Jump to content

Underprivileged children


Glider Slider

Recommended Posts

:P Hi I want to arrange a caching day for underprivileged children. Is anyone interested in helping? We could do it at one of our parks in Pretoria. Groenkloof Nature Reserve springs to mind as there are a number of caches in the area. We could even make an event of it. What are your ideas?
Link to comment

I agree with Anton on the existing caches. To get to most of the caches in the Groenkloof Nature Reserve, you need a Loooong hike or 4x4. There is a area on the northern side of the reserve that can cater for a few caches just for the day and have braai facilities if you want to arrange a event. Maybe some micros around the area of the braai to keep them happy and introducing them to geocaching? We will gladly help you.

Link to comment

I am interested in helping.

I think it would be safer for existing geocaches to not tell them where they are, but rather hide cashes specificaly for the day.

I am pretty sure they will get muggled very quickly.

 

Sorry Anton, But I am a bit disappointed by the remark "muggled quickly" if this is because we want to get some fun to underprevileged children and do not trust? Hope I have a wrong understanding of this remark.

 

Greenkloof would be a good place to chose, we could do hiking, MTB and even some 4X4 for more remote caches, sure depending on the number of children.

 

Lets think more positive about this and not presume that anybody will muggle a cache afterwards. Sure the cache owners in Groenkloof should be made aware of this, any cache muggled within 2 weeks of the event I will replace, this is my promise.

 

At the moment the caches in Tswane parks, as Fish Eagle put it, are in the process of being legalised, RedGlobe is in the forefront of our City and this is an oppurnity to show that we care also for others not as fortunate.

 

You have my support.

Cache Fan :P

Link to comment

Sorry Anton, But I am a bit disappointed by the remark "muggled quickly" if this is because we want to get some fun to underprivileged children and do not trust?

 

It took me quit some time before I submitted that line, as yes, it could be read in wrong way, and I think it is good that it is brought up.

 

I think if one takes any 4 or 5 children out to go geocaching (I have done this once in the past with Alex and 3 friends), it is easy to tell them that this game has a "secretive" element, and the chances of these 4 or 5 kids coming back to the same area is somewhat slim, but more then likely would respect the "secretive" element.

 

I think this dynamic changes, when there are 50+ kids. The chances of some of them coming back the the area is far greater, and since we are talking about 'underprivileged' kids, I think they would be far more prone to share this "secretive" knowledge with their peers, due to peer pressure. And, sorry to say, once once they share this knowledge it will soon be muggled afterwards.

 

Also in my mind, I see the kids as under 10. Maybe if they are around 14 to 16, it wont happen?

Edited by DamhuisClan
Link to comment

Hi there

 

I am very interested in this topic becoming a real event!

 

My wife and I are involved (house parents) at the Ki-Deo children’s Home and have 9 additional kids in our care. I would also assist with this great initiative. I have taken our kids on a caching run several times and it become a bit of a problem if the group is more than 6 or 7 people. There should be more than enough established cachers interested in doing this to divide the kids into groups if max 6. Just keep in mind that whoever takes these kids out on any sort of outing, permission must be obtained from the caretakers and Welfare organization involved. Indemnity forms are usually a requirement. Not to be negative or pessimistic, but anything can happen and with kiddies it normally do. Cuts and bruises are not so serious, but broken legs/arms, spider bytes, snake bytes, etc can be serious.

 

We need to take care not to cause problems the first time as I see this event to be done at least annually!

 

Take care and Happy Hunting!!

Link to comment

Not all ZA cachers read the forums, and lots who do read dont reply. Best is to move forward with your idea, and create an event. Hopefully there will be enough cachers on the day.

 

Try and book the event at least 4 weeks in advance.

 

I will be there on the day, but would prefer not to be in the planning, as I got a few other geocaching things on the go.

Link to comment

Phew!!

I think I should say something about your ideas before the planning goes too far.....

 

Sadly, what you're intending won't be a publishable geocaching event.

There are 3 issues with something like that -

 

1. Underprivileged children is an agenda. No matter how worthy the cause is, the fact that it is a cause makes it a violation of the solicitation/agenda guideline which says "Solicitations are off-limits. For example, caches perceived to be posted for religious, political, charitable or social agendas are not permitted. Geocaching is supposed to be a light, fun activity, not a platform for an agenda."

 

2. The primary purpose of a geocaching event should be geocachers socialising. If the primary purpose is to take underprivileged children caching, or to recruit muggles, etc, it's not a geocaching event. Sure, you may invite underprivileged children and muggles to an event, but that cannot be the primary purpose of the event, nor can it be mentioned on the event page.

