Introduction to Navigation
Today most of us are accustom to getting directions from our GPS along well-marked streets. Unaccustomed to using our sight, hearing, and smell, to build a mental map we easily can get lost in the woods. Before beginning work with compass and map navigation you will first learn to measure time, distance, and how to engage your senses to build a mental map of your surroundings.
Navigating with Topographic Maps
Though topographic maps don’t matter much in our daily lives in the city or suburbs, when moving through the wilderness you can learn a great deal about terrain you will be crossing. During this section of the class you will learn how to read topographic maps and use a compass in sync with it. Afterwards, we will practice on the trail, and who knows, your abilities with compass and map navigation may prevent you from ever getting lost again.
Navigating with a Compass
In this part of the class you will learn how to get your bearings and travel off trail with the aid of a compass. At the conclusion of this part of this section of the class we will have an Orienteering competition. You will compete against your fellow classmates in a friendly game to test your navigation skills.