Related articles
- Funny Fridays with Sam- A Creation Museum joke for you… (samuellcollins.wordpress.com)
Monthly Archives: June 2012
Funny Fridays with Sam: A Geography joke with Debbie Strayer
Geocaching: What Do I Need to Get Started? (part 2/5)
Part 2: Getting Started. I’ll cover topics such as:
- What you need to get started
- Where to find the GPS coordinates for the CACHES? and maybe even
- provide some links (by state) for more fun.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Okay, so you THINK you might be interested in Geocaching but need more information. That’s what this post is for. Let’s begin quickly, someone else is out there finding your treasure!
There’s treasure in the box!
So, what DO you need to get started?
Here’s the list (in no particular order):
Willing spirit to go outside. I know that seems like a big deal, but my parents tell me that getting away from the technology is a good thing; so, let’s go breathe some fresh air.
Transportation. Although Geocaching is fun to walk to, there probably aren’t more than a few in your neighborhood. But the good news is: there probably ARE some caches located everywhere you currently go. The grocery store, the local park, the library and even parking lots have some (Please be careful in parking lots; I almost got run over by a car in a parking lot and it was NO fun!)
A GPS. Yes, you really do need one, but many things count as a GPS. Mom might have one in her car already. Mom’s phone (if it’s smart) may be able to download a GPS app (more about that later), or you may want to splurge and buy a hand-held GPS. I own a Garmin GPS and I think they are the best on the market.
A Geocaching.com account. Geocaching.com is the largest geocaching website with over 7 million logs being submitted each month and over 1.4 million caches listed around the world. Geocaching.com offers lots of information about geocaching, the rules, as well as geocaching supplies. The good news is that the account is free and Mom and Dad will like that!
This video will describe what to do when you get to Geocaching.com!
Closed shoes. Going outside is fun but tracking through the woods in flip-flops is NOT.
Mom and Dad. This is NOT something you want to try on your own, or go on your own. You’ll need supervision and if you bring Mom and Dad it’s more fun anyway.
So, gather your items: shoes, Mom and Dad, a GPS, a car, and go get that Geocaching account.
Related articles
- Geocaching: What is it? (part 1/5)- repost (samuellcollins.wordpress.com)
Geocaching with Sam: Can you find it?
Geocaching is fun! Finding treasure is funnier! and sometimes the clues are… (well, you decide)
Here was the clue to this cache:
If you can’t find this one, Geocaching might not be for you!
So, let’s take a look: can you find it?
Yup, sometimes they are just that easy!
Go geocaching!
Sam
“The boys were thrilled by Samuel’s “cool” gadget watch…”- Mom
Lisa Marie Fletcher and Titus 2 blog review –
I recently was offered the opportunity to review some videos for a fun new family movie series called Samuel L. Collins and the Search for Biblical Truths.
This month, I’m sharing our review of their first movie – Samuel L Collins in Singapore. Next month, we’ll check out the adventure in Bali.
Samuel L. Collins and the Search for Biblical Truths – Singapore episode
Samuel L Collins’ series is designed for families (especially boys, I think), obviously modelled off the idea of Indiana Jones and the idea of making learning Bible Truths into an adventure quest.
When the box arrived with our videos, I showed them to the boys and thought that we would wait to watch them on the weekend. The kids, apparently, had other ideas and before I knew it – the 4 of us were snuggled on the couch eagerly starting the video.
In this first video, Samuel is a secret agent and his family are called to Singapore, where Samuel finds some money dropped by a lady walking down the street and then is sent on a mission to learn more about integrity and treasures.
What I really liked about this movie is that although the title would lead you to believe that Samuel is the only one on the adventure – it actually is a whole family activity. His sister, Katie, is an active part of the search and helps Samuel complete his challenges. I like that it takes something as simple as a Bible verse and makes it exciting and special. The special digital effects were really well-done.
The boys were thrilled by Samuel’s “cool” gadget watch, and as the story progressed, were eager to participate in the challenges of deciphering codes. Samuel has to use his GPS to find the geobox, an activity that we love doing too – geocaching (aka “Treasure Hunting”).
It was a nice treat to have a live-action movie for Christian values that my kids would sit through and enjoy! We are going to watch it a few more times this week, I’m sure!
Wow! Thanks Mrs. Fletcher for the awesome review!
