Orienteering Merit Badge Requirements

Requirements

1. # Copy link to requirement 1
   Show that you know first aid for the following types of injuries that could occur while orienteering: cuts, scratches, blisters, snakebite, insect stings, tick bites, heat and cold reactions (sunburn, heatstroke, heat exhaustion, hypothermia), dehydration. Explain to your counselor why you should be able to identify poisonous plants and poisonous animals that are found in your area.
   Resources:

   • 10 Ways to Handle Emergencies While Orienteering: Essential Tips for Adventure Safety (website)
   • Tick Checks (video)
   • Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, and Heat Stroke (website)
   • Poisonous Plants (video)
2. # Copy link to requirement 2
   Explain what orienteering is.
   Resources:

   • Start Orienteering || A Newcomer's Guide (video)
3. # Copy link to requirement 3
   Do the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 3.a
      Explain how a compass works. Describe the features of an orienteering compass.
      Resources:

      • Basic Orienteering (video)
   2. # Copy link to requirement 3.b
      In the field, show how to take a compass bearing and follow it.
      Resources:

      • How to Use a Compass (video)
4. # Copy link to requirement 4
   Do the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 4.a
      Explain how a topographic map shows terrain features. Point out and name five terrain features on a map and in the field.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 4.b
      Point out and name 10 symbols on a topographic map.
   3. # Copy link to requirement 4.c
      Explain the meaning of declination. Tell why you must consider declination when using map and compass together.
      Resources:

      • Magnetic Declination (video)
   4. # Copy link to requirement 4.d
      Show a topographic map with magnetic north-south lines.
   5. # Copy link to requirement 4.e
      Show how to measure distances on a map using an orienteering compass.
   6. # Copy link to requirement 4.f
      Show how to orient a map using a compass.
   Resources:

   • Topographic Maps (video)
5. # Copy link to requirement 5
   Set up a 100-meter pace course. Determine your walking and running pace for 100 meters. Tell why it is important to pace-count.
   Resources:

   • Establishing a Pace Count (video)
6. # Copy link to requirement 6
   Do the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 6.a
      Identify 20 international control description symbols. Tell the meaning of each symbol.
      Resources:

      • International Orienteering Symbols (PDF)
   2. # Copy link to requirement 6.b
      Show a control description sheet and explain the information provided.
      Resources:

      • Key Terms (website)
   3. # Copy link to requirement 6.c
      Explain the following terms and tell when you would use them: attack point, collecting feature, catching feature, aiming off, contouring, reading ahead, handrail, relocation, and rough versus fine orienteering.
      Resources:

      • Setting Up an Orienteering Course (website)
7. # Copy link to requirement 7
   Do the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 7.a
      Take part in three orienteering events. One of these must be a cross-country course. Note: While orienteering is primarily an individual sport, Scouting America Youth Protection procedures call for using the buddy system. Requirement 7(a) can be completed by pairs or groups of Scouts.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 7.b
      After each event, write a report with (1) a copy of the master map and control description sheet, (2) a copy of the route you took on the course, (3) a discussion of how you could improve your time between control points, and (4) a list of your major weaknesses on this course . Describe what you could do to improve.
8. # Copy link to requirement 8
   Do ONE of the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 8.a
      Set up a cross-country course that is at least 2,000 meters long with at least five control markers. Prepare the master map and control description sheet.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 8.b
      Set up a score orienteering course with at least 12 control points and a time limit of at least 60 minutes. Set point values for each control. Prepare the master map and control description sheet.
9. # Copy link to requirement 9
   Act as an official during an orienteering event. This may be during the running of the course you set up for requirement 8.
   Resources:

   • How to Setup a Compass Course (video)
10. # Copy link to requirement 10
    Teach orienteering techniques to your patrol, troop or crew.