====== Maps, Compasses, and Orienteering ======

//Orienteering is the sport of navigation through often unfamiliar terrain and it's a great way to teach kids about reading maps and trail signs. Look for an orienteering club in your area--many hold events specifically for scouts or make their  maps and courses available for free online. This activity is a great one to do on a campout where you can do the learning activities in the morning then do a hike or go orienteering in the afternoon. Alternatively you can spread it out over two meetings.//

  * Opening Ceremony
  * Talk About Maps
    * Why is it important to know where you're going?
    * Different types of maps (topographical, street maps, etc)
    * How to read a map
    * What are some things you might use a map for?
    * Using a compass
    * What other ways can be used to tell people which way to go?
  * Trail Signs
    * Have the kids practice making trail signs and following the signs others have make.
  * Snack & Story Time
  * Draw Your Own Maps
    * Have the kids make their own maps then trade and follow the maps that someone else made.
  * Closing Ceremony

Follow Up Meeting:

  * Go on a day hike/orienteering adventure
    * You'll want to do this somewhere where there is a map the kids can follow, ideally with intersecting paths
    * Have the kids figure out which way to go using the map
    * Have the kids practice using compasses
    * Have the kids practice pointing out or creating trail signs

===== Related Activites: =====

  * [[activities:index:day_hike|Day Hike]]
  * [[activities:index:orienteering|Orienteering]]

===== Items Needed: =====

  * Demonstration Maps
  * Compasses
  * [[sections:otters:books|Martha Maps It Out]] or other book for Story Time
  * Paper and Pencils for Map Making (Consider using graph paper)
  * Clipboards
  * //For follow up meeting: Maps of the area you'll be hiking/orienteering//

===== Badge Requirements Covered: =====

=== Blue Activity Paw ===

  * Day Hike

=== Tan Handicraft Paw ===

  * Map or Diagram

{{tag>meeting:otter ot_activity:day_hike ot_handicraft:map_or_diagram ot_handicraft:trail_signs}}