Orienteering Troop Program Feature for Scouts BSA

BSA has created updated versions of the Troop Program features for Scouts BSA. The Orienteering program feature is available in digital format on the BSA website or can be purchased as a publication from you local Scout Shop.

The Orienteering feature teaches Scouts to navigate unfamiliar territory using a map and compass. It also introduces them to the sport of orienteering, where participants race to find markers called controls. The program feature includes some general information and some more specific ideas for meetings:

• The basics of the sport of orienteering
• Course designations and difficulty levels
• Variations including night orienteering, paddling and horseback varieties, cycling orienteering, and ROGAINE (Rugged Outdoor Group Activity Involving Navigation and Endurance)

Suggested troop meeting ideas are grouped by essential, challenging, or advanced. Here are a few you can see in the guide.

• Learn how to use a compass (essential)
• Determine the bearings to a landmark (challenging)
• Calculate and follow back bearings (advanced)
• Learn about map symbols and contour lines (essential)
• Understand the use of colors on a map (challenging)
• Learn more about topographic maps (advanced)
• Orient a topographic map (essential)
• Learn to adjust for declination (advanced)
• Find the best way to travel using a topographic map (advanced)
• Learn the basics of the sport of orienteering (essential)
• Find out about different formats for orienteering meets (challenging)
• Find out about orienteering meets in your area (advanced)

There are also several games suggested to keep things interesting at your troop meetings

• Compass Triangle Game
• Map Symbol Relay
• Crash Landing
• Orienteering Scavenger Hunt

The plan even provides Scoutmaster’s minutes and ceremonies for meetings.

Then there is the “Main Event”. Once again, there are suggestions for essential, challenging, or advanced. Details and planning aids can be found in the online guide.

• Participate in an orienteering meet (essential)
• Plan an orienteering field day for Webelos in your area (challenging)
• Participate in a ROGAINE (Rugged Outdoor Group Activity Involving Navigation and Endurance) event

Find some related helps and achievements for the Orienteering Troop Program Feature below.

The Outdoor Code

Every Scout who is spending time outdoors should be familiar with the Outdoor Code. It is especially important for Webelos, Scouts BSA, and Venturers who are out camping regularly.

Guide Me Game for Webelos, Scouts BSA, and Venturers

This game makes a fun break in a meeting. It is appropriate for Webelos, Scouts BSA, or Venturers. The will have to work together to accomplish their goal.

Maps, Compasses, and Declination

Scouts will be interested to learn that the north indicated by their compasses is not really true north. Instead it points to the magnetic north pole, which is not fixed. The difference between true north and magnetic north is called declination.

Program Planning for Scouts BSA

The Scoutmaster, Senior Patrol Leader, and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader work together to develop long term plans for a Scouts BSA Troop. One thing which can help with this is the BSA troop program features.

Personal Measurement Log for Orienteering

When you go on an orienteering course, you need to have some ways to measure things. Some of the methods used require you to have something of known length for comparison. A personal measurement log will help you with this.

Scouts BSA Second Class Navigation Requirements Helps and Documents

Second Class requirement 3 is related to map and compass skills. Scouts learn how to use these tools. Then they put these skills to use on a hike. They also learn about hiking safely.

Scouts BSA First Class Navigation Requirements Helps and Documents

First Class requirement 4 is related to map and compass skills. Scouts learn to complete an orienteering course and how to use GPS.

Orienteering Merit Badge Helps and Documents

Scouts learn to navigate with a map and compass while working on the Orienteering merit badge. They investigate what the various symbols and markings on a map represent. And they get to participate in orienteering events.

Hiking Merit Badge Helps and Documents

While working on the requirements for the Hiking merit badge, Scouts learn how to plan for a safe hike, considering their route, hazards, equipment needed, the weather conditions, and more. Then they put their knowledge to work by going out on several hikes. Afterwards they reflect on their experience.

Backpacking Merit Badge Helps and Documents

While doing the requirements for the Backpacking merit badge, Scouts learn to plan and execute a safe trek in the back-country. Treating water, Leave No Trace, map and compass skills, GPS, stoves, and sanitary concerns are all covered by this badge. After preparation, Scouts demonstrate their skills by participating in several backpacking treks.

Geocaching Merit Badge Helps and Documents

While working on the Geocaching merit badge, Scouts learn to safely find and record geocaches. A geocache is a place you can find using a GPS (Global Positioning System) unit. Usually there is a place to log your find and sometimes leave or take a small trinket. It is a fun way to learn to navigate using GPS.

Scouts BSA Tenderfoot Camping and Outdoor Ethics Requirements Helps and Documents

Tenderfoot requirement 1 is related to camping and the outdoors. New Scouts learn to prepare for a campout and find out what should be on their packing lists. They use these skills when they camp overnight. They also learn how to be responsible citizens in the outdoors.

Scouts BSA Second Class Camping and Outdoor Ethics Requirements Helps and Documents

Second Class requirement 1 is related to camping and being outdoors. Scouts learn to select a campsite and how to have good manners in the outdoors. They put these skills to use by going on outdoor activities.

Scouts BSA First Class Camping and Outdoor Ethics Requirements Helps and Documents

First Class requirement 1 is related to camping and being outdoors. Scouts learn how to have good manners in the outdoors. They put these skills to use by going on outdoor activities.