Orienteering is a competitive sport that challenges participants to navigate through unfamiliar terrain using only a map and a compass. It originated from the Swedish military in the late 19th century as a way to train soldiers to cross challenging landscapes. Today, it has evolved into a recreational and competitive outdoor activity suitable for all ages.
Traditionally, orienteering courses were set up in wooded areas, but as green spaces have declined, the sport has also found a place in large cities. The goal is simple: locate all the checkpoints in a specified order as quickly as possible. The team or individual with the fastest time wins.
Orienteering and Popular Culture
A modern example of orienteering can be seen in the TV show The Amazing Race. Contestants travel across the globe using maps and clues to locate checkpoints, racing against time to avoid elimination and compete for a grand prize.
The History of Orienteering
Orienteering began in Sweden in 1886 as a military training exercise. By 1897, it was introduced to the public in Norway. Since then, it has grown into an international sport with annual competitions, including the prestigious World Orienteering Championships, which awards gold, silver, and bronze medals.
Today, orienteering includes a variety of formats:
- On Foot – Traditional running courses
- On Bike – Mountain biking orienteering
- On Horseback – Equestrian navigation
- On Skis – Ski orienteering in winter conditions
Competitions can also vary by course length, navigation methods, group or individual participation, and even day or night courses. Relay-style races are also popular, where team members’ times are combined for a final score.
Orienteering for Kids
Orienteering is a fantastic way to engage children in the outdoors. A string course is a simplified version for kids, where the focus is on exploring rather than racing. Mark a path with a rope in your backyard or a nearby forest, and let kids identify fun landmarks along the way.
Organizations like the Boy Scouts of America offer an orienteering badge, and many youth groups incorporate orienteering into their outdoor activities. It’s a great way to foster exploration, problem-solving, and teamwork.
How to Build Your Own Orienteering Course
Want to try orienteering with your family or friends? Here’s what you need to set up your own course:
- A compass
- A map of the course and surrounding area
- A method for checkpoint verification (e.g., stamps, electronic devices, or personnel)
- A list of checkpoints in the order they must be completed
- Flags or markers to identify checkpoints
Reach out to your nearest National Park or wildlife preserve for permission to organize a course. Local park rangers can help you find suitable areas.
Final Thoughts
Orienteering is not just a sport—it’s a fun, educational activity that builds navigational skills and promotes outdoor exploration. Whether you’re competing at an advanced level or setting up a simple backyard course for kids, orienteering is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors.
What outdoor activities do you enjoy with your family? Let us know in the comments!
