Orienteering is a sport that requires skills using a map and compass to navigate from point to point in diverse and usually unfamiliar terrain, and normally moving at speed. Participants are given a topographical map which they use to find control points. Originally a training exercise in land navigation for the military, orienteering has developed many variations.
Orienteering began in the late 19th century in Sweden. The actual term “orientering” (the original Swedish name for orienteering) was first used in 1886 and meant the crossing of unknown land with the aid of a map and a compass. In Sweden, orienteering grew into a competitive sport for military officers, then for civilians. The name is derived from a word root meaning to find the direction or location. The first orienteering competition open to the public was held in Norway in 1897. 
Barnesklubb met last week for an introduction to the sport of Orienteering. A simple pentagonal course was set up in a local park and the kids were given instruction on how to navigate using the compass. The points were clearly visible and at each, a ‘clue word’ was recorded. When the kids completed a four-point course, the words completed a sentence. This lesson is provided in my earth science curriculum, Earth Logic: Our Dynamic Earth. It can also be purchased individually.
We are excited to take part in more elaborate Orienteering courses in the future. Perhaps you’ll join us?