wakes up.
May	Caching Tools of the Trade (TOTT)	Photo of your go-kit with your caching tools or your favorite tool. You may also submit a photo of an interesting cache where a tool is needed.
June	Trail Tales	Document the journey to a cache—muddy boots, winding paths, or scenic detours.
July	Wildlife	While on the trail — paved, dirt or rock — we often come across wildlife. Submit a photo of your encounter.
August	Adventures	Photos taken on a geocaching road trip – day or overnight, a vacation find, or caches in iconic/famous tourist locations.
September	Photo Transformations	Photos taken with camera filters or modified using artificial intelligence. The stranger the better!
October	The Logbook Legacy	Capture in close up of your creative log entries on the cache logbook — words or drawings or a unique perspective.
November	Caching Community	Photos taken at a geocaching events or CITO (Cache In Trash Out) efforts that you attended or hosted.
December	2026 Photo Roundup	Share any photo taken in 2026—even if the theme has passed or didn’t quite fit. All photos are welcome!