Orienteering Challenge Course at the Park

A compass

A hand-drawn or printed map of a local park

Colored ribbons or paper flags for checkpoint markers

A pencil and notepad

A water bottle

Comfortable shoes for walking/jogging

Choose a park you know well. Draw a map showing major trails, buildings, water features, and landmarks. Mark five to eight checkpoint locations on the map.

Before the activity, walk the park and place small markers at each checkpoint — a colored ribbon on a branch, a paper flag under a rock. Write a code word or letter at each one.

Hand your child the map, compass, and a pencil. Explain the mission: navigate to every checkpoint, collect all code words, and return to the start point.

Walk the first course together. Show how the map relates to what you see. "This curve on the map is that bend in the trail. This triangle is the pavilion." Map-reading is a skill that needs modeling.

For the second attempt, let your child navigate solo (or with a friend) while you follow at a distance. The independence is the exciting part.

When all codes are collected, assemble them. They could spell a word, form a message, or reveal coordinates for a final treasure.

Start with an easy course — checkpoints near visible landmarks, simple terrain. Gradually increase difficulty with off-trail locations and compass bearings.

Orienteering is a competitive sport worldwide. If your child enjoys this, look for local orienteering clubs that host events in your area.

The map-making is its own valuable activity. Let your child create a map for you to follow next time.

This builds genuine navigation skills that transfer to hiking, camping, and travel. In an era of GPS, compass competency is increasingly rare and increasingly valuable.