Geocaching is a contemporary treasure hunt that blends GPS technology with outdoor exploration. Grade 4 Teacher Mr. Cole Hamilton ’06 describes it as “an adventure where participants use GPS coordinates to locate hidden containers called geocaches.” These containers typically hold small trinkets and logbooks, fostering a sense of shared accomplishment among those who discover them.

The fourth-grade geocaching adventure seeks to enhance students’ independence, teamwork, and application of classroom knowledge in real-world scenarios. As they navigate Castlewood Canyon State Park searching for geocaches, students explore the outdoors while putting their understanding of maps, latitude, and longitude into practice. This hands-on experience directly connects to their social studies curriculum, emphasizing climate, geography, and navigation skills. Grade 4 Teacher Ms. Courtney Menk highlighted the trip’s educational value: “We began the year with lessons on maps, latitude, and longitude before introducing GPS devices and practicing geocaching on campus. The trip to Castlewood Canyon State Park provides students with an opportunity to apply these skills in a real-world context, strengthening and deepening their understanding of the concepts learned in class.”

During the expedition, the fourth graders divided into teams and set out on a 3-mile loop through the state park. Each team took turns using GPS devices to locate Graland geocaches hidden high and low throughout the park. Upon discovering a geocache, students eagerly opened the canisters, signed their team names in the logbooks, and marked their passports with the stamps found inside. This collaborative effort not only enhanced their teamwork skills but also fostered a sense of community as they celebrated their shared discoveries. Ms. Menk noted, “The experience empowered students to take ownership of their adventure, practicing decision-making as they worked together to choose which geocaches to find.”

Experiences like the geocaching trip are integral to Graland’s commitment to providing a well-rounded education. They offer hands-on learning opportunities, challenge students to think critically, and inspire them to explore the world around them. As the Grade 4 Team looks forward to continuing this trip in the years ahead, they are excited to refine and enrich the adventure for future students. This innovative journey has established a foundation for a tradition that not only empowers learners but also creates memorable shared experiences with classmates that will last a lifetime. 

“When planning this experience, we envisioned it as a bridge between the challenges students face on the Grade 3 Chief Mountain Hike and the adventures they encounter when transitioning to Middle School and embarking on their first overnight trips. It was essential for us that this trip fostered independence.” - Mr. Cole Hamilton ’06, Grade 4 Teacher