Camp Skill Development Curriculum

Fundamentals of orienteering map navigation in six 70-minute sessions over two weeks. Builds from basic map navigation through compass work, route choice, and competitive formats. Takes advantage of larger outdoor spaces and longer session times available at camp.

Culminating activity: All-Camp Team Treasure Hunt (Score-O)

Setup strategy

Two-week checkpoint rotation. Keep the same checkpoint locations for all of Week 1 (Sessions 1-3). At the end of Week 1, move all checkpoints to new locations for Week 2 (Sessions 4-6), placing them in slightly harder spots (further from paths, closer to similar features). This serves two purposes: campers cannot simply memorize checkpoint locations from session to session, and Week 2 activities are genuinely more challenging because the checkpoints are harder to find.

Mixed-level groups. Not every camper will attend every session. If new campers join in Week 2, the leader can fold them into the activities at a basic level: during Line-O, walk the route with them as a guided Map Walk; during Star Relay, pair them with experienced campers; during Symbol Relay, experienced campers help newcomers. The curriculum is designed so that each session's activities are accessible to beginners while still challenging experienced campers.

Safety progression. Each session's safety talk covers a specific topic rather than repeating the same general reminders:

• Session 1: Boundaries, gathering signal, checking back in
• Session 2: Time management, buddy system
• Session 3: Safety bearing (compass direction to follow if lost)
• Session 4: "It's OK to get lost," asking for help
• Session 5: Relocation strategies (how to figure out where you are)
• Session 6: Recap of all safety skills

Leader training

Train leaders by having them do the activities, not just read about them. We recommend this approach:

1. Pre-reading. Every leader reads the one-page summaries for all 12 activities before training. Focus on the goals and delivery steps.
2. Abridged run-throughs. Run a shortened version of each activity (10-15 minutes) with leaders as participants. For Animal-O, do one clue sheet instead of six. For Score-O, send them out for five checkpoints instead of ten. The point is to experience it, not finish it.
3. Practice facilitating. If time allows, have leaders take turns running an activity for each other. This builds confidence and surfaces questions about setup, pacing, and transitions.
4. Focus on the "why." For each activity, make sure leaders understand the goal and what success looks like. If the session does not go exactly as planned but campers are working toward the goal, that is still a success.
5. Predetermine routes. For Map Walk and Line-O, leaders should walk the route themselves before the session. Draw the route in Purple Pen so every leader knows exactly where they are going and which features to point out.

Leaders should also be comfortable with the physical setup (putting out checkpoints, flagging tape, preparing punch cards) and the safety talks. Walking through the setup together during training saves time on session day.

Sessions

Session	What it adds
1. Getting Started	Meet the orienteering map; find checkpoints using clue sheets
2. Reading the Map	Walk with the map to learn symbols; navigate on your own
3. Compass and Courses	Learn the compass; run your first orienteering course
4. Precision and Teamwork	Follow a route precisely; relay with a partner
5. Compass Challenge	Apply compass skills; avoid the wrong checkpoints
6. Courses and Relays	Put it all together; race as a team