Gotta run,
Sam
Related articles
- Geocaching: Cool Caches with Samuel L Collins (samuellcollins.wordpress.com)
- Would you rather… (samuellcollins.wordpress.com)
- Geocaching: Have you signed up? (samuellcollins.wordpress.com)
Geocaching in Virginia: What’s in the ammo box?
GEOCAHCING is like having a birthday!
Every time we go geocaching, I’m excitedly thinking, “What’s in the box? What’s in the box?”
It reminds me of Blue’s Clues:
Who remembers Blue’s Clue?
Present time, present time. Open it up and see what’s inside…
Well, on my last Geocaching adventure I found some neat stuff. Let’s see what’s inside…
See I told you it was neat!
Signing off,
Sam
Geocaching: What is it? (part 1/5)- repost
Many of my friends wish they could tag along on my adventures around the world….
Hey, wait for me???
and I must admit it’s amazing to travel to the places I’ve been, but Geocaching is a great adventure of it’s own. And it happens in every corner of the world, so even if the nearest State Park is the farthest from home you’ll ever get, you too CAN have your own FAMILY ADVENTURE….
So, in honor of SUMMER and VACATIONS, I’m going to write a series of blog posts that describe the “how-to’s” and “Joys” of GEOCACHING…
Geocaching: What is it? (part 1)
So, what is this family-fun activity? It’s part ‘treasure-hunting’ part ‘scavenger hunting’ and part ‘hiking’.
Doesn’t geocaching look fun?
Small and large ‘treasure boxes’ called CACHES or GEOCACHES
Geocaching containers come in a variety of sizes and shapes
are hidden ALL over the world. Yes, that’s right ALL over the world (over 100 countries including America), which means that no matter where YOU live- there’s probably a CACHE near you. 🙂
How many ‘treasure boxes’ are located around the world? Around 2 MILLION. Wow, that’s quite a LOT of treasure to go find!
Not like the pirates….
But the difference is we’re not PIRATES…. and we use modern technology!
How do we find the Treasure?
Modern technology has allowed us to move beyond paper and pen (thank goodness) and today’s Treasures are monitored by latitude and longitude in the world of Geopositioning technology (think Satellites in outer space beaming around information…).
Hey, this way to the TREASURE BOX!
Each GPS (just like the one your mom uses in the car to find the grocery store) is a latitude/longitude mapping program that allows us to move from one location (home) to the next (the TREASURE box or cache)!
If we put in our home coordinates, we can use this technology to find ALL the CACHES in our area! It really is that simple. The GPS guides us to the CACHE and we scoop up all the loot! Well, not really, but we’ll cover geocaching rules later.
So, are you interested? I sure hope so. Come back next Tuesday and we’ll cover Part 2: Getting Started. I’ll cover topics such as:
* What you need to get started
* Where to find the GPS coordinates for the CACHES? and
* provide some links (by state) for more fun.
See you next week!
Signing off,
Sam
Related articles
- Geocaching: Cool Caches with Samuel L Collins (samuellcollins.wordpress.com)
Pizza: What’s thick and cheesy with meat all over?
Pizza: What’s thick and cheesy with meat all over?
Pizza: Chicago style (with our secret receipe)
When it’s just Dad and I home alone we like to play around in the kitchen and test new recipes for our favorite foods. Last night we decided to try our best to make an authentic Chicago deep dish pizza.
Sam’s Chicago-style deep dish pizza masterpiece
Friday Funny with Sam: Down by the Lake
It’s summer-time, so here’s your lake joke….
Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha- okay, you can laugh now…
Signing off,
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Happy Flag Day! Do you know what it is?
Flag Day: what is it?
From Wikipedia:
It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States, which happened that day by resolution of the Second Continental Congress in 1777.[1] The United States Army also celebrates the Army Birthday on this date; Congress adopted “the American continental army” after reaching a consensus position in the Committee of the Whole on June 14, 1775.
In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that officially established June 14 as Flag Day; in August 1949, National Flag Day was established by an Act of Congress.
Flag Day is not an official federal holiday, though on June 14, 1937, Pennsylvania became the first (and only) U.S. state to celebrate Flag Day as a state holiday, beginning in the town of Rennerdale.[1] Title 36 of the United States Code, Subtitle I, Part A, CHAPTER 1, § 110[4] is the official statute on Flag Day; however, it is at the President’s discretion to officially proclaim the observance.
