Orienteering With Map and Compass

Learn how to use a map and compass to find hidden markers in a wooded area from Gary Crouch, a former navigator in the U.S. Air Force.

Orienteering, often described as physical chess and “cunning running”, is an activity that can be a race or an easy trail walk in the woods. It can be done competitively or for recreation. Orienteering is using a map and a compass to find hidden markers in a wooded area. One can walk casually using the map to follow trails that lead to the markers that are designated on the map or you can run though brush and up steep hillsides where there are no well-defined trails. It also offers many variations, including traveling on a bike or finding the markers in the dark. All that is required is an inexpensive compass and a map that is purchased from the organization that is setting up the event. There are many clubs, including ones in Cincinnati and Dayton, which organize orienteering events. It is an activity that all ages can enjoy. In competitive orienteering, competitors are separated into groups by age, such as 35+ for competitors age 35 and over. This class is aimed at all ages.

About Your Instructor
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Gary Crouch first learned about orienteering in the mid-70’s and took an orienteering class at Miami University. He later became a navigator in the U.S. Air Force. He participates in orienteering events whenever he can, including in the rain, snow, and sub-zero weather.