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.
This game requires some setup, but it is a fun way to introduce Webelos and Scouts BSA to orienteering. You can just set up one course and have them all do it together, or you can set up two or three courses and split them into groups. The courses don’t have to be long. Three points make a fine course. If you have different teams, use different colors of paper to designate which clues are for which teams.
Designed to Crunch is the Scouts BSA Nova Award for mathematics. To earn this award, Scouts must complete one of their mathematics related merit badges and learn about related topics such as calculating horsepower, statistics for athletics events, and star counts.
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 Hiking feature teaches Scouts how to prepare for a successful and safe exploration of locations near and far. Scouts learn to appreciate everything they see and experience around them as they hike trails in parks, the back-country, and urban areas.
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.
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.
How did maps develop? How were early maps used? Have you ever heard of the Anaximander map? Who are some people and cultures from around the world who helped improve maps throughout the ages? How did cartography influence how we see ourselves?
For the Second Class navigation requirements, Scouts must show how to find their way at day and night without a compass. This method only requires a watch.
Sports drinks like Gatorade or Power Aid are designed to replenish the water and salt your body loses when you are active or exercising. You can mix up your own powdered mix to accomplish this for a fraction of the cost of purchasing these drinks by the bottle.
I don't think anyone in our troop has come close to doing this much hiking, but we do have a group currently training for Philmont, so maybe they will make these goals.
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.
This backpacking program feature offers the opportunity to learn more about hiking and low impact camping. A Scouts BSA Troop PLC can plan a whole month of activities incorporating a backpacking theme.
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