One of the longest-running Flag Day parades is held annually in Quincy, Massachusetts, which began in 1952, celebrating its 59th year in 2010.[5] The 59th Annual Appleton Wisconsin 2009 Flag Day Parade featured the U.S. Navy. The largest Flag Day parade is held annually in Troy, New York, which bases its parade on the Quincy parade and typically draws 50,000 spectators.[1][6]
Perhaps the oldest continuing Flag Day parade is at Fairfield, Washington.[7] Beginning in 1909 or 1910, Fairfield has held a parade every year since, with the possible exception of 1918, and celebrated the “Centennial” parade in 2010, along with some other commemorative events.
Wow, I never knew!
The pledge :
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Happy Flag Day USA,
Signing off,
Sam
 United States |
June 14 | Flag Day Commemorates adoption of the U.S. flag, June 14, 1777. |
Related articles
- Guide to honoring the flag this Flag Day (newsobserver.com)
- It’s Flag Day – Here’s how to fly Old Glory properly (pennlive.com)
Blokus: cool game, now available on Ipad
Blokus (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Yup, that’s correct. Blokus is now available for the Ipad!Here are the details!
Have fun,
Sam
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- Blokus – A Strategic Game(igamemom.com)
Fashion nightmares or knock-outs: Part two
Okay, so a young boy writing about fashion received quite a bit of attention yesterday.
Someone posted that women too have to shave. Okay, you’ve got me there, but FASHION is still overrated!
You rate these: nightmares or knock-outs?
Number One:
Number two: (this could be my sister’s attempt)
See what happens when girls get too creative….
Either way you cut it, toilet paper = paper mache or mummy = NIGHTMARE!
Signing off,
Sam
Related articles
- Load of toilet paper catches fire (toledoblade.com)
- Trailer hauling toilet paper ignites on US road (todayonline.com)
Do your children have the ‘moral mustard’ – Part 2
When you last visited, my precious Ipod Touch had been reduced to ‘garbage’ and was located here….
Mom left the room and banished me to my room to think about things. I glanced over to Katie sitting in shock and awe realizing that Mom had thrown away my life.
Yes, my life!
My music, my games, my entertainment, my GPS, my dictionary, books I was reading on it and more! My life! I sat wondering how this all went so wrong. Mom mentioned something about my attitude and that if I couldn’t throw it away easily, it might be an idol.
An IDOL?
“Surely not” I thought to myself, but i was devastated by what Mom had done. It didn’t seem fair and I felt crushed. In fact I was down right MAD at her.
“How dare her throw away my object?
“She doesn’t have the right!”
“I’m going to talk to Dad when he gets home from his business trip.”
Yes, that’s exactly what I’m going to do! And for a brief moment I felt better… but suddenly it dawned on me that Dad wouldn’t be back for at least three more days…. and sometime in there the garbage would be taken to the street.
Noooooooooooooo! This is just not fair!
My mind continued to return to what my Mom had said. “Sam, if you can’t easily throw that object away it just might be an IDOL in your life.”
I spent the afternoon distracting myself with Legos. I turned on my CD player and listened to music convinced that Mom was wrong and I was RIGHT, but I still hadn’t come up with a plan to rescue my Ipod, and the garbage can was getting fuller and fuller every hour.
As soon as I was engaged in an activity, my mind wandered back again to my Mom’s statement, “Sam, if you can’t easily throw that object away it just might be an IDOL in your life.”
An IDOL? Not the kind that sings on the American Idol show, but the kind where you bow down and worship. Like this guy…
An IDOL! An IDOL? an idol.
As I sat on the edge of the bed and I had to admit, for the first time, that I did worship my Ipod Touch.
- I did think the world of it.
- I did honor it with all my spare time.
- And, more importantly, I was attached to it, probably way more than I should have been.
If I honestly looked at the situation I do worship my Ipod!
Staring at the floor I gently closed my eyes and prayed. I was wrong and I asked God to forgive me for placing an item above my relationship with Him, my mother, my sister and my schoolwork.
