Introduction
With the rapidly growing popularity of geocaching and the ever tightening restrictions being placed on our public lands nationwide, we recognize that the establishment of a cooperative relationship with our local and state park managers will be beneficial to the long term survival of our hobby. In order to facilitate such an endeavor we feel that it is necessary to establish a means of communication among fellow geocachers, as well as with land management officials. The aim of this group is to help provide a medium for these relationships and discussions.
Who we are
GCG is a group of fun-loving, outdoor-minded people from all age groups and backgrounds who like to geocache and want to help others do the same. We want to share our interest in using modern technology (GPS and the Internet) to encourage and foster an appreciation of the outdoors, and to promote good stewardship of the land and environment that we all enjoy. GCG is run completely by volunteers who freely donate their time and talent. We welcome feedback and involvement by anyone.
Who we are not
GCG is not an official governing body of geocaching. Local clubs are not rule makers or enforcers, and we do not establish the geocaching policies in the Dayton area. Each individual park district sets their own policies, and geocaching.com is one source for Listing Requirements & Guidelines.
Where do we get the 'Gem City' from?
There is no definitive answer to this question, but several theories exist. One is that in the 1800s there was a famous racehorse from Dayton named Gem.
Another theory suggests that Daytonians were concerned with the South African Diamond Mine strike over a century ago, and nicknamed Dayton “Gem City” in sympathy.
In 1845 newspaper account un the Cincinnati Daily Chronicle written by a reporter who went by the byline of “T”: In a small bend of the Great Miami River, with canals on the east and south, it can be fairly said, without infringing on the rights of others, that Dayton is the gem of all our interior towns. It possesses wealth, refinement, enterprise, and a beautiful country, beautifully developed.
But the most probable theory dates back to the late 1840s when Major William D. Bickham, editor of the Dayton Journal, ancestor of today’s Dayton Daily News, campaigned in his column for Dayton to be nicknamed “Gem City,” perhaps because he read “T’s” comments in the Cincinnati Daily Chronicle. The name apparently stuck a few years later and was officially adopted by the Board of Trade at that time.
It has also been said that being that Cincinnati is the "Queen City" and that Dayton is but a "Gem" in her Crown.
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How to Join
General membership to the Gem City Geocachers shall remain open to all interested persons who support the goals as described below. Each applicant for membership shall be required to register on the GCG Forum, thereby providing the Organization with information deemed necessary. This infomation is used strictly for contact and identification of a member and is not given out for any other purpose.
Each member must also maintain an active account on a recognized caching website (either individually or as part of a team) in order to create a GCG forum account. Please include your caching name in the signature box when submitting your forum registration ... you may remove it after your account has been verified and activated.
*Currently recognized sites are Geocaching.com, Navicache.com, Terracaching.com, and GPSGames.org. Once the applicant has provided the above information, the applicant shall be considered a member of GCG.
Purpose and Goals
The primary purpose of GCG is to act as a forum for discussion and communication about geocaching in the Dayton and southwest Ohio area. GCG also exists to work with private, city and state land managers to provide education about the sport of geocaching. As a part of geocaching, we also coordinate CITO (Cache-In Trash-Out) events to pick up litter in area parks or along roads. Throughout the year we will host events for cachers to get together and have a good time. These events will be listed both on our forum and geocaching.com.
Strategy
In our efforts to advance the activity of geocaching we try to focus on education of both new geocachers and land managers. We feel that through helping others who are interested in geocaching to learn more about the activity, safety, experience, etc. that we will foster more fun and enjoyment for the activity in general. Also, by making an effort as a group to gain acceptance of geocaching in all areas we will make the activity more fun and accessible for everyone.
As a forum for communication and interaction, we welcome your input and involvement. If you have questions you'd like answered, or ideas or information you'd like to share, please feel free to post your question in the GCG forums.
In order to maintain the confidence of land management authorities, and to alleviate any myths or concerns about our activity, it is important to understand and agree upon a few basic concepts and guidelines for geocaching in the Dayton area. The following links provide recommendations for hiding and seeking caches.
Geocaching is an activity that has an appeal for a diverse group of participants… individuals and families, young and old, athletic and physically challenged, technological buffs and nature lovers…people from all walks of life. The activity can be done almost anywhere in the world, and requires a relatively small initial investment. The goal of GCG is to ensure that we will all be able to continue to enjoy this activity in our state for many years to come.
Finances
The goal of the club is not to make money for any purpose. However as with any club, certain expenses will be incurred. Donations are appreciated to help pay for educational materials, offset website costs, and for reserving meeting rooms/pavilions.
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