What is it?
Orienteering is a term used to cover sports that use maps and a compass to help the participant navigate what is usually unfamiliar terrain. People usually use the word to refer to orienteering on foot, but it can apply to a much wider range of pastimes including travelling by canoes, bikes, cars and skis; however, foot orienteering is the most popular version to try out!
What does it involve?
The basics of orienteering involve successfully reading a map and compass to reach checkpoints marked on the map in a certain order to check them off a list and complete the course. Electronic navigational devices are not allowed while orienteering, and there are many complex variants on style and rules involving teamwork, relay and time trials - but the basics remain the same throughout.
Why do it and what are the benefits?
This activity can be a great way of connecting students with nature in an increasingly technological world, and will satisfy any budding explorers in the group. It's also a great team building exercise as everybody works together to navigate their way through an unfamiliar environment to reach the goal.
What equipment do we need?
If going orienteering with an established company, they should provide all the equipment you should need, but make sure to check beforehand. You should make sure all your students are dressed appropriately for whatever the current weather is - check the forecasts and ask the venue for advice!
Who is it suitable for?
There are no real age limits on orienteering, but you may find it hard to engage younger children in the activity as it requires attention to detail and a fair amount of patience; but exploring the outdoors may hold an appeal for some students!
Costs?
The varying nature of the outdoors and the complexity of the course will change the costs of orienteering from place to place.
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
Participants should hold a reasonable level of interest in the activity or could quickly get bored!
How do we include?
You may find it hard to include students with physical disabilities in orienteering as it often takes place outdoors on uneven terrain, and requires quick travel when competing. However, there are places that have courses set up specifically for those with disabilities which could be a great experience for those concerned - make sure to check what's available in your area!
Doing it abroad?
Orienteering is fairly popular all over the world, but not especially well advertised! Don't wait until arriving to seek out the activity, make sure to do your research beforehand to find a good organisation.
Main website:
http://www.britishorienteering.org.uk is the main website for the competitive sport, but also has some good links concerning school trips!
The Adventure Service uses the outdoor world and group volunteering opportunities to enable people to develop the skills to become more independent and confident. We offer a post 16 day service, outreach work services in schools and teambuilding and adventure days for organisations and group homes.
ROCK LEA is Peak Activities Ltd's long-established friendly meeting point, informal home-from-home & UK operational base. It is situated in the heart of the charming, unspoiled village of Hathersage located in the very accessible Peak District National Park.
The Peak Centre at Champion House is a residential and activity centre for groups ranging in size from 15 to 46 though we can accommodate smaller or larger groups by arrangement. We can provide catering or you can cater for yourselves.
A timeless and truly wild natural environment where mountains rise majestically from the intricate coves and bays of sheltered sea lochs. Climb in the mountains, sea kayak amongst seals and nesting sea birds, rock climb on ancient crags, survive on uninhabited islands, lift creels from the depths and far more.
Inspired Expeditions is a specialist DofE activity provider. The company has been set up to help young people realise their potential, through the DofE award scheme.
Offering a wide variety of bespoke programmes for Early Years/KS1 through to KS4. Groups can be taken on Tuesdays. Whether dipping for creatures that live in our river or kneeling to look at flowers in the meadows - there is an abundance of wonderful new experiences to behold.
EYFS:
A visit to our stunning and innovative visitor centre built on a former landfill site will be an exciting and educational trip for all ages. With superb views from our roof top over Mucking Flats and the Thames Estuary, our education programmes will inspire your students.
EYFS:
Boasting stunning views from the highest point in Essex, the site offers the perfect setting for enjoying our courses and activities, or simply exploring the local environment.
Welcome to Center Parcs, the award-winning number one short break provider in the UK. Our five Villages are nestled within beautiful and secluded woodland, providing an ideal location for a unique short break to remember.
Built around the original main house, Winmarleigh was formerly a traditional Victorian estate. The building retains many original features and its large rooms and sturdy construction make it ideal for groups of children. It has been in use as an Adventure Centre since 1998 and is a fantastic addition to PGL’s existing centres.
