The “Wilderness Navigation” workshop is a comprehensive course designed to equip participants with the essential skills and knowledge necessary to navigate confidently and safely in wilderness environments. Led by experienced outdoor guides and navigation experts, this hands-on workshop covers a range of navigation techniques, tools, and strategies, empowering participants to navigate effectively using map and compass, GPS devices, natural landmarks, and celestial cues. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor adventurer or a novice explorer, mastering navigation and orienteering is a fundamental survival skill that enhances safety, confidence, and self-reliance in the wilderness.
Class Objectives
Introduction to Wilderness Navigation: Gain a foundational understanding of wilderness navigation principles, including map reading, compass use, route planning, and terrain assessment.
Map Reading and Interpretation: Learn how to read topographic maps, understand contour lines, symbols, and scale, and interpret key features such as elevation, terrain, water sources, and vegetation.
Compass Navigation Techniques: Master the use of a compass for navigation, including taking bearings, plotting and following courses, orienting maps, and triangulating positions.
GPS Navigation Basics: Understand the basics of GPS (Global Positioning System) navigation, including device operation, waypoint creation, route tracking, and navigation using GPS coordinates.
Terrain Association: Develop skills for terrain association, including recognizing and navigating terrain features such as ridgelines, valleys, slopes, and waterways without relying solely on maps or compasses.
Celestial Navigation: Explore celestial navigation techniques, including using the sun, moon, stars, and shadows to determine direction, time of day, and approximate location.
Navigation Strategies and Planning: Learn effective navigation strategies and route planning techniques for various wilderness environments, including cross-country travel, off-trail navigation, and navigating in challenging terrain or adverse weather conditions.
Practical Navigation Exercises: Engage in hands-on navigation exercises and field-based scenarios, including map and compass challenges, GPS navigation simulations, orienteering courses, and real-world navigation challenges in natural environments.
Target Audience
Outdoor enthusiasts
Hikers and backpackers
Mountaineers and climbers
Wilderness survivalists
Scout groups
Anyone interested in mastering essential wilderness navigation skills
Duration
The “Wilderness Navigation” workshop can be offered as a full-day workshop or spread out over multiple sessions to allow for in-depth exploration and hands-on learning experiences, depending on the preferences of participants and the available time.
Outcome
Participants will leave the “Wilderness Navigation” workshop with the confidence and competence to navigate effectively and safely in wilderness environments using a variety of navigation techniques and tools. By mastering wilderness navigation skills, participants will enhance their safety, comfort, and self-reliance during outdoor adventures and expeditions, empowering them to explore and enjoy the natural world with confidence and peace of mind.