This Month:

• Stewardship by Richard Niles aka sept1c_tank
• Where Have All the Green Boxes Gone? Microcaches - The Death of Creative Geocaching By Daniel J. Caram aka jmarac
• Caching on the Fly: Geo-experiencing the Great Northwest By Richard Niles

As geocachers we assume the role of stewards, or ambassadors for our regions, for our caches and for our sport. Each of us is in a unique position to represent our own community. Every geocacher can and should assist in managing caches in need of attention or repair, even if only in the form of an email to the owner. And, like it or not, we each bear the responsibility of representing geocaching, the game we love, every time we expose ourselves to the muggle public.

In our hobby, many travel and geocache in unfamiliar places. And, for various reasons, many who travel and cache will seek out the local cachers. When a local cacher recommends a series of particularly interesting hides, or suggests a nice place to eat, or offers to show the sights, he is presenting an impression of his neighborhood and his caching community. He is an ambassador of sorts.

We all go caching. That provides us with the perfect opportunity to “police” the caching scene. We should always be prepared to rescue a logbook in danger of becoming damp. Place the log in a freezer bag. Sometimes a cache requires a writing utensil. Carry an extra pencil. Every time we speak about geocaching and every time we are observed caching, we are the unofficial voice for our hobby. In some cases, the environment may become endangered because of heavy traffic or careless cachers. Write the cache owner and inform him of the problem. Be a steward.

Every time we speak about geocaching and every time we are observed caching we are the unofficial voice for our hobby. It’s an interesting and unique pastime and though some will never find it appealing, there are those who will absorb every word. And, of course, there will always be a faction who will be critical of this game. Think about caching. Speak of it as though someone is really listening. Be the steward. Be the ambassador.

Responsible cachers are indeed stewards and ambassadors in many ways. We serve our communities when we CITO. We represent our regions when we travel or host visitors. We aid our fellow players. We provide family entertainment. We invite people to enjoy active lifestyles. We provide mystery and enchantment to everyday activities.

Geocachers are special people. We should be proud of our social skills and community involvement. We represent a great concept.