If you ask Stacie, she will tell you that I used to be a wallflower at Geocaching events.  I would get really excited to go but when I was actually there, my shyness would paralyze me.  I’d find a nice quiet corner and hope that I wouldn’t be embarrassed by something.  It was just about the time I’d think that I was home free when the drawing for prizes would have me in the spotlight.  It never failed, I won something.  Normally you would think that this is a great thing but it only deepened my anxiety.  We’ve been to 6 GeoWoodstocks and if it wouldn’t have been for Stacie I wouldn’t have been able to add any new pathtags to my collection.  She did the trading for me while I was “busy” taking pictures.

Why am I opening up to you like this?  (Dr. Phil if you are reading this, I’m over it, OK) Caching events are the best way to connect with other cachers.  Geocachers are bright, fun loving, caring people who love to share their experiences.  The best way to find out about the best places to cache in your area is to attend a caching event.    You will quickly discover who the event planners are, who the FTF Hounds are, who the evil cache hiders are, and who the most adventurous cachers are.  If you are new to the area you can ask them about local city/county caching regulations (such as if only Micros are allowed in city parks).  Learn about who the person is behind their Geocaching screen name.  What do they do for a living? Have they lived there all their life?  What are their other hobbies?  Be careful to not act like a stalker but show a genuine interest in them.  Keep the conversation about them as long as you can.  If they ask questions about you, answer them completely but be brief.  If you are not good with small talk try this:

Chris & Mark at GeoWoodstock X

1.  Find someone you don’t know at the event and ask them what is their favorite cache in town.

2.  If it is a cache you’ve found already, discuss why it is their favorite.  Make sure to let them finish with a complete idea before talking.  If you don’t think the cache was particular noteworthy, don’t bash the cache!  Remember, it is their favorite.  Always keep the conversation going in the positive direction.  Fight the urge to blurt out what your favorite is.  When THEY ask you, it will indicate that the interaction has been successful.

3.  If it is a cache that you have not found, note the name of the cache.  Write it down if you have to.  Have them tell you why it is their favorite (without spoilers of course) and let them know that you will take a look into it.

4.  Before the next caching event, go find the cache.  Make mental notes of when you found it, who was with you when you found it, what type of container, etc.

5.   At the next event, find that person and tell them about your experience.  They will feel honored that you listened to them and acted on what they said.

Find the cachers who organized the event.  Events are not easy to put together.  The organizers must find a place to hold it, arrange for food and drinks, try to find donations for the give-aways and drawings, estimate how many people will attend, and more!   Make sure you thank them for their hard work and offer to help clean up after the event.

Move around the room at the event and try to talk to someone in all of the natural groups that form.  It doesn’t have to be a lengthy conversation and at the minimum you should share your REAL name and Geocaching name.  Your REAL name should be first.  Explain how you picked your caching name and, when the time is right, tell them something about what you like to do when you are not caching. Of course this should be after you’ve listened to them share.

Geocaching events should be a place where people can exchange thoughts, ideas, points of view, caching know-how, and maybe a story or two.  Don’t allow social anxiety to overwhelm your ability to interact with other cachers and remember that it is supposed to be a FUN time.  Your interaction with people will make your experience a productive and enjoyable time.  You may even walk away with the all important “Phone A Friend” contact that you might need from time to time.