Orienteering
Resources
- Orienteering Workbook
- Scoutmaster Bucky's Merit Badge Advancement Quick Reference
- Scoutmaster Bucky's Acknowledgement Form
Related
Orienteering Requirements Current Scouts BSA requirements
as of April 28, 2025
as of April 28, 2025
1.
Show that you know first aid for the following types of injuries that could
occur while orienteering: cuts, scratches, blisters, snakebite, insect
stings, tick bites, heat and cold reactions (sunburn, heatstroke, heat
exhaustion, hypothermia), dehydration. Explain to your counselor why you
should be able to identify poisonous plants and poisonous animals that are
found in your area.
2.
Explain what orienteering is.
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 when using 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.
5.
Set up a 100-meter pace course. Determine your walking and running pace for
100 meters. Tell why it is important to pace-count.
6.
Do the following:
a.
Identify 20 international control description symbols. Tell the meaning
of each symbol.
b.
Show a control description sheet and explain the information provided.
c.
Explain the following terms and tell when you would use them: attack
point, collecting feature, catching feature, aiming off, contouring,
reading ahead, handrail, relocation, rough versus fine orienteering.
7.
Do the following:
a.
Take part in three orienteering events. One of these must be a
cross-country course.*
* Note to the Counselor: While orienteering is primarily an individual
sport, BSA Youth Protection procedures call for using the buddy system.
Requirement 7a can be completed by pairs or groups of Scouts.
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.
8.
Do ONE of the following:
a.
Set up a cross-country course that is at least 2,000 meters long with
at least five control markers. Prepare the master map and control
description sheet.
b.
Set up a score orienteering course with at least 12 control points and
a time limit of at least 60 minutes. Set point values for each control.
Prepare the master map and control description sheet.
9.
Act as an official during an orienteering event. This may be during the
running of the course you set up for requirement 8.
10.
Teach orienteering techniques to your patrol, troop or crew.
