Rules for creating new caches
We would love for more people to create and place their own caches as the project grows in popularity, and have created a set of guidelines one must follow in order to ensure that this process is smooth and easy!
Procedure to Submit a Cache
If you have an idea for a cache, you need to fill out the AUC (American University Cache) form provided by the Eaglecaching administrators or found on the webpage, and email it to the administrators. This form details where the cache would be hidden, what the cache would be (as in container type, indoor or outdoor, etc.), and the interesting information that would go along with the cache. The administrator will review this information and either approve the cache and give the party permission to place the cache, deny the cache, or return the form to the original party for editing should there be only minor problems with the cache. If approved, then you are responsible for placing the cache and recording its coordinates after receiving materials as needed from the administrator. The administrator or another delegated party should then check the cache’s location to see if it coincides with the Eaglecaching placement rules within two days after placement. The administrator will then check the cache at least once every two months to keep the cache maintained (make sure it is in the correct location, make sure the container is still functional, etc.).
If you wish the cache be part of an already created theme, you can mark that on the form, but while the cache may be accepted in general, it may not necessarily be accepted as part of that theme. If you want to create a theme, have several cache ideas ready to submit for approval (three or more).
Types of Caches
A cache can either be a physical container or a QR code cache. The primary difference between the two is that physical caches are primarily used for outdoor caches and QR code caches are primarily used for indoor caches. You could find a physical cache anywhere outside from in a tree to by some rocks outside, while you could find a QR code cache stuck to a wall inside or just outside a building. Physical caches will also contain extra content in the form of a scroll on which to sign the finder’s name and a small QR code to lead the finder to the cache’s webpage. This webpage will contain information on the cache’s location, as well as (in some cases) multimedia content such as photographs, video, or sound files, quick information on Eaglecaching in general and whether or not the cache is part of a theme. The QR code caches lead directly to their own webpage, but do not have a scroll to sign.
Currently we have two types of physical caches: a microcache aluminum bottle and larger aluminum. The microcache is meant for caches to be hidden in trees or bushes. Those who submit a cache may choose a container from that selection and it will be provided by the administrator or they may request to submit their own containers for the cache and that decision is approved by the administrator.
All caches are marked with the Eaglecaching logo as well as small text stating that this cache is not trash and is part of the Eaglecaching program. There should also be a small laminated paper inside of the cache designating it as part of the Eaglecaching program with a brief description of the program. Anything without these markers is not part of the Eaglecaching program and should be seen as litter. Please dispose of it appropriately.
Placement Rules
The cache must be somewhere that can be reached by the public at all times; this rule would not allow any place someone would need to swipe into with an ID. If the cache is particularly hard to reach, such as being 10 feet up, then this fact should be mentioned in the hint to let people prepare for the obstacle. Similarly it should be mentioned if the cache is a microcache or if it is placed in a particularly hard to find location, since that will increase the difficulty.
How to go Eaglecaching
First go to the Eaglecaching website: . On the site, pick any of the caches listed to find a short paragraph describing its concept, its coordinates, its hint, and any obstacles that may interfere with finding the cache. The difficulty will be rated by the administrator as an unbiased source. The website will also have a map of the campus that shows the location of each cache to be easily accessed by the public who may want to look up several caches at once. There should be several print copies available (not many since there will be an online version), primarily to hand out to prospective students who may not have heard of Eaglecaching. When the cache is found sign your name if it is a physical cache, or comment online if it is a QR code cache.
To access the additional information about the cache and to access QR codes, there are several free QR code scanning apps on both Apple and Android app stores. Any will work for Eaglecaching; these are just a few that we have used:
Apple - QR Reader for iPhone, Quick Scan - QR Code Reader, QR Code Reader by Scan
Android - QR Code Reader, QR Droid Code Scanner, QR Code Scan and Barcode Scanner
Windows: Built-in camera