Kids' Krafts: Geocaching good for brain, body

For more than a decade, families have been using Global Positioning Systems to hunt for hidden treasures.

Geocaching is a sport that engages kids' brains to identify which direction they are headed and gauge distances. It improves their abilities to think logically and is a great way to get in some exercise.

The treasures you will find at the end of the hunt aren't valuable. And often small enough to fit inside a film canister.

In geocaching, the hunter may remove something from the container, but is expected to replace it with something new and return it to where it was found.

To learn more about geocaching and participate in hunts in your area, go to http://www.ehow.com/how_2042165_participate-cache-hunt.html. You will be instructed to set up a free account with an organization that specializes in geocaching, such as Geocaching.com that teaches you how to participate in this high-tech hunting game.

You will need a GPS to participate in geocaching and an item to add to the cache. You can make a signature charm like the one I made out of shrink film.

To make your own charm, use these directions I found at www.ehow.com/how_4516051_make-shrinky-dinks-plastic-containers.html. I modified them for our use.

Supplies you will need:

—Plastic disposable food container, with number 5 recycling symbol, or purchase shrink film from a craft store.

—Permanent markers or colored pencils.

—Single hole punch.

—Chain (optional).

—Parchment paper.

—Oven.

—Cookie sheet.

Ask an adult to preheat your oven to 225 degrees.

Cut out a piece of plastic at least double the size you would like the final piece to be. Make three touching holes in the plastic to make one hole large enough for the chain to fit through after shrinking.

Find a picture with simple lines for your charm. Place it under the plastic sheet and trace around the design.

Color the design using permanent markers or colored pencils. Do not use crayons.

Line the cookie sheet with parchment paper. Place the plastic on the paper and have an adult place it in the oven for you.

Watch the plastic through the oven door as it curls and shrinks. Check it every couple of minutes. It should be done in less than 10 minutes, or when the plastic uncurls and lays flat.

Ask an adult to take it out of the oven and let cool.

Add a chain if you'd like.

If you have a craft idea or question, contact Kathy Antoniotti, Akron Beacon Journal, P.O. Box 640, Akron, OH 44309-0640; 330-996-3565; or via e-mail at kantoniottithebeaconjournal.com. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.