Navigation
To improve your navigation skills, and have fun hiking and exploring local landscapes, try orienteering! Here in the DC area there is a great club that has regular family and (often) dog-friendly events, well worth your time. Learn more about the Quantico Orienteering Club at their website qocweb.org.
Directions for Natural Leaders Navigators:
Watch the videos below. The bottom video is intended for students navigating at our Lorton program, or that are going to try orienteering.
These videos can provide you a good foundation, but are not enough to make you a confident navigator. In class you encouraged to ask a more experienced student to coach you in using the map and compass. You are not expected to be an expert -- the goal is for you to get some practice, and improve your navigation skills over time.
You will work with the coordinator and/or instructor about where to lead the group. Don't be discouraged if you have a hard time, and don't be shy to ask questions. Eventually it will all click, and feel natural!
These videos can provide you a good foundation, but are not enough to make you a confident navigator. In class you encouraged to ask a more experienced student to coach you in using the map and compass. You are not expected to be an expert -- the goal is for you to get some practice, and improve your navigation skills over time.
You will work with the coordinator and/or instructor about where to lead the group. Don't be discouraged if you have a hard time, and don't be shy to ask questions. Eventually it will all click, and feel natural!
Reading a compass. Red needle points north!
Contour lines, counter intervals & slopes
Orienting the map:
Thumbing the map:
Orienting off the landscape (sequel to video above):
Reading an orienteering map:
Natural Leaders students: watch this if you are navigating at our Lorton program.
