Firescouter64

Dave424, I think they mention geocache.com for the simple fact that 1) its the bigest and best known, when a scout does a websearch on geocache its the first thing on the list.

2) BSA has entered into an agreement with GC and groundspeak to help introduce the MB, groundspeak has also sponsored Travelbugs for the centenial cellebration. Just as Lowes has sponsored Pinewood Derby build days to sell Dremmel products. you'll see lowes adds in boys life but not Home Depot or Ace hardware.

Gags, As it turns out I have been asked to be the MB counselor for this MB in our troop. I will of course help them find the resources to determin the difference between LatLong and UTM as shown below in 5B. But I would encourage them to become profiecent in the application of UTM. The UTM system is a more logical way of teaching map use. The UTM system when used correctly can locate a spot as small as a 10 meter box quite easily and down to a 1 meter box with a little more effort. This is one of the main reasons the US military has gone to this standard. And is more accurate than most commercial GPS devices. There is also a map tool for it.

http://www.maptools.com/products/PocketCorners.html

Not to mention it will serve to satisfy 5C & 5D as shown below.

5. Do the following:

a. Show that you know how to use a map and compass and explain why this is important for geocaching.

b. Explain the similarities and differences between GPS navigation and standard map reading skills and describe the benefits of each.

c. Explain the UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) system and how it differs from the latitude/longitude system used for public geocaches.

d. Show how to plot a UTM waypoint on a map. Compare the accuracy to that found with a GPS unit.

My son just bridged to Boy Scouts. he has completed "SCOUT" and is now working on "Tenderfoot" Last weekend he participated in a fellow scouts Eagle project and I was wondering if it met the requirement for "Second Class" requirement #5. Participate in an approved (minimum of one hour) service project. Can other thing be done concurrently also? Like..... would that also satisfy the requirement for 2nd clas scout 1Aand 1B?

#1A..Demonstrate how a compass works and how to orient a map. Explain what map symbols mean.

1B..Using a compass and map together, take a five-mile hike (or 10 miles by bike) approved by your adult leader and your parent or guardian.

and could use that same exercise for the camping merit badge? 3..Make a written plan for an overnight trek and show how to get to your camping spot using a topographical map and compass OR a topographical map and a GPS receiver. and Hiking merit badge requirement 4..Make a written plan for a 10-mile hike, including map routes.... can the same exercise be used for all of the concurrently (1 for all)?

One poster mentioned you do not need a GPS to geocache. Do it old school get the coordinates and locate them on a map then find the cache. I like that idea. would that also satisfy the requirement for 2nd clas scout 1Aand 1B?

1A..Demonstrate how a compass works and how to orient a map. Explain what map symbols mean.

1B..Using a compass and map together, take a five-mile hike (or 10 miles by bike) approved by your adult leader and your parent or guardian.

and could use that same exercise for the camping merit badge? 3..Make a written plan for an overnight trek and show how to get to your camping spot using a topographical map and compass OR a topographical map and a GPS receiver. and Hiking merit badge requirement 4..Make a written plan for a 10-mile hike, including map routes.... can the same exercise be used for all of the concurrently (1 for all)?