Cache in on Health
by Kari Frisch | Apr 10, 2022
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Summary:
Our community could benefit from a CACHE IN ON HEALTH promotion. Geocaching has been described as a modern day outdoor scavenger hunt. Those already into this hobby have discovered the fun and adventure the sport can provide as "cachers" seek out hidden treasures placed all over the world. Most often there are actual containers a person is looking for which they only find using a set of posted coordinates online and a GPS unit. Caches are frequently hidden off trails or in parks. Some require you to walk, bike, paddle, or climb. It has a classification system so seekers know going in what kind of terrain they may encounter. Caches come in all types and are designed to appeal to everyone and their ability. Cache terrains range from low ratings (handicap accessible) to high ratings (very physical). Searching for posted caches (over 12,000 in Minnesota alone) often brings me places I've never been. They've introduced me to new parks, new trails, new public water accesses. It gives a new reason or motivation to get outdoors and walk or bike when you know there is something special at the end of your destination. Once you find a cache, you record your find in the physical logbook included in the cache itself and then you also record your find online. In this way you can track your progress of how many caches you've found and who else has found that particular cache recently. A common characteristic of caches includes items placed with the logbook called "swag" and the golden rule of caching is a lesson in sharing--"Take something,leave something." "Cache in on Health" would be an excellent way to encourage physical activity and inspire the whole community to get out and get healthy. More caches could be placed in our area. Coupons, fitness center discounts, and health incentives could be used as swag. Rewards could be given for completing goals, # caches. Inspire through an event challenge/picnic. But caches stay making promotion long-lasting. Shows area cares 4 health.
First Name
Kari
Last Name
Frisch
Country
United States, MN
City
About You
About Your Organization
Organization Name
Organization Website
Organization Phone
Organization Address
Your idea
Name your idea
Cache in on Health
Describe your idea
Our community could benefit from a CACHE IN ON HEALTH promotion. Geocaching has been described as a modern day outdoor scavenger hunt. Those already into this hobby have discovered the fun and adventure the sport can provide as "cachers" seek out hidden treasures placed all over the world. Most often there are actual containers a person is looking for which they only find using a set of posted coordinates online and a GPS unit. Caches are frequently hidden off trails or in parks. Some require you to walk, bike, paddle, or climb. It has a classification system so seekers know going in what kind of terrain they may encounter. Caches come in all types and are designed to appeal to everyone and their ability. Cache terrains range from low ratings (handicap accessible) to high ratings (very physical). Searching for posted caches (over 12,000 in Minnesota alone) often brings me places I've never been. They've introduced me to new parks, new trails, new public water accesses. It gives a new reason or motivation to get outdoors and walk or bike when you know there is something special at the end of your destination. Once you find a cache, you record your find in the physical logbook included in the cache itself and then you also record your find online. In this way you can track your progress of how many caches you've found and who else has found that particular cache recently. A common characteristic of caches includes items placed with the logbook called "swag" and the golden rule of caching is a lesson in sharing--"Take something,leave something." "Cache in on Health" would be an excellent way to encourage physical activity and inspire the whole community to get out and get healthy. More caches could be placed in our area. Coupons, fitness center discounts, and health incentives could be used as swag. Rewards could be given for completing goals, # caches. Inspire through an event challenge/picnic. But caches stay making promotion long-lasting. Shows area cares 4 health.
How do you define your "community"?
I have varying definintions of community. My campus and colleagues are one community, my hometown another. I proudly call myself a Minnesotan and see the state bringing people together too. Sometimes people who share common interests are called a community and I believe geocachers in general share a sense of community. But the idea of "Cache In On Health" brings all these communities together. The caches could be placed in as small or as large of a community as the organizers deem manageable. Some cities host "caching events" that revolve around caches in one centralized area while the Mn State park system and the Minnesota Geocaching Association have worked together to place caches in every MN State Park for a coordinated State Challenge. To my knowledge there hasn't been a "health" focues caching challenge so this could be the firs of it's kind and could inspire people far greater than just the geographical area within which the caches are placed. People come from all over to cache, and a well-promoted challenge/event could benefit seasoned cachers as well as inspire a whole new set of people who've found a new reason to get out and get moving. So I see community being defined here as anyone informed, interested and willing to participate.
Tell us how you think the issue of obesity is affecting your community
Obesity is affecting the nation not just our community. Primarily we as a culture are eating more and moving less and although. I believe that the mind, body and soul are connected--when one is affected the others are too. People are too stressed, too tired, too distracted to help restore their own balance, so how can they be motivated to help restore the community's balance? I prefer not to think of it in terms of weight, rather that of health. We all should be concerned about our health and the health of others.
Why should your idea be selected?
People know they should do more but often don't have the time, the support, the know-how of how to get inspired. I think the biggest obstacle right now is combating the idea of getting healthy with old-fashioned ideas of what constitutes "exercise". People don't want to exercise so they give up on other means of moving. This is why caching is a great idea. It inspires people to get out and get moving (walking, biking, even climbing) causing them to get exercise without it seeming like it. Even searching for the cache at the post coordinates can burn more calories than you think as you bend down, lift stuff up, stand on tip toes, or squat to search out possible hiding spots. You can do this on your own time, with family and friends or by yourself. It's set up to be enjoyable for people of all ages, which some traditional exercise is not. So this also contributes to obesity because people tend to see exercise as a chore, not something "fun". Geocaching can be alot of fun and that's also why I think it could fight our community's problem with obesity. I believe "Caching in on Health" should be selected because not only is it something than can inspire people of all ages to get going and get active right now, it is providing motivation that continues to inspire. New cachers will not only be inspired to seek out the caches in this challenge, but will most likely start seeking out other caches in other areas. Geocaching has been said to be very addicting, so once you introduce people to it, they take it on as a new hobby one that can be pursued almost anytime, almost anywhere. I now cache wherever I go, conferences, vacations, or when I could be just sitting at home being a slug. Having these caches archived forever online also demonstrates to other communities that we value health. Who knows, our caching challenge could inspire other communities, thereby creating a long lasting ripple effect. One person to another. One community to another. All Caching in on Health.
 | Martina Yusay said: I really loved foods and I am hungry every time I saw foods. - Douglas Andrew about this Competition Entry. - 957 days ago read more > |
 | Kari Frisch updated this Competition Entry. - 2195 days ago |
 | Kari Frisch submitted this idea. - 2195 days ago |
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