Map and Compass Skill Building Weekend

The ability to “stay found” is a critical skill to ensure your safety, survival, and success when traveling in the backcountry. During this weekend workshop, you will learn and practice basic map, compass, and navigation skills. Topics will include map basics (scales, symbols, topo maps, contour lines, three norths, and declination), compass basics (types, parts, uses), and how to use them all together. You’ll learn how to orient yourself to your map, take and follow a bearing, use your pace to calculate distance, and plan your route. You’ll also get some tips and tricks for navigating without a map and compass using the sun, stars, time, shadows, landmarks, and body parts.

The Plan:  

We will be staying on 40 private acres at our NOW Outdoors basecamp in Waupaca, WI just west of Hartman Creek State Park. This gives us plenty of room to practice our navigation skills in varying kinds of terrain. Instruction will include presentations in an outdoor sheltered setting around a campfire, hands-on practice at various sites around the basecamp, and opportunities to apply your skills on an orienteering course. Come prepared for any weather and plan to be outside the entire time. Fall can bring warm sunshine, cold wet conditions, or even snow. Camping is free or you can stay at a hotel in town. Arrive at 10 am Saturday and hike down to the site (5-minute walk from your car on a clear wide path). Upon arrival, we'll help you find a place to set up your tent or hammock.

Price: $225 Registration closes May 23rd

Early Bird Price! Register by April 15th and save $50

Included:

• Primitive on-site camping

• Water, coffee, and msc. group gear

• NOW Outdoors notebook

• All necessary materials for class such as maps, compasses, etc.

Each person will receive a Suunto compass with adjustable declination to use during the course. They will also be available for purchase.

Not Included:

• Personal camping items (clothing, tent, sleeping bag, camp chair, etc.)

• Personal meals, snacks, or drinks

AS ALWAYS >>> You will have access to a full recommended gear list and directions via our "group" page once your payment has been received. We have a limited quantity of gear for rent on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please contact us with any gear needs.

Please email us with any questions at info@nowoutdoors.org.