MnGCA

andrewmcc · Past MnGCA Board Joined: 29 Jul 2007 Posts: 979

Dear MnGCA Members,

My name is Bryce Anderson and I work for Minnesota State Parks. I am long overdue in communicating with you.

I was the project manager for the Minnesota State Parks Geocaching History Challenge, but think of myself as the behind the scenes guy, ordering coins, getting things printed, communicating with staff, and daily troubleshooting.

Everyone in Minnesota State Parks has been ecstatic about the success of the History Challenge. It is important for all members of the MnGCA to know that this program would not have happened without you. During the idea and planning stage, it was three members of your organization-Scott (EskoClimber), Allan (Fargnot) and Cindy that stepped forward to assist us. To be honest, they did a lot of “hand holding,” telling us many times, “Don’t worry, it will work.” They gave us much advice, guided us along, helping us all learn. They volunteered to paint ammo cans and organized many of you to assist individual parks. Geocaching was new to many of our staff. We learned much from all of you, and your advice was correct. The History Challenge succeeded far beyond any of our expectations.
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The program was not perfect and did not go completely smoothly. We did have some bumps in the road, but it is important for all of you to know that almost all the bumps in the road were due to our lack of knowledge about geocaching. Oh, how we have learned! The atmosphere among our staff is 200% different today than it was a year ago. We are excited. We have learned that the fun activity of geocaching was and will continue to be an important offering in Minnesota State Parks, attracting new and former users, and generating many supporters. For me, as an educator, combining learning about our history, wildlife, etc. with a fun technology game is a perfect fit.

As you are aware, we are planning our next adventure, the Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari. It is exciting, with opportunities to find “Critter Caches”, collect “Critter Cards”, earn awards, share experiences, and learn about our state’s diverse wildlife. We look forward to an even stronger partnership with the MnGCA for this new program, and, now that we know so much more about geocaching, intend to make improvements to our listings on Geocaching.com, and recognize your partnership with us on Geocaching.com and in many other ways.

So, this is a thank you from all of us at Minnesota State Parks. We, and the many thousands of park visitors who enjoyed geocaching in Minnesota State Parks appreciated all your work.

Bryce Anderson
Interpretive Operations Coordinator
Minnesota State Parks.
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Dinnae fash yersel (don't worry yourself)

bflentje · Geocacher Joined: 29 May 2006 Posts: 3652

Very nice to hear from them. Bravo.. I now have a renewed interest, with reluctance of course.

speedysk1 · Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2009 1:03 pm Post subject:

Thanks Andrew for posting this. I too have a renewed interest.
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Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.

joboo · Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2009 10:08 am Post subject:

Thank you for posting this!!! Cool

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Don't be Bitter, Reconsider!!

KRedEP · Geocacher Joined: 03 Aug 2007 Posts: 712

Such a nice, enthusiastic letter! This would be great to use when communicating with other local and reluctant, parks authorities.

MrRogersNghbor · Geocacher Joined: 16 Oct 2008 Posts: 230

I fully agree with using the letter as a resource when dealing with local parks. Have we heard anything about when they are planning on launching the new program? I thought that I heard something about May. Is that accurate?

andrewmcc · Past MnGCA Board Joined: 29 Jul 2007 Posts: 979

bflentje · Geocacher Joined: 29 May 2006 Posts: 3652

andrewmcc · Past MnGCA Board Joined: 29 Jul 2007 Posts: 979