 

3. What you're intending sounds like an organised cache hunt, but I'm not sure. Temporary event caches and caches hidden specifically for an event and published afterwards are normally OK, but having an event to hunt existing caches is not allowed.

 

Please see the event cache guidelines.

 

That would be my view of what you're planning, based on the guidelines and the limitations of my mandate.

You are welcome to apply direct to Groundspeak for special permission by emailing "contact (at) geocaching.com" or to contact me off-line to discuss your options.

Link to comment

Stirring wooden spoon! Bang Flash! Sparks and fire works. ;)

No not realy!

 

Fish Eagle thank you for the guidance.

 

I am planning an event for GeoCachers.

 

The fact that there will be children, from less advantaged backgrounds, is irrelevant!

I have almost 10 teams that are interested so far.

I enjoy caching with the youngsters. I do not always have my own to join me. This does not mean that I am caching illegally when I have other children joining my team for the day.

 

Your point 2 stands! It is a social event. I cannot save the world nor will I try. Taken at about 4-5 children per team including the teams own ofspring, we will not have a huge turnout. I have made contact with the welfare in Tswane.

 

Taking DamhuisClans proposal for a few temporary caches, that would be OK?(your point 3)

I will try and get all sponsored. That is 1st tea lunch and 2nd tea for the participants. I am thinking of teams that will compete on the day to be the best cachers! We may even end up with a new cache posted after the day who knows at this stage.

 

Your point 1 is true. But this is not an agenda. This is an event! I do not have links to any, race, denomination, cultural society or the likes.

 

FE, with your great knowledge of the GC rules, please help with the details. ;)

Edited by Glider Slider
Link to comment

I think this is a fine idea, but if fish eagle says it cannot be published as an event, then so be it! But there is nothing that is stopping you taking a bunch of kids caching for the day, and inviting whichever geocachers you want to come along!

It does not officially have to be listed for you to do it! (unless I am mistaken Andy) ;)

Sure, you'll have one less cache log on your list, but if your goal is to have a good day and help some kids out, that can still be easily accomplished!

Link to comment

I think this is a fine idea, but if fish eagle says it cannot be published as an event, then so be it! But there is nothing that is stopping you taking a bunch of kids caching for the day, and inviting whichever geocachers you want to come along!

It does not officially have to be listed for you to do it! (unless I am mistaken Andy) ;)

Sure, you'll have one less cache log on your list, but if your goal is to have a good day and help some kids out, that can still be easily accomplished!

100% correct.

It's an outing, not a publishable event.

You're welcome to take anyone caching with you anywhere, anytime.

The guidelines apply to an event listing.

 

Your point 1 is true. But this is not an agenda.

It is an agenda. The acid test is:

- Why only disadvantaged children? Why not all children?

- Why only children? Why not pensioners? Any age group?

 

As soon as there's a focus or specific attention to a group, anywhere within the scope of "religious, political, charitable or social", then it's an agenda.

Draw a line through disadvantaged, draw a line through children, then you can draw a line through agenda.

Link to comment

I am not sure if this will help the "organisers" of this intended outing. A few months ago we were looking at how we can boost the number of cachers in Qatar. Then we were about 6 active cachers in the country. Because of the nature of the country - desert - many people have GPSr's. However, the majority of them do not know how to use them correctly and do not know about geocaching either. Because an "Event" is only aimed at cachers we decided on a different approach to "attract" potential new cachers.

 

Through the Qatar Natural History Group [QNHG] we arranged the publicity of our "event" - which took the form of a treasure hunt around a small seaside village where waypoints had been created and the participants had to visit each waypoint to collect a series of clues. The exercise was purely to make people use their GPSr's and to become better acquainted with the equipment. We had around 20 families who attended and Qatar now has at least 8 new caching families as a result of the exercise. ;)

 

Although the motives - read agenda - were different, this is one way that could be used as a fun day out for your group of people. I realize that you have no intention of recruiting geocachers, but the fun element of using the equipment [technology] to find things that have been hidden, or clues to things that might be hidden elsewhere, could be achieved through this method.

 

Good luck with your venture - I think it is extremely noble of you wanting to expand the awareness of our great sport to others. It is just a pity that someone somewhere has caused Groundspeak to become as prescriptive as they have through actions that were questionable in the past. It is always a case of the minority whose actions have spoiled things for the majority.

Edited by cincol
Link to comment

Thank you Andy

 

This is not an Event Cache.

 

I will not apply for an Event Cache.

 

I want to have a group hunt on existing or temporary, published or not, caches within a predetermined area with authorisation from the area owners, the gardians and other permissions I am made aware of.