Split over two levels, the indoor attraction allows people with and without disabilities to try their hand at caving in a safe environment. The cave has been designed to replicate a natural cave and includes features like stalactites, stalagmites, and hidden fossils.
From walking in the Yorkshire Dales, to mountaineering in the Lake District, Muddy Boots helps you or your group get from A to B with navigational assistance and training.
Rhos y Gwaliau Outdoor Education Centre is situated in stunning open countryside on the eastern side of the Snowdonia National Park. We have easy access to scenic mountains, tranquil lakes, awe-inspiring coastlines and breath-taking rivers. We pride ourselves on our outstanding ability to deliver a wide range of high quality outdoor education programmes with a variety of activities to suit al
Perched on its vantage point high on the South Downs ridge, Uppark commands views as far south as the English Channel. Outside, the intimate gardens are being gradually restored to their original 18th-century design, with plenty of space in the adjacent meadow to play and relax with a picnic. The nearby woodland is great for exploring and den-building.
Abseiling; Gorge Scrambling; Hill Walking & Mountaineering; Ice Climbing; Kayaking - (Inland waters & rivers to grade 2 and sheltered tidal waters.); Mine Exploration; Open Canoeing - (Sheltered inland waters.); Orienteering; Paddle Surfing; Rock Climbing; Sea Level Traversing.
Real Adventure is a unique outdoor company based in the Lake District. We provide a wide variety of high quality adventure courses tailored for individual clients at no extra charge. At Real Adventure we provide expert innovative learning that combines adventure and education in a positive and creative environment.
The Buscot and Coleshill Estates are traditional estates on the edge of Oxfordshire and Wiltshire. They are made up of 7,000 acres, three villages, 850 acres of woodlands and 12 let farms.
We offer free visits to NT education group members, free teacher visits, an education officer to assist with planning, education volunteers and a covered area for picnics and lunches.
We are located in a superb rural setting in the attractive village of Everdon, near Daventry. The surrounding countryside provides a wide variety of contrasting landscapes and habitats which make the area ideal for the study of Geography, Science and Environmental Studies.
The centre:
Longtown has a superb, scenic rural setting right at the foot of the Black Mountains, and the Centre is set in sixteen acres of traditional farmland which slope down to the river Monnow.
Darley Barn Outdoor Centre is a purpose built outdoor activity centre, located at Darley Park, in the heart of the Derwent Mills World Heritage Site in Derby. It offers a wide range of outdoor activities including canoeing, orienteering, environmental and heritage pursuits.
Based in South Tyneside, North East England, we specialise in designing outdoor activities to suit your personal needs. We guarantee that your experience will be fun, enjoyable, challenging, exciting but ever important - memorable!
Burrs Activity Centre is situated in the award winning Burrs Country Park close to the centre of Bury, with the river Irwell, the East Lancashire railway, a newly developed Caravan Club site with 80 pitches, the Brown Cow Public House, a Heritage Trail and the activity centre, all on site, it really is worth a visit.
The house is surrounded by a moat which is a big success with any kid to start! Plus follow the nature trail and spot wildlife from the bird-hide, have fun in the natural play area and discover new areas of the estate on their 3 orienteering courses!
Based at the north end of Barton Broad (about 10 miles north of Wroxham), Barton Turf Adventure Centre is a family run sailing school, adventure activity and environmental studies centre.
Outdoor pursuits is one of the fastest growth areas in the leisure industry. Thousands of people take to the great outdoors in England, which has countryside ideal for every type of outdoor pursuit, from climbing to caving, and kayaking to mountain biking.
The Bushcraft Company offer residential school trips with a difference, taking students into the wild and giving them real back-to-nature experiences they will never forget.
A 15-year-old boy fell 60ft over the edge of a cliff whilst on a geography school trip, miraculously only suffering minor injuries.