Orienteering Trip

When and Where

When: March 10-12, 2023, 7:00 pm — 8:00 am
Nights: 2

The trip with take place at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation.

Here are the directions to the camp from Google Maps

Activities and Plan

We will do two Orienteering courses set up at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation by the Hudson Valley Orienteering club, one in the morning, and one in the afternoon: 

• Morning: #5 Brown course, map 1:7,500. Leng: 3.6K / 2.24 mi, 10 controls
• Afternoon: #4 Green course, map 1:10,000  Leng: 5.1K / 3.17 mi, 9 controls while orienteering is a timed sport, we aim to learn and practice orienteering and navigation skills. Also, some requirements can be completed during the trip; so please work with your patrol leader and notify an adult leader to ensure it can be done.

We will utilize well-maintained lean-to(s), which should be fun. You do not need to bring your tent. The lean-to features a fireplace situated in the center. Sufficient firewood should be accessible. Depending on the number of scouts who sign up, the trip will allow two scouts to lead meals by cooking on the trail. This is #6 for Cooking MB, a Required MB. That means carrying supplies and equipment and using a backpacking stove or fire. Other merit badge requirements that can be done include:

Orienteering MB requirements:
 

# 3. Do the following:
 

(a) Explain how a compass works. Describe the features of an orienteering compass.
(b) In the field, show how to take a compass bearing and follow it.
 

# 4. Do the following:
 

(a) Explain how a topographic map shows terrain features. Point out and name five terrain features on a map and in the field.
(b) Point out and name 10 symbols on a topographic map.
(c) Explain the meaning of declination. Tell why you must consider declination. Tell why you must consider declination when using a map and compass together.
(d) Show a topographic map with magnetic north-south lines.
(e) Show how to measure distances on a map using an orienteering compass.
(f) Show how to orient a map using a compass.
 

# 7. Do the following:
 

(a) Take part in three orienteering events. One of these must be a cross-country course.*
(b) 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.

Backpacking MB requirements:

# 7. Tell how to prepare properly for and deal with inclement weather.

# 8. Do the following:
 

(a) Demonstrate that you can read topographic maps.

(b) While on a trek, use a map and compass to establish your position on the ground at three different locations, OR use a GPS receiver to establish your position on a topographic map and the ground at three different locations.

(c) Explain how to stay found, and what to do if you get lost.

Venue

The 4,315-acre park makes Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Westchester county’s largest park. With its varied terrain and landscapes and miles of wooded trails, the park provides a variety of activities in all seasons. There are areas for picnicking, lean-to camping, fishing, and cross-country skiing.

What to Bring

This being a backpacking trip, you must carry everything you bring on, so pack light and be mindful of space in your backpack.

• - ⧠ Ten Essentials as always (except a tent)
• - ⧠ Compass (required)
• - ⧠ Backpacking Backpack
• - ⧠ Hydration - Refillable water
• - ⧠ Comfortable shoes for hiking
• - ⧠ First aid kit
• - ⧠ Class B - orange for maximum visibility
• - ⧠ Executed Troop permission from ScoutBook

Notice: don't pack a very space-consuming and heavy sleeping bag.

Here is a full list of things to bring from REI (Not all these things you must bring, decide what you might need depending on the circumstances)

Opportunities

The main goal of the trip is to complete an orienting course which is a requirement for the first-class rank, however, this trip is also a great way to complete most of the other navigation requirements for the other ranks.

On this trip, as well as any other, you can complete a lot of different requirements for all the ranks so if you need any don't delay your doing them and complete them ASAP.

here is a short list of most of the things that can be done.

• Orienteering:
  • Compass and map reading skills
  • Planning and following two orienteering courses
• Backpacking:
  • Preparing for inclement weather
  • Using a map and compass
  • Packing light, efficient and compact
  • Leave No Trace
• Cooking:
  • Trail cooking

Resources

Here are all the maps that will be needed for the trip:

Map of the reservation

Brown course map

Green course map