 

I have asked for help from the caching comunity as the more adults that get involved the more fun can be had by more people.

 

Are the Cachers that indicated their interest still willing to help? There is no pressure and do not feel obligated. I think that I will arrange the outing towards the end of winter.

 

Regards

Link to comment

OK 29th of August it will be. I will arrange for the donation of refreshments, hot dogs, cooldrinks etc for the children and their helpers. :)

 

==========================================

Hi Brian.

Your idea is perfect and supported by my Department. The reserve Manager at Groenkloof is supportive to this Geocaching event. Will arrange the booking with him.

 

Kind regards

 

JOHN COOPER

Deputy Director: Resorts

Agriculture & Environmental Management

===========================================

Link to comment

Hi all

 

The occasion has been set. We will get together between 10am and 3pm to entertain foster children and their families by staging a geocaching activity. Each team will recieve a cache box that they need to hide and these will be "published" back at the staging post being the Jamborally Lapa at the Fountains Vally Nature Reserve. These teams will then have the opportunity to hunt for the other caches hidden by the opposing teams. I will ensure refreshments and vitals for all participants, their families and our helpers for this activity. All I need you to do is commit your help on the day in manageing one of these teams. I am trying to publish an event after the the day's activities where we "the cachers" can relax and socialise around the fires. I am calling it the 2009 spring bash, keep your eyes peeled.

 

Regards :)

Link to comment

By the way I met with the social welfare and they suggested that I refocus the occasion to Foster care families as they do not seem to have as much support from the communities as the childrens homes themselves. By the way I am aware that three of the cacher teams who will be helping on the day are foster parents themselves. :)

Link to comment
By the way I met with the social welfare and they suggested that I refocus the occasion to Foster care families as they do not seem to have as much support from the communities as the childrens homes themselves. By the way I am aware that three of the cacher teams who will be helping on the day are foster parents themselves. :)

 

The day falls on my 40th birthday.

Caching or party?

Tough one, but I think the party should win this time round.

So it look like we wont be there.

Link to comment

PROGRAMME for Caching Day and Spring Bash

 

Activity Geo Teams

08H00 Set up camp

09H00 Team Briefing (Swag Bags and rules) Collect Swag and prepare for teams

10H00 Welcome and Tea Mingle and choose teams

10H30 Hide the Treasure Teach GPS basics and cammo

11H30 Publish your Treasure On paper Treasure forms

11H45 Seek the Treasures Grab a form and find it

12H30 Lunch Grab a roll on your way past feed your teams

Hurry there are more to find

13H00 Seek the Treasures Keep your teams interested, teach some basic

veld skills, include CITO and conservation.

14H45 Closure Debrief

 

15H00 Spring Bash Cache Dash, Trade and discover.

17H00

18H00 Braai

19H00 Social

 

:D:P:):P:blink:

Link to comment

Good Morning

 

In all if my records are correct there were over 160 people involved between 8am and 9pm. 35 Geocaching teams managed to attend the morning activity or the event or both.

 

Thank you to the teams who helped in the morning placing caches, Red Globe(1), Cache Fan(7), HeinG(8), W@lly(10), Leon St(3), Woody Walker(6), Earth Seeker(2), Goblins(5) and Quad 4(4). Without you the event was a non starter. Thank you to the teams that joined us during the day and at the published event afterwards for their support. I wish I could give you the ten smiley’s for the caches that were hidden and found.

 

Thank you to the ladies and helpers of the Molapo Staff Association who ensured that there was enough food and refreshments for all. They provided morning and afternoon tea, a lunch braai and sweets, chips, fruit and chocolates for all.

 

Thank you to the child welfare team who ensured that all the legal aspects were covered as well as extending the invitations and follow up with the foster families and transport to and from the event.

 

Thank you to the caregivers foster parents and children who attended the event.

 

The vote was unanimous; a great time was had by all. The children were not sure what to expect but as the pace warmed up the excitement grew. The guests really enjoyed the activities and I even had requests that this happen much more often.

 

I on this Monday morning am still trying to recover my energy but feel grateful, privileged and awed by the support and well wishes that I received. :P:):)

Link to comment

Hi Brian

 

Yes, it indeed was a great success.

These children are very close to my heart and when I saw them enjoying this "event", my heart just melted!

 

Thanks again for organizing this.

 

We will do it again, Twice a year! What do you think.

 

Groete

 

W@lly

 

PS: Baie dankie dat ek deel kon wees van die "Diens" aan die kinders!!

Edited by W@lly
Link to comment

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...