Category Archives: Educational

Jasmer Challenge

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Article written by: Gary [USMA77] A blog in geocaching.com titled “The Jasmer Challenge” calls it “[o]ne of the oldest and most popular geocaching challenges … To complete the challenge , you must fill your Jasmer grid by finding caches placed in every month since geocaching began in May 2000.”  This blog is an excellent summary of the Jasmer Challenge and goes into detail about how you can identify needed caches to compete missing months in your Jasmer Grid.  Check the blog out at HQ Blog: 2018-10, The Jasmer Challenge. You can find your Jasmer Grid, named  “Finds by hidden month”, in your Profile Stats in Project-GC (https://project-gc.com/Profile/ProfileStats). Here’s just a couple of observations about what makes the Jasmer Challenge so fun, interesting, … and challenging. As time marches on, there are fewer and fewer “oldies” or aged caches, placed between 2000 – 2004, still available to find.  These oldies are slowly being archived; never to … Continue reading →

NoVAGO – How to Get Started with Geocaching

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NoVAGO is excited to be part of the Handley Regional Library’s How‑To Fest! Join NoVAGO at our table for How to Get Started with Geocaching and a live presentation at 11:45 AM.📍 100 West Piccadilly St, Winchester, VA📅 Saturday, September 26🕙 Festival 10–1 | 🎤 Presentation 11:45–12:15If you’re curious about geocaching—or want to introduce a friend to the hobby—stop by and chat with us. We’d love to help you get started.2026 Handley Regional Library, How-To Fest! promoted on Facebook and Discord … Continue reading →

We challenge you to learn more about Challenge Caches!

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mcgmaraudersNoVAGO feature article writerTrevor has over 12,000 geocache finds from all around the globe. He also owns more than 140 hides, mostly in the Northern Virginia area. His favorite virtual find is the Lion Gate in Mycenae, Greece (pictured) “There was very little shade and it was 107 deg F, but the Lion Gate, erected in 1250 BC, was most definitely my favorite.” Do you enjoy Challenges caches as much as we do?! Would you like to locate these easily and determine if you already qualify? One easy-to-use tool is contained in Project-GC (https://project-gc.com/), if you have a paid membership*. On the opening page, tap on “Tools” in the top row, then find “Challenges” in the middle row of the dropdown menu, then tap on “Map of challenge caches”. The screenshot below shows filters for Fairfax County, VA but this can be set up for any location throughout the world. … Continue reading →

Mystery/Unknown/Puzzle Caches???

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Article written by: Gary [USMA77] Which is it; why so many names; and what are they?  This ‘type’ of geocache (cache) has a much wider range of uses than the other more narrowly defined ‘types’ of caches, such as Traditionals, Multicaches, Virtuals, etc. The “Your Statistics” tab in Geocaching.com identifies this cache ‘type’ as UNKNOWN Caches.  Project-GC stats labels them as MYSTERY Caches.  Geocaching.com defines MYSTERY Caches as follows: “Also called a ‘puzzle cache’, players might need to solve a puzzle or bring a special tool to reveal the next waypoint or final coordinates.  Most often, the final container is not at the posted coordinates which is noted in the cache description.” But Mystery/Unknown/Puzzle Caches can be so much more.  Here are some of the ways this ‘type’ of cache is used along the geocaching trail. Puzzles solved at home: Some final coordinates can be solved from home with puzzles … Continue reading →

Love Favorite Points

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Favorite points, marked by a heart icon, is a Premium feature that let geocachers celebrate standout caches and track memorable adventures. If a cache brings you joy, giving it a Favorite point is a simple way to say thanks and help guide fellow geocachers to a great find. Reclaiming points from archived caches give you additional points to keep spreading the love. Here are a few fund facts about how Favorite Points work: 📚 Memory Keeper: The “Favorites” tab on your Lists page is a useful tool. You may use the list to recommend caches. It is an especially useful tool when looking for nominations for the NoVAGO Annual Awards which occurs in the Spring of each year.   💚 Appreciation Made Easy: Every cache found is a smile, but haven’t we found caches that just wow you? A quick tap of the heart thanks the cache owner for their creativity … Continue reading →

25th anniversary Locationless cache available!

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25th anniversary Locationless cache available! @mcgmarauders, NoVAGO feature article writer Did you know that there are “Locationless” caches to be found? Here is the latest one which is available throughout this year. About 16,000 cachers have logged it so far! You just have to find the number 25 on display (anywhere!), advise where it is, and snap a photo of you and that “25” for your log. Have fun! Find “25” and celebrate the 25th anniversary with a new Locationless Cache!  … Continue reading →

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How Far Will You Go for a Trackable?

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Trackables are fun to find in a geocache, or trade at events. But, did you know that there is a trackable on the surface of Mars? NASA scientists came up with the idea for including a trackable on the Mars Perseverance Rover. Printed on a glass disk, it is a calibration target for the rover’s WATSON camera to focus on. When you log the trackable, you’ll earn a souvenir. Lucky for us, we don’t need to leave home to get a glimpse of this trackable.

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Are pathtags works of art?

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It’s true—Pathtags are tiny, tangible masterpieces that merge personal stories with artistic flair, adding another element to the geocaching hobby. Geocachers often use pathtags as personal signature items, leaving them as swag in favorite caches or trading them with fellow cachers. Unlike geocoins or travel bugs, pathtags do not travel; instead, their imaginative designs make them an enjoyable side-activity. Pathtags, roughly the size of a U.S. nickel, feature custom-designed artwork reflecting the cacher’s interests or personality. Pathtags include a serial number on the back, allowing them to be logged, traded, and tracked on the online platform [pathtags.com]. Additionally, at no extra charge, you can include a NoVAGO logo on the back of your pathtag. They are especially popular at large events, where they often commemorate the gathering. These events typically have pathtags available for purchase or include them in event packages. Sometimes, pathtags are earned by finding a series of … Continue reading →