I have discovered geocaching, as have my kids, and we are all addicted. Geocaching is a natural fit with Girl Scouting, combining high-tech "compass skills" with hiking.

For those of you who don't know what geocaching is, it is a high-tech treasure hunt using a GPS system. To be clear, the GPS that is used for this "sport" is not the same as the navigation system in many cars. Geocaching uses hand-held GPS systems that can lead individuals to a specific set of coordinates using signals off of 24 satellites.

My first question when I decided to buy a hand-held GPS was "what kind?" The answer seems to be a Garmin as far as I'm concerned because the major geocaching site (www.geocaching.com) has a system to synch your computer and your Garmin. Synching means you don't have to enter coordinates by hand, which is a big enough plus for me to settle that question.

To further explain to neophytes, once you have a GPS, log onto the site and find some sites in an area you wish to explore. I started with a cache in a park less than a mile from my house. It took my kids and I about 20 minutes to find it even though the GPS got us with a few feet of it. It was what they call a "micro" cache, making the find a challenge for a first-timer. We've since found quite a few more though and it has become easier as we've learned what to expect.

The reward at the end of your hunt may be a log roll to sign or you may find an item to trade. The basic rules of geocaching include:

1. Take something
2. Leave something
3. Sign the log

Our first cache find yielded pirate coins (plastic but nonetheless exciting!) and we have been leaving ghost beads and stone beads. As fun as these trinkets are, the hunt is the real reward.

In addition to getting kids outside and teaching them navigational skills, geocachers also follow the rule of CITO or "Cache in, Trash Out." Again, this norm is right up the Scouting alley. Not only are the girls hiking on their treasure hunt, but they also have an opportunity to do a quick service project. Really, what more can you ask for in an activity? "A badge," you say? That's what I thought too and at least two councils offer "Council's Own" badges. See the links if you are interested. Happy trails!