Every September, the New York Capital Region Geocachers organize a picnic to socialize, share stories and play games. With 2020 being the 20th anniversary of geocaching, this was meant to be our biggest, most festive picnic yet. And then of course COVID-19 happened. With the pandemic making restrictions necessary for everyone's safety, this year's event will have to be scaled down and more socially distant than we'd wish for. Still we hope you will join us for a chance to reconnect and share in geocaching activities.
What we'll have
- A sign up table and geocoin exchange / geocache container swap table at the Riverview Pavillion at Schodack Island State Park. There is plenty of room under and around the pavillion to set up socially distanced lawn chairs and catch up with caching friends.
- A new Adventure Lab is planned for publishing on the morning of the event, with stations scattered around the island's trails
- A jailbreak game will send participants searching the island for keys - the game is designed with unique game pieces for each player (no high-touch objects).
- We're open to suggestions for other no-touch, socially distanced activities.
- PLEASE NOTE that the park charges a $6.00 admission fee per vehicle. Holders of a current Empire Pass enter free.
- Parking is visible immediately from the pavillion - use same coordinates.
- Most trails at Schodack Island State Park are level, broad and suitable for bicycles or walking. There is also a boat launch if you fancy a paddle on the Hudson to get nearby kayak caches.
IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS TO KEEP IN MIND
- Everyone please respect social distances while in the park and wear a mask when close to others. Take turns approaching tables.
- Per New York State regulations in effect, gatherings of more than 50 people are not permitted. Schodack Island State Park management authorized this event with the understanding that no more than 50 participants would be gathered at any time. Kindly bear that in mind and plan on taking advantage of the miles of beautiful trails Schodack Island offers, rather than stay clustered at the pavillion for the entire duration of the event.
- Sadly, in order to prevent people congregating around a buffet, this will be the first year that the picnic will have neither a grill nor a potluck lunch. Participants are asked to bring their own lunches and eat separately.
- Hand sanitizer and some spare disposable masks will be available at the sign up table for those who forget to bring their own.
- Smile under your mask, we can hear if you do 
Community Celebration Events - 2020
This Event is part of a limited release of Community Celebration Events to celebrate 20 years of geocaching. Geocachers hosted events between May 2, 2020 and December 31, 2021. Learn more about Community Celebration Events on the Geocaching Blog.