Obtain a copy of a clean map and consult event director for location of Beginner instruction area
Consult with event director for any specific instruction needed for today's courses or any deviations from usual event procedures so you can instruct accordingly
Make sure Starter knows you, the location of the instruction area and directions Starter should give participants needing beginner instruction
Coordinate the start of Beginner instruction sessions with the event director
Welcome newcomers and introduce yourself. Explain there are different levels of course difficulty and the level they will be doing today. Explain any special park rules or other considerations they need to be aware of
While giving beginner instruction, pay attention to the reactions you are getting, you don't want to bore anyone, but you really don't want to lose them by either going to fast or going into too great detail. You don't have to teach them everything about Orienteering, only enough to get them started. Be flexible and adapt your instruction to the group you have
Explain basic event procedure
Go to the Start area and check in
Obtain rental finger stick at Start area, if necessary
Wait at start area until instructed to Clear, Check, and Start
The Start is the triangle on your map
If you go out in a group, stay with the group, do not split up
Navigate to each circle on the course in numerical order, find within the circled area the control marker, check the code on the marker for identification, insert your finger stick in the control box, then navigate to the next control point, etc. until you reach the Finish
Check in at the Finish by the 3 hour time limit (or course close time if sooner) even if you have not found all the control point markers
Punch the download box to obtain a copy of your results
Return rental finger stick if applicable
Check the Results monitor to see how you did
Explain the Orienteering Map
Reading an Orienteering map involves map to terrain identification, using the natural aspects of the land as well as the man-made objects they will see on their course
Point out that the Legend is the explanation of the symbols used on the map
Point out the Scale and shows the proportion of the map and how to use the map scale for measuring distances
Point out the Contours. Explain they are lines of elevation and several lines viewed together form hills, valleys, and re-entrants
Point out the Contour Interval. Explain it is the difference in elevation between any two contour lines and how they can use to determine climb and steepness
Have the students look at the map and identify and practice Map to Terrain Identification by looking at their surroundings and finding them on the maps
Explain basic navigational route choice, taking trails instead of going straight line
Explain Attack points and Catching features
Explain holding and folding the map, keeping a thumb on present location
Explain Relocating for when they lose track of their location on the map
Explain the 3 Parts of the Compass and what they do:
Magnetic needle -- the red side always points North
360 degrees dial with North arrow -- the dial turns to line up North on the compass with the magnetic declination lines on the map
Base plate with direction of travel arrow -- lines up the compass with the desired route on the map
Explain How and when to use a Compass
Using the Compass for Map Orientation
Using the Compass for taking Headings
Lay the compass on the map with the long side edge of the base plate along the intended route on the map with the direction of travel arrow pointing toward the destination
Holding the base plate still, turn the dial until the North arrow on the dial is parallel to the magnetic North lines on the map
Your compass is now set. Pick it up and hold it with the direction of travel arrow pointing in front of you
Turn your body around until the red end of the magnetic needle is over the North arrow inside the dial on the compass; keeping the needle over the arrow, follow the direction of travel arrow to your next position
Explain when to use the Compass for Map Orientation and when to use it for taking Headings
Explain Pacing
Explain how to determine your pace count
Mark off a distance of 100 meters
Count your strides for this distance, first walking, then running
Using the ruler on your compass base plate and the bar scale on the map, you can convert this pace to any distance on the map
Explain how to measure on the map
Explain how to use your pace count with the map scale
