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Schoolyard map legend matching colored symbols to their feature names
The map legend players race to match symbols to their names

Symbol Relay — Activity

Team relay to learn map symbols competitively

Time15-30 minutes
SpaceGym, schoolyard, or local park
MaterialsMap legend (poster or handout), 2 sets of symbol cards (one per team), 2 sets of text cards (one per team)
VocabularySymbol, Feature, Legend

"Let's have some fun while learning orienteering symbols"

A team relay race that reinforces map symbol recognition. Teams compete to match text descriptions to their corresponding map symbols. One runner at a time sprints to the card area, picks up a text card, finds the matching symbol card, and brings both back. The next runner goes. After all cards are collected, the team reviews their matches together and makes corrections. Adds energy and competition to symbol learning while building teamwork and communication.

How to Run It

Setup​

  1. Print or prepare two sets of symbol cards and two sets of matching text cards. Each symbol card shows one map symbol; each text card names the feature (e.g., "fence," "path," "building")
  2. Place the symbol cards face up at the far end of the area, organized by team (left side, right side)
  3. Place the text cards face down next to the symbol cards for each team
  4. Post the map legend where both teams can study it before the relay begins

Steps​

  1. Give teams a minute to study the map legend together. Encourage them to quiz each other on symbols before the relay starts
  2. One runner at a time goes to the card area. Pick up a text card, read it, find the matching symbol card, and bring both back to your team. Tag the next runner
  3. On "go," the first runner from each team sprints to the cards. They pick up one text card, find the symbol card that matches, and carry both back. The next runner goes immediately. Continue until all cards are collected
  4. After all cards are collected, the whole team reviews the matches together. If any pair is wrong, discuss what the correct match should be. Teams may send a runner back to swap cards if needed
  5. The leader checks each team's matches against the answer key. Award points for correct matches. Discuss any symbols that were tricky

Tips​

  • Start with 8-10 common symbols for younger or newer groups; use 15-20 for experienced groups
  • If one team finishes much faster, award bonus points for speed but also check accuracy. A fast team with errors scores less than a slower accurate team
  • For a calmer version, skip the relay format and have small groups match cards together at their own pace
  • This activity pairs well with Map Discussion or Symbol-O to reinforce the same symbols