April 13, 2012
New School Geocaching Program Takes Learning Outdoors: Rondeau
Students of all ages will have the opportunity to get in motion and learn how to geocache through the new Healthy Schools in motion Geocaching Loaner Program, Healthy Living, Seniors and Consumer Affairs Minister Jim Rondeau announced today.
“Geocaching is an exciting, high-tech way to get physically active and take learning outdoors,” Rondeau said at the annual Healthy Schools in motion Champions workshop at the Sport for Life Centre in Winnipeg. “It’s a lot like a traditional treasure hunt, using global positioning system (GPS) technology to solve clues and seek out a hidden geocache or treasure. This activity is great fun and an excellent learning opportunity for students of all ages.”
The loaner program is being offered in partnership with the Manitoba Physical Education Teachers Association. Registered Manitoba in motion schools can borrow a geocaching loaner kit for a two‑week period. The kit includes a guide that provides the basics of geocaching, suggestions for activities, curriculum links and 20 GPS units.
“We are very excited to partner with Healthy Schools in motion on the new geocaching loaner program,” said Carol Peters, president, Manitoba Physical Education Teachers Association. “Geocaching is a popular outdoor adventure game for all ages and abilities, and combines play with team building, problem-solving and other valuable educational outcomes. Through the geocaching loaner program, we can support teachers in providing students with a cross-curricular, innovative experience while getting active.”
More than 50 Manitoba teachers gathered today at the Sport for Life Centre for the Healthy Schools in motion Champions workshop, which provides an opportunity for in motion champions to gain knowledge, try different activities, network and celebrate successes, Rondeau said.
Healthy Schools and Manitoba in motion work together to offer Healthy Schools in motion. More than 600 Manitoba schools are currently registered with in motion and the geocaching program will help those schools to accomplish their goal of 30 minutes of physical activity every day for every student, the minister added.
For more information on the geocaching program, schools can contact 204-788-6394 or visit the Healthy Schools in motion website at www.manitobainmotion.ca/schools.
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