What is MOGA?

MOGA is the Midwest Open Geocaching Adventure. A fun event that was started by the St. Louis Area Geocachers Association.

Why does it exist?

MOGA exists because people have fun geocaching and hanging out with each other. Since the first MOGA in 2004, we have continued to grow it to become a popular Midwest event where people from all over can come and stay.

Where will it be in 2009?

Mark Twain Lake is one of Missouri's premier lakes. With a perfect setting for a geocaching event, the US Army Corps of Engineers have teamed up with Missouri Department of Natural Resources and donated a great area or the weekend. The Si Colborn Group Camp Area at Mark Twain State Park is a popular group camp area containing a dining hall and a program hall. The Staff at USACOE has donated the ammo boxes we will use for the event.

Will there be Camping?

Camping will be provided by the Corps of Engineers at one of the campgrounds in the recreation area. The camping is half price but you must call to reserve your spot. Full Hookups, (Sewer, Water, Electric) will be $11.00 per day while Electric Only sites will be $8.00 per day. Please call (573) 735-4097 and tell them you are with MOGA.

There is also camping at Mark Twain State Park. We will have winter rates at the state park but there will only be water available at the park headquarters. The showers will not be turned on. They have pit latrines at the campground. To make a reservation, go to MISSOURI STATE PARK RESERVATION SYSTEM or call 877-422-6766 Between 7 AM and 10 PM, 7 days a week.

What about Hotels?

There are many hotels and cabins in the area. Once again, we will negotiate a special MOGA rate with all the hotels, cabins and resorts in the area. Check out our MOGA Lodging page for full details.

Do I have to register everyone in my family?

YES! We have multiple levels of registration from full blown packets with meals to totally free registrations. Please go to our registration page for full details. By registering everyone, it allows us to have a total count of how many people will be attending the event.

We need a waiver from each person. You can just show up but we still have to have a waiver. The waiver can be downloaded from the website. You can fax the waiver or this year, we will offer electronic waiver signature so you don't have to fax or mail anything. If you fail to fill out a waiver, we will have one for you at registration and the Big Kahuna will be angry! If you do not preregister, there will be no packet for you when you arrive.

Remember, registration helps us to provide a quality program.  Coins, lanyards, meals, pins and T-Shirts can be purchased separately through our online store or at the event.

Keep in mind that ALL registrations will be done online. You can print out the registration form from the website and mail it in but you must register online. There will be no forms available for hand written registrations. Everything will come through the website. This doesn't mean you have to pay online. You can simply print the registration form after you have completed it and mail it in with a check. We will not include the registration form in the event manual like in the past.

Can I enter all the competitions?

The Individual competition will be at 8:00 AM in the morning. The 2 person team (Couples) and the 4 person team events will both be at 1:00 PM. You could enter the individual and a team event but, you will be worn out unless you possess super human strength!

Can couples split up if we each have a GPS?

No. The couples competition is designed to keep people together. You cache as a team looking together for the caches. It wouldn't be fair to the 2 person team that has only 1 GPSr.

Can only three of us compete in the 4 person team?

You can but you will be at a major disadvantage. 4 person teams will split up and take certain areas. Each will have a scorecard and they will fill their cards with punches however they feel works best for them. Most teams will assign certain areas or caches to each person and rendezvous back at the finish line prior to the deadline. This would be a major disadvantage for a 3 person team. Therefore it is best to compete with 4 people and each have their own GPS.

Will there be food at the event?

Yes, We have selected the Rustic Oak Cabin Steakhouse to cater the event. Just like in the past, they will be providing Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, Lunch on Saturday and Sunday, and Dinner Saturday Night. Check the website for full details.

I want to compete in the competition, do I still need to register?

YES! You will need to register as a participant. You can choose the registration level you would like but it must be done. Register and then select the competition.

I tried to register 2 people but it wants a unique E-Mail address for both of us.

Because we require an email address for each individual and make it mandatory, there is no way we can get around this. However, you can just add a 1 to the beginning or end of your email address, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for example, and send us a note. We will change it in the system once registration is complete.