Map & Compass 1: Compass Skills

want to feel comforatable using a compass?

It’s one of the Hiking 10 Essentials. But every week we have people mention they have no idea how to use a compass and wouldn’t know how to use it if they had one. If you feel the same way, read on!

In this course we’ll have fun identifying why people get lost, and how you’ll most likely get lost. Next, we’ll grab our compasses and start slowly, getting you comfortable with how to use a compass to go in a straight line. Then we’ll get you comfortable returning to where you started. And finally, you’ll learn one of the most fun parts of the course - how to successfully get around hazards and obstacles!

After you feel comfortable with the compass, we’ll grab a map and learn about the different types of “north”, and after a quick trick you’ll understand the difference between magnetic north and true north. You’ll learn why it’s better to move towards a “baseline” than a specific point, then we’ll have fun figuring out how to use a map & compass to go to fun places!

We’ll practice, practice, practice until you feel comfortable with the compass and map orientation.

Two hour introductory class. A great beginner’s course, or a chance to brush up on rusty skills.

You’ll learn:

• Why We Get Lost

  • Main reasons we get lost

  • How hard it is to navigate with and without your senses

  • Why “natural” guides are not reliable

• Compass Navigation

  • Compass parts

  • Where a compass points

  • Interference

  • Learn “Red in the Shed”

  • Walk in a straight line

  • Walk back to your starting point

  • How to get around hazards and obstacles

• Using a Compass with a Map

  • Learn magnetic and true north

  • Properly orient a map

  • Using baselines vs. specific points

  • Have fun figuring out how to go places!