Orienteering Scavenger Hunt

An orienteering scavenger hunt is a simple way to teach compass skills. Scouts move from clue to clue using headings and landmarks. It feels like a game, but they learn real outdoor skills. This works well for Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA. It fits den meetings, troop meetings, or campouts. Scouts stay active, work together, and build confidence with navigation.

Why Try an Orienteering Scavenger Hunt?

Scouts learn best by doing. In this activity, they hold a compass, set a heading, and walk to a landmark. They talk with their group and solve each clue together. This builds teamwork and problem solving. It also helps them notice trees, signs, and other features around them. These skills carry over to hiking and camping.

How to Plan the Course

Choose a safe, open area like a field or park. Set clear boundaries and explain them before you begin. Keep the course short for beginners. Three points is enough. If you have several groups, make more than one course. Use different colors of paper so teams follow the right clues. Have all groups finish at the same spot.

How to Write Clues

Start at a clear location. Write a simple clue using a compass heading and a nearby landmark. For example, “Go 135 degrees to the large tree.” You can also make clues into short riddles. Keep them easy to understand. Place each new clue at the landmark you just described. Continue until you reach the final location.

Materials You Need

You only need a few items. Use small pieces of paper for clues and a pencil to write them. Give each group a compass. Prepare a small treasure for the end, such as candy or pencils. Place clues where they will not blow away. Keep everything simple so Scouts can focus on learning.

Teaching Compass Basics

Show Scouts how to hold the compass flat. Point out the needle and direction arrow. Explain how to set a heading. Let them practice before starting the hunt. Keep instructions short. Some Scouts may use paces, but it is fine to focus only on headings at first. Simple steps help them learn faster.

Running the Activity

Gather everyone at the start. Review boundaries and safety rules. Give each group a compass and their first clue. Let them work at their own pace. If they go the wrong way, give them time to correct it. Watch from a distance and step in only if needed. They will learn by trying.

Ending and Reflection

Have all groups finish at the same place. Let them find the treasure together. Take time to talk about what they learned. Ask which clues were easy or hard. Encourage them to try again with a new course. This activity builds confidence and prepares them for more advanced orienteering.

Materials

• Small pieces of paper
• Pencil
• one treasure for each person
• Compasses

Preparation

Set up an orienteering course. Set it up in an area where you can see the whole course, so that you can keep an eye on all of the teams.

For beginners, the easiest way is to have a starting point and then find a landmark (tree, telephone post, rock, etc). Find the direction of the landmark and write a clue down. You can make the clue specific:

“Go on a heading of 135 degrees to the large tree”

or make the clue more puzzle-like

“I stand tall above all others and I wear a leafy crown. Find me at a heading of 135 degrees”

You can give paces instead; although you will have to have them determine their pace length since the length of their strides will vary a lot from one child to another. Using paces might be better for those already familiar with a compass and have a little orienteering experience.

Leave your first clue at the starting point. Then go to the place you described in the clue and look around for your next destination. Write a clue for that destination; leave it where you are standing and move on to continue writing clues.

If you have multiple teams, have them all end up in the same place. Leave the “treasure” there for them to find. This can be something like a little piece of candy, a pencil, a coin, etc.

Instructions

1. Explain the boundaries of the scavenger hunt. They should understand that they are not supposed to cross a street, go into people’s yards, etc.
2. Go to the starting point and give the group their first clue. Give each group at least one compass and let them familiarize themselves with it. (Groups should be at least two Scouts, but can be more.)
3. If you haven’t done so already, give them instructions on how to use the compass.
4. If they head off in the wrong direction, let them go as long as they are staying in the boundaries. They will figure it out eventually, so give them time. Only give help if they really don’t understand how to use the compass.
5. They should all end up at the destination where the treasure is.

Printable PDF of Orienteering Scavenger Hunt

Wolf Finding Your Way Adventure: Finding Your Way is one of the Wolf Cub Scout elective adventures. For the Finding Your Way adventure, Wolves learn map and compass skills.

Scouts BSA Second Class Rank: Scouts BSA working on their Second Class rank must learn how to use a map and compass. An orienteering scavenger hunt would be a fun way to practice those skills.

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

Land Navigation Ranger Core Requirement: To earn the Land Navigation core requirement for the Venturing Ranger award, Venturers must learn and practice map and compass skills and then teach those skills to others. An orienteering scavenger hunt is one way to do that.

Video Instructions for Orienteering Scavenger Hunt

What age group can do an orienteering scavenger hunt?

Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA can do this activity. The clues are simple, and the course is short. This makes it a good first step in learning compass skills. Younger Scouts may try it if they stay with a buddy or a small group.

Do I need special equipment?

You only need paper, pencils, and a few compasses. Small treasures are nice to add at the end. You do not need special gear or advanced compasses. Simple tools work well for beginners.

How long should the course be?

A short course works best. Three points make a good beginner course. This keeps Scouts from getting tired or frustrated. It also helps you watch all groups and keep them safe.

Should I hide the clues?

You do not need to hide clues. Place each clue where Scouts can see it once they reach the right landmark. This keeps the activity fun. It also helps the group stay calm and focused.

What if a group goes the wrong way?

If they stay inside the safe boundaries, let them try to fix it. They will learn by checking the compass again. They will talk with each other and retrace their steps. Only step in if they seem confused for a long time.

Can I use paces instead of headings?

You can use paces for groups with experience. They need to know their stride length. Beginners may feel confused with this method. Using headings is easier for new Scouts.

How many adults do I need?

You only need a few adults to watch the groups. Pick a location where you can see the whole area. This lets you guide the activity without walking with each team.

What should the treasure be?

Keep it simple. Candy, pencils, or small toys all work well. Each Scout should get one small item. The treasure adds fun to the finish without needing much cost.

An orienteering scavenger hunt gives Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA a chance to explore, learn, and laugh together. The simple clues and short course help them build real compass skills in a friendly way. They learn to look around, notice landmarks, and trust the steps in front of them. This gentle approach helps even nervous beginners relax and try something new while working with their teammates.

The activity also builds problem-solving skills. Scouts learn to talk through each clue, check their compass, and decide which way to go. These small choices help them grow as leaders. They learn that mistakes are fine. They can turn around, try again, and find the right path. This creates a sense of adventure without pressure.

A shared treasure at the end brings joy to the whole group. It gives Scouts a goal to work toward and creates a fun moment where everyone feels successful. This simple finish encourages them to join more outdoor activities. It helps them feel ready for longer hikes and new challenges on future outings.

When the hunt is over, you have a chance to talk about what went well and what was hard. Scouts enjoy sharing their stories. They learn from each other, and they build confidence for the next time. A short, simple scavenger hunt becomes a strong step toward better outdoor skills and stronger teamwork.