Navigation

Explain what navigation and orienteering are, and describe why accurate navigation is essential for safety and leadership in outdoor travel.

Explain first aid responses for navigation-related injuries including blisters, dehydration, heat exhaustion, hypothermia, insect stings, and tick bites, and explain why environmental awareness matters.

Explain how a compass works, identify all major parts of an orienteering compass, and explain the purpose of map declination.

Study a topographic map and identify at least five terrain features and ten common map symbols, explaining how each affects route choice.

Plan a short cross-country route using a topographic map, identifying handrails, attack points, catching features, and hazards.

In the field, orient a map using a compass, set and follow at least three accurate compass bearings across varied terrain.

Establish a measured pace count over 100 meters and use it to estimate distances while navigating a mapped route.

Navigate a cross-country course of at least 2,000 meters with multiple control points using only map and compass.

Participate in at least two additional navigation events or courses, demonstrating improvement in accuracy and efficiency.

Serve as a navigation leader or official during an event, assisting others with rules, safety, or course management.

Teach basic map and compass skills to a small group, demonstrating clear instruction and field application.

Review your navigation performance with a leader and explain major errors, successful decisions, and how terrain affected your choices.

Explain how navigation skills develop confidence, patience, and responsibility, and how these traits apply to leadership and discipleship.