how to set up an orienteering course in school

by Kaitlin Fay 9 min read

Once the course is planned, the posts need to be installed in the right place. It is a good idea to work with your local club and course planner to set out and check the locations. Responsibility for installation varies and is something you need to negotiate with the club – if you have grounds staff this is often a good way to get the course installed.

Give each student (or team) a score card and a map. Start each student or team at intervals on alternating courses. With a single course, students or teams should be started at least a minute apart. From a standpoint of having each student / team learn the most, the greater separation between start times the better.

Full Answer

How to start orienteering and learn to love it?

Orienteering Clubs. Orienteering clubs, which put on meets and provide training, are your best place to start. For a state-by-state list of clubs, visit the website of the national organization: Orienteering USA, which also has several articles to help newcomers learn about the sport.

How to start orienteering?

Part 2 Part 2 of 3: Participating in a Basic Orienteering Course Download Article

  1. Study your map. When you start your race, take a moment to look at the topographical map which will consist of a start, a series of control sites connected ...
  2. Orient your compass with your map. Your map will have an arrow indicating north. ...
  3. Look for your first control site. ...
  4. Punch your card or electronic dibber. ...

How to design an orienteering course?

Things You'll Need

  • A whistle
  • Water - bring more if you'll be running a more advanced course or running in hot weather.
  • Course map and control card from registration
  • Compass (preferably a proper orienteering compass or thumb compass)
  • A SI or EMIT card (they are usually available to hire if you don't have your own)
  • You may want a control holder but they are not necessary. ...

More items...

What are the basic skills in orienteering?

  • Fold your map so that you can comfortably hold it in one hand.
  • Align the long edge of the compass with the direction that you need to go.
  • Rotate your whole body until the compass needle and the north lines on the map are lined up.
  • The long edge of the compass and the direction of travel arrow now point in the direction you need to go.

How do I set up a basic orienteering course?

Set up a 100-foot course near your meeting place. As Scouts arrive, have them walk the course and calculate their pace (how far they travel every two steps). Draw a large chalk circle on the parking lot. Place an index card marked “North” at the northernmost point.

How do I create an orienteering map?

What Are the Steps in Making an Orienteering Map?Select a suitable area.Obtain permission to use the area.Prepare a base map.Select the map scale.Do the field work.Draft the map.Print the map.Archive the map.

How do I set up a compass course?

1:115:11How to Setup a Compass Course - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd so what i'll do is make sure that the compass is set to north. Then there's a direction ofMoreAnd so what i'll do is make sure that the compass is set to north. Then there's a direction of travel arrow on the compass. Base we'll set that to the direction.

How is orienteering organized?

Orienteering is a group of sports that require navigational skills using a map and compass to navigate from point to point in diverse and usually unfamiliar terrain whilst moving at speed. Participants are given a topographical map, usually a specially prepared orienteering map, which they use to find control points.

What are the four basic orienteering skills?

SkillsNOTE: The content here is for those who are ready to build their skills and are seeking guidance. You do not need to know any of this in order to show up at and enjoy an orienteering event! ... Basic Skills. Orienting the Map. ... Basic Skills. ... Thumbing the Map. ... Line Features. ... Catching Features. ... Reading the Map. ... Contours.More items...

What are the basics of orienteering?

Orienteering (“O” for short) is a timed event across a mostly natural landscape, where participants navigate through a series of checkpoints along the way. The route from one checkpoint to the next isn't marked: Each participant decides the best route on the run (or walk).

How do I set up an orienteering scavenger hunt?

Leave your first clue at the starting point. Then go to the place you described in the clue and look around for your next destination. Write a clue for that destination; leave it where you are standing and move on to continue writing clues. If you have multiple teams, have them all end up in the same place.

How do you use an orienteering map?

Place the compass flat on the map. Rotate the map until the "north lines" on the map (a series of evenly spaced parallel lines drawn across the map, all pointing to magnetic north) are aligned with the compass needle. The map should now be oriented to the terrain.

How do you hold an orienteering compass?

0:083:28How to Hold a Compass (Navigation Basics) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst you need to hold your hand out with your palm up parallel to the ground don't tip it forwardMoreFirst you need to hold your hand out with your palm up parallel to the ground don't tip it forward or backwards. Make it as flat. And parallel to the ground as. Possible.

What equipment is needed for orienteering?

The main things you need is a map, compass and checkpoint recording device. Maps and checkpoint electronic punching devices are usually provided by event organizers. There is a wide variety in quality and price of orienteering equipment, which can be chosen depending on your needs and desirable performance level.

