I didn't realize the popularity of Geocaching!

[+BDC]

A friend of mine who isn't a cacher just alerted me of something interesting, The local community college (Rogue community college) in Grants Pass is now offering a community ed class on geocaching! The class starts in winter term. I guess I didn't realize the popularity of our sport! Im also surprised that there would be a need for a class!

[+Mr. Snazz]

Going against popular opinion, I think there is a lot that can and should be learned about geocaching. Most of us gain this through experience, but there is enough that a class or a book could indeed be of use.

[+Lazyboy & Mitey Mite]

I wonder who the professor is. How many finds? How many hides???

 

I used geocaching at the middle school recently for a geography lesson. I talked for awhile about the system and then handed out 3 gps's and let the kids find a cache filled with goodies I hid on the schoolground.

 

I hear voices.....and they don't like you!

[+Mr. Snazz]

I can't speak for RCC, but here in Bend, if you want to teach a community class, all you have to do is fill out the proper paperwork and get the minimum number of students. I havn't done this personally, but my impression is that you can be just about anybody, with or without actual credentials.

 

An acquaintence taught an outreach class at LBCC (in Benton county) on How to Build your Own Computer. There was a classroom/lab fee per individual, and then additional fee per individual which went directly to him. Its almost like renting out a booth at a market to sell your wares.

 

Its actually a neat concept, you get some quirky and unexpected learning opportunities. Nice for meeting like-minded individuals as well.

[+Jamie Z]

The instructor is listed as "W. McCoy." Anyone know who that is?

 

Jamie

[+BDC]

The name doesn't sound familiar. Here's a link for a little more info.

http://www2.roguecc.edu/bcls/map

[+pdxmarathonman]

quote:

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Please don't buy a ... Geographical Positioning System...

---

 

Now that's good advice. I am sure they must run into the billions of dollars Or at least a Global Positioning System might cost that much.

 

Anyway, on a serious note: the short bios provided at the link...

 

quote:

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About the Instructor:

Rich Cusic is a Search Manager and Land Navigation Instructor for the Jackson County Search and Rescue team.

 

Bill McCoy is a retired school teacher, National Forest Employee and Mt. Ashland Ski Instructor.

---

[+Lazyboy & Mitey Mite]

If it weren't for coaching basketball I would actually take this class. It would be fun to see what they are doing. They plan to discuss which gps is best (oh I have opinions) and they'll go find a cache.

 

The best news is that they are going to place a cache for us to find. What fun.

 

I hear voices.....and they don't like you!

[+Peanuthead]

That is excellent news.

More cachers means more caches to find.

 

Now, what can we do to make it a REQUIRED course?!

 

[+Lazyboy & Mitey Mite]

The right professor in front of the class makes all the difference

 

I hear voices.....and they don't like you!

[+Renegade Knight]

Most of use could stand some orienteering education, though I'm not of the opinion (as I've heard) that I should not get more than one mile off road on a trail without knowing how to orient and use UTM and my compass that I've manged to lose in my move.

 

Overall I've found reading a map provides pretty good orientation. "The hill is there, the river is here, the radio tower is yonder, I'm here and heading thataway" Then again maybe there are areas that look the same or people who can't read maps. Come to think of it I know people who can't read maps. It strikes me as odd but maybe it's a skill.

 

Wherever you go there you are.