Local adventurers have a new challenge before them.

To celebrate the centennial of BC Parks, the Geocaching Association of BC has hidden 100 special packages in provincial parks all over B.C.

Anyone with a GPS device can obtain the coordinates for one of the 100 packages and track it down in a park nearby.

Called geo-caching, the treasure-hunt-style activity used global positioning system technology to locate a hidden container.

In this case, BC Parks and the Geocaching Association has placed a stash of stickers, pins, coins and other collectibles inside the containers, called "caches".

With the advent of smart phones and other mobile technologies, geocaching has become increasingly popular. According to the website www.geocaching.com, there are more than 1.4 million active geocaches in existence and approximately five million geocachers worldwide.

"People sometimes point to modern technologies as reasons for spending more time indoors. But geocaching does just the opposite. With this new initiative, we're giving tech-savvy kids and families a new incentive to get out there and explore our spectacular natural surroundings," said Environment Minister Terry Lake.

Around Cranbrook, geocaches have been hidden at Jimsmith Lake, Moyie Lake, Elk Valley, Kikomun Creek, Wasa Lake and Yahk provincial parks.

Go to www.bcgeocaching.com for a full list of locations and the coordinates of the geocaches.