What are the equipments used during orienteering?

Orienteering EquipmentMap. Any kind of map may be used for orienteering (even a street map), but the best ones are detailed five-color topographic maps developed especially for the sport. ... Compass. A compass is vitally important for correct navigation. ... Racing Suit. ... Running shoes. ... Control card. ... Other. ... Related Pages.

What is the primary equipment needed in orienteering?

A compass is really the only thing that you “need” to be able to take part in orienteering. A compass with a flat, rectangular base and a movable dial is the best choice for orienteering, because it can be set down properly onto your course map.

What is orienteering in sports?

Orienteering is a competitive sport where participants use a map to find their way to fixed control points. During the activity, participants will learn about the sport of orienteering and be taught fundamental map reading and navigation skills. They will then put these skills in to practice and work in small teams to complete an orienteering course.

What is the sport of orienteering?

Orienteering is a sport in which participants compete and navigate round a series of checkpoints (control points) using a large scale map and relying heavily on teamwork. Although the fastest team back wins, navigational skills are more important than running speed – the activity can be performed both for fun and competitively and is suitable for all ages.

What is the goal of the Orienteering Program?

The program’s goal is to have athletes train so that they keep their bodies healthy, learn to be self-aware, and develop skills that will help them become strong orienteers and to be successful in life.

What is orienteering skills?

The Orienteering Skills Program is a sequential, four-step program for improving navigation from beginner to advanced orienteer. Each level features concepts, learning, and demonstration of skills that build on each other, as well as a completion patch. This is intended for use by coaches and beginner orienteers to ensure a proper progression of skills and may be integrated with the three programs above.

What is Discovering Orienteering?

An excellent resource for physical educators, recreation and youth leaders, orienteering coaches as well as individuals, Discovering Orienteering distills the sport into teachable components relating to various academic disciplines , provides an array of learning activities, and includes an introduction to physical training and activities for coaching beginning to intermediate orienteers. Guidelines take eager beginners beyond the basics and prepare them to participate in orienteering events. More than 60 ready-to-use activities assist educators in applying the benefits of orienteering across the curriculum.#N#Developed in conjunction with Orienteering USA (OUSA), Discovering Orienteering addresses the methods, techniques, and types of orienteering commonly found throughout the United States and Canada.#N#Available at Amazon & Google Play

How to become a navigator?

Becoming a proficient navigator involves learning a number of basic concepts and techniques and practicing these skills on a regular basis. Realize that as a beginner you will make mistakes and some will likely cost you a lot of time on the course. Learn to recognize what leads to these mistakes and be able to correct yourself before they become big errors. Even elite orienteers make mistakes, the difference is that they can more quickly catch themselves, adjust accordingly and minimize their time lost to errors. Practice, practice, practice…

How to build endurance and speed?

Intensity: If you want to improve your speed, you need to train harder. Consider intervals, hill repeats, and tempo runs to push you outside of your comfort zone.

How long does it take to complete an orange course?

As a general guideline, a competitive beginner has mastered the basics when they can complete an Orange (Intermediate) Course at a rate of 10 minutes per kilometer for men or 12 minutes per kilometer for women. For example, a male runner who completes a 3.5km Orange course in 35:00 minutes has met the 10 min/km standard.

What does yellow mean in orienteering?

Yellow: slow down, cautious movement and orienteering. Green: full speed, rough direction. Contouring: practice staying at the same elevation along a hillside (imagine following a contour); a useful skill to use when faced with a leg that crosses a very steep hill or valley.

How to help Scouts with orienteering?

Introduce Scouts to the sport of orienteering. Help Scouts work toward the Orienteering merit badge. Fost er self-confidence and team building. LEADERSHIP PLANNING .

How to make a 100 foot course for Scouts?

Set up a 100-foot course near your meeting place. As Scouts arrive, have them walk the course and calculate their pace (how far they travel every two steps). Draw a large chalk circle on the parking lot. Place an index card marked “North” at the northernmost point.

What to do when Scouts arrive?

As Scouts arrive, challenge them to sketch topographic maps of their neighborhoods or the area around your meeting place. Set up a display of items related to orienteering courses , including controls, punches, control cards, maps, bibs, etc.

Where to put index cards for Scouts?

As Scouts arrive, give them index cards marked with other compass points. Have them place their cards in the correct spots on the circle. As Scouts arrive, challenge them to sketch topographic maps of their neighborhoods or the area around your meeting place.

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