How to Geocache at a Flash Mob Event

Geocaching is a high tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure hunters equipped with GPS devices. These devices are used to track down hidden cache's, but sometimes, these caches can be fun filled events. One type of event currently utilized is the 'Flash Mob Event'.
But don't be late - these events traditionally last only 15 minutes. You need to be ready to cache on a schedule

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A published event
• Transport
• An accurate watch
• A GPS device (optional)

1. Through the geocaching website locate an event. If you have to travel more then 60 miles to be there - forget it. Most of these events are orchestrated around a theme. Halloween, A Walk in the Park, a Memorial.

2. Budget to arrive 30 minutes before the posted start of the event. Write down your name on a index card. Stand around, walk about, but don't go near the posted location. The concept of a 'Flash Mob' event is to give the impression to onlookers (affectionately known as 'muggles') of "Where did all these people come from - and what are they doing."

3. The general signal for a 'Flash Mob' event is the placement of a bucket at the location. Once the signal is given, converge. People will be coming from everywhere.

4. 
    
   A San Diego Flash Mob Event with characters in costume.

   In the next fifteen minutes, you will have to sign the log (drop off your index card) trade swag (from the bucket) share stories (chat) pose for the group photos, and have a meal (normally a piece of candy).

5. At the fifteen minute mark, disperse. All participants should scatter in every direction, giving the impression of having never been there. As in all geocaching events, respect the environment. Cache in, trash out - take any refuse with you.

6. Most Flash Mob Events are usually accompanied by a secondary, more sedate gathering, at a nearby spot. Often it is it's own event listing. This is the place to mingle and dawdle, and take a more leisurely approach. Nearby cache hunts are usually organized to commence at this second event.

Tips & Warnings

• Be prepared. Identify the start signal, and hustle. There could be upwards of 300 people converging on the same spot.
• Don't arrive early - no one will be there.
• Don't arrive late - again, no one will be there.
• Arrive and disperse in a "scatter" type manner to achieve the greatest visual effect.

Resources

• San Diego WWFM Event 2007

[MidniteWriter]

on 9/15/2008 Very cool tips, thanks!