Learn first aid for outdoor injuries, master map and compass navigation, complete orienteering courses, and develop wayfinding skills to earn this merit badge.

Requirements

  1. 1. Safety & First Aid

    Safety and First Aid

    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.

  2. 2. What Is Orienteering?

    What Is Orienteering?

    Explain what orienteering is.

  3. 3. Compass Skills

    Do the following:

    Do all
    1. a.

      How a Compass Works

      Explain how a compass works. Describe the features of an orienteering compass.
    2. b.

      Taking a Compass Bearing

      In the field, show how to take a compass bearing and follow it.

  4. 4. Map Skills

    Do the following:

    Do all
    1. a.
      Explain how a topographic map shows terrain features. Point out and name five terrain features on a map and in the field.
    2. b.

      Point out and name 10 symbols on a topographic map.

    3. c.
      Explain the meaning of declination . Tell why you must consider declination when using map and compass together.
    4. d.

      Show a topographic map with magnetic north-south lines.

    5. e.

      Show how to measure distances on a map using an orienteering compass.

    6. f.

      Show how to orient a map using a compass.

  5. 5. Pace Counting

    Pace Counting

    Set up a 100-meter pace course. Determine your walking and running pace for 100 meters. Tell why it is important to pace-count.

  6. 6. Orienteering Techniques

    Do the following:

    Do all
    1. a.

      Control Description Symbols

      Identify 20 international control description symbols. Tell the meaning of each symbol.
    2. b.

      Control Description Sheets

      Show a control description sheet and explain the information provided.
    3. c.

      Navigation Techniques

      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.

  7. 7. Competing & Improving

    Do the following:

    Do all
    1. a.

      Orienteering Events

      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. b.

      Event Reports

      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. 8. Course Design

    Setting Up a Course

    Choose 1
    Do ONE of the following:
    1. 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. 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. 9. Officiating & Teaching

    Acting as an Official

    Act as an official during an orienteering event. This may be during the running of the course you set up for requirement 8.

  10. 9. Officiating & Teaching

    Teaching Orienteering

    Teach orienteering techniques to your patrol, troop or crew.