I found Mom and asked if we could talk and I shared my feelings. When Mom and Dad bought me the Ipod Touch I felt invincible. I thought I had my parents wrapped around my finger and that I could do or say anything I wanted. I thought too highly of myself, and I thought too highly of my Ipod Touch. I realized that I had plugged myself in to a world of never-ending news, music, and entertainment. I apologized and told Mom that I was glad she got my attention for I felt lost, but free…
I want to worship only one thing- God!
Signing off,
Sam
P.S. Our Bali episode is about Idols. Do your children know the truth about idols: find out here….
Related articles
Fashion: what are these girls thinking?
Okay, so being a BOY has plenty of downsides:
- Responsible for an entire family’s well-being. (emotional, spiritual, monetary)
- Work, work, work
- Shaving everyday!
- Driving to work everyday
- Did I mention being responsible for my wife and my children and being a good provider?
But being a GIRL is just so ridiculous:
- Being responsible for children
- Cooking and cleaning
- taking care of the BOYS… and
- FASHION….
What on earth are these girls thinking? My wife will NEVER be interested in this….
What? No, really. What?
And yes, someone somewhere looked at that outfit and thought to themselves, “That’s cool!”
Ha….
Signing off,
Sam
Geocaching: Today’s the day, so don’t wait….
Have you signed up? Well, have you?
The contest has begun and the entrants are rolling in. Will you be one of them. Are you ready to WIN?
Time for SUMMER fun…
Do your children have the ‘moral mustard’?
My Dad thinks I”m a good son (most of the time) but he also knows that I need boundaries.
Unfortunately, I can often weasel my way out of those boundaries and that is not ‘cutting the mustard’.
I don’t always have the “moral mustard”…
#HEAV let’s get it started. We’re set
#HEAV let’s get it started. We’re set up and ready to go! Don’t miss the $10 OFF coupon from this week’s HEAV email blast. @SamuelLCollins
Cipher challenge… 6/7
Here’s your cipher challenge of the week:
SP IYE KBO KDDOXNSXQ ROKF DRSC GOOUOXN CDYZ LI LYYDR 223 PYB K CZOMSKV QSPD PYB IYEB DOKMROB.
COO IYE DROBO, CKW
Leave your winning codes in the comment section below….
Have fun!
Sam
Geocaching: What is it? (part 1/5)
Many of my friends wish they could tag along on my adventures around the world….
Hey, wait for me???
and I must admit it’s amazing to travel to the places I’ve been, but Geocaching is a great adventure of it’s own. And it happens in every corner of the world, so even if the nearest State Park is the farthest from home you’ll ever get, you too CAN have your own FAMILY ADVENTURE….
So, in honor of SUMMER and VACATIONS, I’m going to write a series of blog posts that describe the “how-to’s” and “Joys” of GEOCACHING…
Geocaching: What is it? (part 1)
So, what is this family-fun activity? It’s part ‘treasure-hunting’ part ‘scavenger hunting’ and part ‘hiking’.
Doesn’t geocaching look fun?
Small and large ‘treasure boxes’ called CACHES or GEOCACHES
Geocaching containers come in a variety of sizes and shapes
are hidden ALL over the world. Yes, that’s right ALL over the world (over 100 countries including America), which means that no matter where YOU live- there’s probably a CACHE near you. 🙂
How many ‘treasure boxes’ are located around the world? Around 2 MILLION. Wow, that’s quite a LOT of treasure to go find!
Not like the pirates….
But the difference is we’re not PIRATES…. and we use modern technology!
How do we find the Treasure?
Modern technology has allowed us to move beyond paper and pen (thank goodness) and today’s Treasures are monitored by latitude and longitude in the world of Geopositioning technology (think Satellites in outer space beaming around information…).
Hey, this way to the TREASURE BOX!
Each GPS (just like the one your mom uses in the car to find the grocery store) is a latitude/longitude mapping program that allows us to move from one location (home) to the next (the TREASURE box or cache)!
If we put in our home coordinates, we can use this technology to find ALL the CACHES in our area! It really is that simple. The GPS guides us to the CACHE and we scoop up all the loot! Well, not really, but we’ll cover geocaching rules later.
So, are you interested? I sure hope so. Come back next Tuesday and we’ll cover Part 2: Getting Started. I’ll cover topics such as:
* What you need to get started
* Where to find the GPS coordinates for the CACHES? and
* provide some links (by state) for more fun.
See you next week!
Signing off,
Sam
Samuel L. Collins 