Activities are an essential part of Scouting, whether they are adventurous, energetic, creative or indeed all of these. Many activities may involve an element of risk, but with good training, proper equipment and responsible leadership, these risks can be recognised and minimised in order to provide adventure and excitement for all members of the Movement.

Orienteering

Orienteering means maps, forests and adventure. It doesn't matter how young or old or fit you are. You can run, jog or walk. You go at your own pace, and choose your own routes between the red and white markers. If you like excitement, fresh air, and exploring the countryside - orienteering could be the sport for you!

There are two ways of getting started. One is to go to an orienteering event organised by a local club, (see links below) where there will be experienced orienteers to help and advise you. There will be courses for everyone, and it won't cost a lot: the entry fee is usually around Ł2 to Ł3 for seniors and families, half for juniors. Families and groups are welcome to try beginners' courses together.

The other way to experience orienteering is to try a permanent orienteering course. Here the control points are markers fixed in the ground. You can buy a map from a local office, and then find your way around the course in your own time, by yourself or in a group. There are permanent courses in woodlands and town parks in most parts of the county and a new excellent set of six courses at Bowley Activity Centre.

Factsheets:

The following activity factsheets are relevent to this activity

FS120000 Risk Assessment

FS120002 Authorisations - DC & GSL's Guide

FS120078 Home Contacts

FS120081 One Day Activity Form

FS120415 Mountaineering with Scouts - The Vital Culture

FS120416 Application for Authorisation for Hill Walking

FS120418 Scout Association Authorisation schemes for activities in moors, Hills and Mountains

Policy, Organisation and Rules:

The following activity rules are relevent to this activity

Rule 9.1 Activity Rules - Application

Rule 9.2 Preparations

Rule 9.3 Home Contact

Rule 9.4 Risk Assessment

Rule 9.5 Emergency Procedure

Rule 9.7 Adventurous Activities Authorisation Scheme

Rule 9.9 Use of Professional Centres and Instructors

Rule 9.26 Hill Walking and Off Road Cycling - Authorisation

Rule 9.27 Hill Walking and Off Road Cycling - Safety

Rule 9.28 Terrain Zero Definition

Rule 9.29 Terrain One Definition

Rule 9.30 Terrain Two Definition

Rule 9.31 Hill Walking and Off Road CyclingTransitional Arrangements

Rule 9.32 Party Size

Rule 9.77 Other Activities

Links

The Explorer Challenge http://www.explorerchallenge.com/

North West Orienteering http://www.nworienteering.org.uk/

Outdoor Activities Service http://www.altadv.co.uk/

Compass Sport http://www.compasssport.com/