Geocaching
***Currently in the process of being developed and will be available by the end of this month (February)
Treasures are being hidden as we speak!***
EXPLORE THE HIDDEN GEMS OF STONEWALL QUARRY PARK!
NEW to the Park this year (2025), the worlds largest treasure hunt has come to Quarry Park!
Fun for all ages, Geocaching offers a FREE fun activity for adults and children.
Great for lone hiking adventures, family activities, school groups and more!
Geocaching is known to be a fantastic activity for all ages and skill levels. There are several locations around the park where you can find geocaching containers with many cool and interesting items inside. Bring some small items to trade.
Containers are disguised as natural objects, are well hidden and require the use of a free downloadable cellphone app or GPS devices/kits (which can be borrowed from the Heritage Arts Centre building in Quarry Park, at the front desk).
Download the geocaching app to your cellphone https://www.geocaching.com/
Make sure you sign the log with the pencil that is provided, which can be located inside the container. *May need to bring a pencil for the smaller containers.
Please do not take the containers, they are here to support people throughout the community and it is important that they are placed back where they were located.
What is Geocaching and what are the benefits?
Geocaching is a large treasure hunt which is conducted all around the world. Bringing people and communities together in a fun and engaging way, geocaching is a healthy way to learn and grow. It can be conducted at all times of the year, at any hour, making it accessible for all kinds of people and youth.
Geocaching allows people of all ages to enjoy, engage and explore nature within their communities. Geocaching can be done for free by using a cellphone app, or for those that do not wish to use a cellphone, can obtain a GPS device from the Heritage Arts Building, any day between the hours of 9-4. With the GPS devices, 5 groups can spread out to locate the ten different cache spots around the park. However, people using their own cellphones can use the free app which will allow for as many people as interested. People who wish to solely use a map and clues can also do so by obtaining the map at the HAC building. Seekers use the maps, along with a series of riddles, hints and clues to discover hidden containers that hold a variety of treasure/items for all ages. Some items in the caches are tradeable while others are offered for seekers to take one. Seekers must sign the log inside the cache to indicate that someone has visited the spot.
Geocaching is a very powerful tool that can be used to benefit peoples lives in many ways. Geocaching encourages people to be more active and gives them a good incentive to exercise and stay healthy. People participating will benefit in several ways including increased energy from exercising and building endurance. Challenges help to sharpen the mind and increase brain activity/sharpen neural pathways. It requires community members to complete activities, puzzles and problem-solving tasks. Enhances cognitive skills and critical thinking in a fun & rewarding experience. Geocaching also helps to decrease stress as people often forget to take mental health breaks, which can greatly help them unwind and enjoy things around them. Geocaching allows seekers to complete tasks in an engaging way, which aids the release of dopamine in the system. Completing an activity which requires people to reconnect with nature and the outdoors, releases endorphins and increases overall health. Items in the cache encourage and empower people to learn, grow and try new experiences in a stress-free environment. Geocaching can be used to teach all kinds of lessons and practices such as good mental health and self care, learning about the park, the quarry and the land upon which we live, teaching about different cultures, learning about nature and the native plants around you. It also helps residents to learn about their community and the various things it offers. Mental health should be an important aspect in everyone’s lives but is unfortunately often neglected for many different reasons. Caches help to promote mental health by inspiring the seekers with the items they find, which help to further create a positive sense of self and community. The community continues to build the caches together, making it their own collective experiences, which in turn also creates a powerful sense of community and togetherness.
Along with the physical health benefits, geocaching can be a very useful tool in suicide prevention and awareness. Items in the caches will include positive poems, “kindness rocks”, notes, stickers, and magnets for residents. Along with information packages about suicide helplines and preventative measures. Geocaching builds self esteem and a sense of connection and belonging, as seekers help to further build their geocaching community.
Some items in the caches are tradeable and residents can trade those items with other items of a similar cost.
The geocaching grant was provided to our community by Interlake Eastern Suicide Prevention Committee.
Thank you for the wonderful new activity!
Thank you to Stonewall Local Metis Federation & the Stonewall Art Group for their contributions as well!