Geocaching isn’t just about finding hidden treasures in the bush, it’s also about discovering a wonderful community of like-minded cachers. Geocaching events can be a place where friendships are formed, puzzle-solving partnerships are born, and camaraderie among caching enthusiasts thrives. Yet, for some, stepping into these social arenas can feel daunting.

A recent exchange with fellow geocacher horror.fan.jm, served as a timely reminder that the social experience within our community is not the same for everyone. Fascinated by his insights, we are thrilled to welcome him as our guest author for this blog post. Join us as we delve into his experiences and enjoy the valuable insights into how we can all navigate the social landscape of geocaching events.

I recently found ahomburg’s “The Monthly Event Challenge (GC7Q9TN)” cache, which requires a geocacher to attend one event type cache (Event, CITO, Mega, Giga) in every month of the year. As someone who loves challenge caches, I had recently qualified for this challenge, which is why I was here today to finally find it. However, what I couldn’t remember was the events that I attended to help me qualify for it. So, when I ran the Project-GC challenge checker to attach it to my “Found It” log, I was reminded of some of the great events that I had attended over the past few years.

However, there was one event on the list, my very first event, Geocaching Victoria’s “Welcome To The Newbies – Whittlesea Lead Up Event (GC9WXFY)“, that really caught my eye and flooded me with memories. This event was specifically held for newer members of the geocaching community, aka people like me. It was a chance to tour the location for that year’s Mega event, and to answer any questions about what occurs at a geocaching Mega, as well as to meet some other geocachers.

It was that third one, “meet other cachers” that made me quite nervous to attend. As an introvert who suffers from mild social anxiety, the idea of meeting new people always makes me feel stressed. However, I was just getting into challenge caches at the time and I noticed a few challenge caches required you to attend events, and with hearing about all the fun a geocaching Mega can be from various podcasts, I decided to try and overcome my social anxiety and attend the event.

And after only one small panic attack in the car before the event, I got up the courage to actually leave the car and attend the event and I am so glad I did.

The event was great and everyone was so friendly. However, there was a few key individuals that made me feel so welcome…

As someone who got back into caching during the pandemic, after a very slow start years before, I cached to give me a reason to get outside for those few allowed hours a day. Even now, I cache 95% of the time alone. So, I honestly think if I didn’t have a great time at that event, or even if that event would have just gone “ok”, I don’t know if I would have ever attended another event again.

So, I want to say to those geocachers who made such a positive impact on me at that event, THANK YOU! I am not sure you even remember our interactions, but for me I will never forget it.

So, now for the real reason I decided to write this piece. I was incredibly lucky to have had such a positive first event, and I am hoping that the following will help event hosts to recognize introverts in attendance, and give you some tips on how to help us feel welcome. It is also a chance to share some tips to those who may have been in the same boat as me, attending their first event.

How might you spot an introvert like me?

• Introverts are likely to be timid, quiet, or reserved, especially when they don’t know anyone.
• We may have difficulty in introducing ourselves, and we may appear to be stand offish or even just seen playing on our phones.
• We can avoid big crowds and may be sitting on the outside of a group or nearby to a group.
• We may clam up amongst larger groups and might be more comfortable talking in small groups.

Of course, many introverts may exhibit extroverted behaviours once they feel more comfortable, or once in smaller groups. I think I do ok at small events, but you can tell I am a bit quieter when the groups get larger, and the conversations get louder.

So how can you help us introverts feel more comfortable at an event?

• Consider fun conversation starters. My first event had a geocaching bingo card that gave me an excuse to approach anyone to start up a random conversation. In fact what actually happened was it allowed people to approach me and start a one-on-one conversation to ask me if I could sign their card.
• Try attempting to have a one-on-one conversation with us and avoid moving us into a into a bigger group conversation. As geocachers we all have one thing in common, so easy questions like “Have you found any great caches lately?” or “Where have you been caching lately?”, are great ways to open a dialog by creating a common connection that any cacher, regardless of experience will likely be able to answer.
• If you find that we are having trouble answering direct questions, perhaps try opening up about yourself first. This might ease us into sharing more about ourselves.
• Be ok with some silences and respect our silence time. We may just be thinking about what to say or how to answer.
• Be mindful of our boundaries and our time. Everyone has different thresholds of energy expenditure and sometimes we just don’t have capacity for a full hour of socialising at an event.

Now for some advice from one introvert to another

• Try attending your first event with a friend. That way you can support each other, and if you feel uncomfortable you can take the pressure off by at least talking to each other.
• After an event, plan some time to recharge. Events can be overwhelming and take up a lot if not all of your social energy. Make sure you are able to get some quiet time after the event for yourself.
• Don’t forget to smile – it helps make you more approachable – however only if you feel like it.
• Remember, every single person at the event has at least one thing in common with you. You all like to go geocaching. You can literally ask anyone about geocaching and they will be able to respond, at least to some degree.
• Last but not least, please don’t give up. I have found that the geocaching community are some of the nicest and friendliest people you will ever meet and my life has only become better my meeting them.

Thank you Jason (horror.fan.jm), for bravely sharing your insights. Your perspective shows just how inclusive the geocaching community is, and offers the opportunity for us all to be involved. Whether you are contemplating your first event, or are a seasoned attendee, we hope Jason’s words serve as encouragement.

With so many great events happening across Victoria each week, there is bound to be one near you. Explore our events page to find your next adventure. We look forward to seeing you out there!

Do you have inspiration for a future blog post or a story to share? Reach out to us at president@geocachingvictoria.com.au. We’re all ears and excited to hear from you.