Riderwood's Geocaching Club Offers Engaging, Social Activities

Riderwood, an Erickson Senior Living community in Silver Spring, Md., offers more than 200 clubs that reflect a wide range of hobbies. From memoir writing and papier-mache to line dancing and improv, residents are sure to find a group they're interested in.

One standout is the geocaching club, which invites members on modern-day treasure hunts that combine physical activity, problem-solving, and social connection.

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Geocaching is the process of using a smartphone or GPS device to locate hidden containers, called caches, that are often placed in parks, neighborhoods, and other scenic locations. Each cache typically contains a logbook to sign and, sometimes, small collectible items.

Resident and longtime geocacher Don Conway, along with neighbor Ed Finan, started the geocaching club shortly after moving to Riderwood with his wife, Joyce, in 2019.

The joy of discovery

Don first learned about geocaching in 1997 when members of the Maryland Geocaching Society explained the activity to his local walking club, the Freestate Happy Wanderers.

"That day, I found five caches on our walk," he says. "You never know what you are going to find!"

Don notes that there are several types of caches. Traditional caches are typically easier to find, while multi-caches require visiting two or three locations, and puzzle caches involve solving questions before locating the final cache. "Multi-caches are my favorite," says Don.

Soon after settling into their new home at Riderwood, Don started the geocaching club, eager to share his passion with his neighbors. The group gathers twice a month--once in the community and once off campus to connect with other geocachers in the local area.

The hunt is on

Since moving to Riderwood, Don has hidden more than 30 caches around the community, ensuring that everyone interested in geocaching can participate in searches.

He and several club members have also hidden caches in nearby areas such as Laurel, Beltsville, and Silver Spring.

"Hiding caches for others is an important part of geocaching," says Don. "Over the years, I have earned 303 favorite points. That means someone has looked for and found one of my hides and liked it enough to give it a favorite point."

According to Don, many geocachers set personal goals, such as finding a cache in every state. In fact, some club members have sought out more complex challenges or traveled to reach milestones.

As geocache locations are found, participants log their caches online. Don's personal profile includes more than 4,200 finds and 198 hidden caches.

Why it works

Geocaching appeals to many Riderwood residents because it can easily be adapted to fit different activity levels and interests. Participants decide how far to walk, which challenges to pursue, and how often to take part.

"With geocache locations everywhere, it's fun to make a search part of your everyday activities," says Don. "Maybe it means going to a new, unfamiliar place, or finding a cache on vacation or at a ballgame."

The geocaching club also participates in special events, such as Cache In Trash Out, an annual effort coordinated by the Maryland Geocaching Society that encourages environmental stewardship.

"We also host our own events. One of the club's favorites is geocaching bingo, where each bingo space has something to do with geocaching," says Don. "It's a fun way to share our experiences."

The club participates in Riderwood's activity fairs, sharing information on geocaching and encouraging neighbors to join. And last year, the club placed caches around the community for residents' grandchildren as part of a larger Grandparent Day celebration.

"That was such a fun day. We can't wait to do it again this year!" says Don. "We placed some geocaches outside for the children and their grandparents to find. We gave away prizes too. We really like seeing young people come out."

Finding connection

While searching for a cache can be an individual effort, Don values the social connections the club creates. "We are a very close group," he says. "Our club provides opportunities to meet new people, both on and off campus. We enjoy spending time together and talking about our experiences."

Most of all, Don loves sharing his beloved hobby with others. "I always encourage anyone interested in learning about geocaching to come to one of our meetings," he says.

To learn more about senior living at this vibrant community, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.

By Kelly K. Shue