An introductory course on geocaching, which will include map reading, the use of a handheld GPS and the use of a geocaching smart phone application, will be taught at the Southern Ohio Amateur Radio Association meeting at 7 p.m. on Monday in the rear portion of the 911/EMA building at 515 Park Ave. in Ironton.

Geocaching is the recreational activity of hunting for and finding a hidden object by means of GPS coordinates.

At the end of the instruction a practical exercise will take place to locate a cache. The training provides a skill set that will be of an immediate benefit, Ken Massie, SOARA public information officer, said.

Anyone interested in geocaching, map reading, use of a handheld GPS and the use of a compass should attend, Massie said.

“The training elements of geocaching are of special interest to firefighters, law enforcement, search and rescue, scouts, ham radio operators, 911 personnel and the military,” Massie said. “If you have a GPS, compass or smart phone, bring them with you although they are not required to attend.”

Tim Nicely, who is recognized as an expert in map reading and the use of GPS, will be the main speaker and instructor. Nicely is retired from the military having served with the 82nd Airborne Division and the Army engineers.  He served in Honduras, Panama, Nicaragua and Iraq. He was also part of an exchange program with the British Royal Engineers.

Nicely is a graduate of Ohio University, earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice/psychology. Nicely is the also the assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 106 and is a SOARA member.

“Tim is recognized as a leading expert in our area for his instruction on geocaching,” Massie said. “Tim makes the course interesting and it is presented for all age groups. Geocaching is a fun, international hobby for the entire family with many benefits, especially for hikers, boaters, hunters or if you just enjoy the outdoors. The skills learned will give you confidence in the use of GPS to locate your position on a map and find your way as you travel in an unknown location.  Just think, never to be lost again will be a major take away from this course, especially in an emergency.”

The course is free and light refreshments will be available.