ORIENTEERING IN SCHOOLS
(click on image to enlarge)

	Introducing the entire 7th grage class to orienteering with video, visuals, maps and presentations.		A ‘score’ type orienteering event where the participants used a map of the buildings and fields to practice navigation.
	The emphasis is not on the compass, but on using your eyes.		Kids are attracted to the novel approach this game presents
	The 4th graders learned about orienteering with the Swedish method of micro to macro for two lessons.		The fourth graders helped their younger classmates understand the map and how to use it.
	Understanding the space that they spend time in each day isn't as easy as it sounds.		Inside, they work, think, and make decisions on their own.
	Outside, they must work together to decide where to go next.		Having a partner means communicating and making decisions together.
	Pollard School May, 2004

Hey Educators!
What fun, physical and mental  activity motivates kids to learn: 

geography, math, critical thinking, decision making, self awareness, science, spatial reasoning, outdoor awareness and cooperation

Since 1948, in Sweden, as well as other progressive countries, orienteering has been required curriculum content for 1^st through 12^th grade. In a Gallup survey, organized by the National Geographic Society, they accessed students’ geography awareness, map skills, and country location: Swedish students ranked first while students from the U.S. were last.

Any age, ability and physical condition can benefit from this unique challenge in this growing sport. Bring us to your school for classroom presentations, outdoor practical games, after school programs, whole school field days and family map activities. We can present in a one-time visit or provide an in depth progression culminating in a ‘mini event’ on a local map.

Orienteering is an Olympic sport that is just now realizing recognition in the U.S. Awareness of the map and compass sport is navigating across the country and our presentation will provide any student with enough understanding of the sport to participate in an event. There are now approximately 64 clubs in the U.S. that organize events for the public.

First, we begin with an introduction in the classroom that includes video, overhead projections, equipment, GPS, and simple map games. Students will become familiar with topography, orienteering vocabulary, and the excitement of the competition.

Then, we apply the information gained from the introduction, and use a map of the school yard to find orienteering markers like a treasure hunt. The teams race around looking for markers. Students cooperate and make decisions.

The third step is to have a field trip to a local map and have a mock event with all of the equipment. We provide everything except the kids. Orienteering maps are unique, five-colored, detailed tools which the students are now ready to read with precision.

The entire process fosters self-confidence, problem solving, team building and a love of the outdoors.

Groups/Schools can also request a 5-color, computer enhanced orienteering map, teacher training and resources to present to future classes.

Or, just for fun...

Have a Treasure Hunt experience!!!

Groups use a map to find clues, solve a puzzle, and find the key to open the chest and reveal the treasure. It’s a game that all ages can enjoy, and they don’t even realize they are learning to read a map!

Visit the United States Orienteering Federation at www.us.orienteering.org
or New Hampshire's Local Club www.geocities.com/upnoor/