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Description

Scouts will complete an orienteering course, using their map-reading and compass skills, with a focus on following directions rather than simply spotting checkpoints.

Resources

- Orienteering maps
- Checkpoint markers (clearly visible but requiring navigation to approach)
- Whistles for each group leader

Instructions

1. Briefing: Gather all the Scouts and explain the purpose of the orienteering challenge. Describe what orienteering is and outline how it helps develop navigational skills using a map and compass. Explain that they will be exploring the park and will find designated checkpoints by following specific directions, rather than visually spotting them.

2. Rules Explanation: Clearly explain the rules of the orienteering challenge:
- Emphasise that Scouts must rely on their compass and the directions provided to locate each checkpoint.
- Inform them that they will not be able to directly see the checkpoints until they reach the assigned areas based on their directions.
- Each group must stick together and help each other navigate, ensuring no one strays off course or skips checkpoints.

3. Groups: Divide Scouts into groups of at least two. Ensure each group has varied levels of experience to encourage teamwork. Hand out a map and compass to each group, ensuring they understand how to use them.

4. Setting Up Checkpoints: Place visible checkpoints scattered throughout the park, but not directly in line with each other visually. For each checkpoint, give groups a specific compass bearing and navigation task:
- For example: “From the starting point, walk 100 meters north to find Checkpoint 1. From there, take a bearing of 90° and walk for 50 meters to find Checkpoint 2.”
- Ensure the directions require the Scouts to use bearings and distances rather than simply spotting the nearest visible features.

5. Navigation Instruction: Explain the process of navigation:
- Emphasise that Scouts will need to use their compass bearings along with distance travel to locate each checkpoint.
- Provide a detailed example on how to calculate the distance they need to walk based on their bearings, ensuring they stay on course.
- Mentally walk them through each step so they understand what to do at each stage before they begin.

6. Start the Challenge: Set a clear starting point and give each group their first set of directions. Signal the start of the orienteering challenge. Encourage them to work as a team, checking and confirming each other's bearings and distance traveled.

7. Monitoring Progress: Walk around the park to periodically check on each group as they navigate the course. Offer assistance if needed, but encourage Scouts to figure things out themselves where possible.

8. Return to Start: Remind groups to return to the starting point once they have located all checkpoints. Conduct a brief check-in to ensure all groups have successfully found their designated checkpoints using navigation.

Tags

• orienteering

Badge Links

• Navigator - 4-figure reference
• Navigator - 6-figure reference
• Navigator - Locate
• Navigator - Use map
• Navigator - Use map
• Navigator - Walk on bearing