High-tech treasure hunt is feature event of OK Kids Day

This year’s OK Kids Day at Lovewell State Park on April 19 promises to be a fun and educational event where kids can participate in hands-on activities in Global Positioning System (GPS) technology and geocaching. Crystal Fangmeier, University of Nebraska Extension Specialist, will present a clinic on basic GPS technology and the fun of geocaching, a high-tech version of a scavenger hunt using GPS coordinates to find “treasure” caches.

Geocaching is quickly becoming a favorite outdoor hobby nationwide. OK Kids participants will have the opportunity to learn from presentations and participation.

Registration for the event will begin at 8 a.m. at the state park office, and activities will start at 9 a.m. at the Southwinds or Willow Group Shelter, depending on weather. Registration is necessary for participates to be eligible for prizes that will be given away in a random drawing. State park vehicle permits will be required.

Each participant will receive an OK Kids Day T-Shirt. At noon, a lunch will be provided (free-will donation requested). Activities will end by early to mid-afternoon.

OK Kids Days are sponsored by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, the Kansas Wildscape Foundation, and the Kansas Parks and Recreation Association, with corporate sponsorship from Bass Pro Shops and Capital Federal Savings. Events are coordinated in many state parks and communities throughout Kansas to promote outdoor activities for children and will occur throughout the summer.

For more information on this event, phone 785-753-4971 or email lovewellsp@wp.state.ks.us. For a video clip, click on "Geocaching" at KDWP TV.

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