Before heading outside, or when the weather keeps them inside, kids can play introductory orienteering games that help them recognize landmarks and locate destinations using cardinal directions. For example, have each child place several objects on his desktop and draw a map of the placement of each "landmark." Collect the maps and line the children up. Shuffle the maps and hand one to each child randomly. Children look at the map and inspect each desk in the room to match the map to a particular desk configuration. Another way to practice orienteering indoors is to label the walls with the cardinal primary and intermediate directions. Pass out a room map and a set of directions to guide the children to different points in the room. As they reach each checkpoint, they should write down where they are. Once they find all the checkpoints, collect their papers and check to see if they followed the directions accurately in the right order.
A triangle journey helps kids become familiar with setting compass bearings. Give each student a small colored flag to mark his starting point. Have the kids hold the compass flat in their hands. If they have trouble keeping it flat, let them set it flat on the ground. Demonstrate how to turn the body and the dial until the compass points north. Sight a landmark along the northerly path of travel, take 100 double-step paces and stop. Demonstrate how to set the compass to 120 degrees and take another 100 double-step paces and stop. Set the compasses to 240 degrees and pace out 100 steps in the same manner. If they have set the correct bearings and paced properly, they should end up back at the starting point. Bragging rights go to the child who comes closest to his starting point.
Orienteering is basically a race to see who can complete a course and find all the checkpoints the fastest, using only a map and compass to find the way. Find a large open area with three to five easily identifiable landmarks scattered about, such as large rocks, bushes and trees. Have one volunteer hide behind each landmark while the rest of the class is not looking. Provide directions or coordinates to find each location. Students race to follow the route in the order listed, using a map and compass, and tag the person hiding at each landmark. They should collect a signature from the person to prove they have been there.
Once the kids are familiar with direction finding, they can hone their way-finding skills with a treasure hunt on an actual orienteering course. Identify five to 10 checkpoints and attach a pouch of colored flags or stickers or numbers to each landmark. Provide each location with its own unique identifier and a small treat such as candies or inexpensive toys. Pass out a topographical map of the area and set latitude and longitude coordinates for each landmark. Tell students to locate each one in the order listed, using the map and compass. You can reward the top three finishers with a grand prize or have a general celebration once everyone finishes.