From: FPicci1215@AOL.COM
Date: Sun Sep 03 2000 - 13:05:22 CDT
Orienteering, One of my most FAVI|ORITE things to do! NOT!! There used to
be an old saying about the most dangerous thing in the world was a "2LT with
a map". Well, when I made 1LT, they changed the saying...."a 1LT with a map
and compass"! And things haven't improved much over the years.
As a result, when we work orienteering there are a couple of fundamental
arrangements made:
1. I don't teach it.
2. We use the BSA compass game to help with fundamentals.
3. We joined (as a Troop) our State Orienteering Society
One of the least used resources available (and not just for Orienteering) are
special interest clubs that have regular meetings and events. The
orienteering society (in our case the Florida one) holds monthly "events" and
includes basic instruction/orientation (groan, pun intended) on map reading,
map and compass, use, map symbols, etc. The events are generally a lot of
fun and have multiple skill levels (basic beginner to overnight,
cross-country for advanced). Many clubs also have special programs for
Scouts working the Orienteering Merit badge, as well as special programs for
new scouts.
Best advantages to using the clubs, from my perspective are
1. I don't teach it.
2. They have experts that have lots of experience and patience.
3. they are well organized
4. all we have to do is show up (don't have to do the setup)
Fees are generally in the $2-3 dollar range if your unit is a member and
covers the cost of the map.
Strongly recommend them. If interested try using your state name in
conjunction with orienteering in a "search".
Franco Piccione
Scoutmaster
BSA Troop 225
Central Florida Council
