Orienteering

Habari Mwanafunzi! Welcome to the World of Orienteering!

Have you ever imagined being an explorer, a detective, and an athlete all at the same time? Forget video games, because we're talking about a real-life adventure that tests your mind and your body. This is Orienteering, the thinking person's sport! It’s like a treasure hunt in the great outdoors, whether you're in Karura Forest, the Ngong Hills, or even your own school compound. Ready to master the map and conquer the terrain? Let's get started!

What Exactly is Orienteering?

At its heart, orienteering is a sport where you navigate your way through an unknown area to find a series of checkpoints, called controls. Your only tools are a highly detailed map and a compass. The goal? To find all the controls in the correct order in the fastest time possible. It’s not just about running fast; it’s about navigating smart!

Imagine this: You're given a map of City Park in Nairobi. On the map are 10 circles, numbered 1 to 10. Your mission is to run or walk to each location, prove you were there, and get back to the finish line before your friends. The person who makes the best route choices and navigates accurately wins!

The Orienteer's Essential Kit

To be a successful orienteer, you need three main things:

• A Special Map: This isn't your usual Google Maps! It's a topographic map, rich with detail about the land.
• A Compass: Your trusty guide to finding North and staying on the right path.
• Your Brain and Body: The most important tools! You need the fitness to move and the brainpower to make quick decisions.

1. Decoding the Map

An orienteering map is your guide to the world. It uses colours and symbols to paint a picture of the terrain.

• Colours:
  • Black: Man-made features like paths, buildings, and rock features (boulders, cliffs).
  • Brown: The shape of the land. These are contour lines. When they are close together, the hill is steep, like climbing Mount Longonot! When they are far apart, the ground is flat.
  • Blue: Water features like rivers, ponds, or marshes.
  • Green & Yellow/White: Vegetation. White is open forest you can run through easily. Yellow is for open land, like a field. Green means thick vegetation that is hard to get through – think of the dense bush you find in some parts of our national parks! The darker the green, the slower you go.
• Symbols: The map legend will show you what everything means. A small 'x' could be a single tree, while a 'o' could be a small pond.

Image Suggestion: A vibrant, detailed close-up shot of an orienteering map spread over a grassy patch in Karura Forest. A Kenyan student's hands, one holding a compass, are pointing at a control point on the map. The map should clearly show contour lines, different vegetation colours (green, yellow, white), and symbols.

## Basic Map Symbols (ASCII Diagram) ##

  ^  ^  ^        // Marshy ground (Blue)
   ^  ^

  XXXXXXX        // A distinct man-made fence (Black)
  X X X X

   (---)
  (     )        // Contour lines showing a small hill (Brown)
 (_______)

    o            // A small boulder (Black)

2. Mastering the Compass

Your compass helps you do two main things: orient the map (make it face the same way as the land) and take a bearing (find the exact direction you need to travel).

## Simple Compass Diagram ##

        North (Red Needle points here)
           ^
         / | \
        /  |  \
       /   |   \
      |   / \   |  <-- Rotating Housing (with degrees 0-360)
 West |  ( N )  | East
      |    |    |
       \   |   /
        \  |  /
         \ | /
           v
        South

[======[>]======] <-- Baseplate with Direction of Travel Arrow

To orient your map, place the compass flat on the map. Rotate the map and compass together until the North needle on the compass aligns with the North lines printed on the map. Now your map is "set" and what you see on the map is in the same direction as what you see in the real world!

Image Suggestion: An action shot of a young Kenyan athlete, focused and determined, running through a sun-dappled forest trail. They are wearing appropriate sportswear and are "thumbing" their map (holding it folded with their thumb on their current location) as they move.

Putting It All Together: From Start to Finish

An orienteering course is marked on your map with these symbols:

• Triangle: The Start
• Circles: The controls (checkpoints) you must visit in order.
• Double Circle: The Finish

At each control point, you will find an orange and white flag and a punch or electronic system to prove you were there.

Essential Calculations for a Champion

To be accurate, you need a little bit of math. Don't worry, it's easy!

Calculating Distance and Paces

Let's say your map's scale is 1:10,000. This means 1 cm on the map equals 10,000 cm (or 100 metres) on the ground. You need to know how many of your steps it takes to cover 100m. This is your pace count. Let's say your pace count is 65 (counting every time your left foot hits the ground).

Now, you measure the distance to the next control on your map, and it's 3.5 cm.

--- STEP-BY-STEP CALCULATION ---

1.  Find the Real Distance:
    Map Distance x Scale Factor
    3.5 cm * 100 metres/cm = 350 metres

2.  Calculate the Paces Needed:
    (Real Distance / 100m) * Your Pace Count
    (350m / 100m) * 65 paces = 3.5 * 65 = 227.5

    So, you will need to take approximately 228 paces to reach the next control.

This helps you know how far you have travelled, especially in a forest where everything can look the same!

Safety is Always First!

Adventure is fun, but safety is key. Always remember:

• Dress Appropriately: Wear long trousers or leggings to protect your legs from scratches and sturdy shoes with good grip.
• Carry a Whistle: The universal signal for help is three sharp blasts.
• Stay Hydrated: Carry water, especially on a hot day. The Kenyan sun is no joke!
• Trust Your Map and Compass: If you think you are lost, stop! Stay calm, orient your map, and try to identify features around you to find your position again.
• Never Go Alone: When starting, always practice with a friend or a group.

You Are Ready!

Orienteering is more than just a race. It’s a skill that builds confidence, problem-solving abilities, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors. It teaches you to be self-reliant and to think on your feet.

So, next time you are on a school trip or out in the country, look at the land differently. See the hills, the paths, and the streams not as just scenery, but as a map waiting to be explored. You have the knowledge now. Go out there and have an adventure!

Habari Mwanafunzi! Your Adventure in Orienteering Begins!

Have you ever watched a movie where the hero has to find their way through a dense forest with just a map and their wits? Or maybe you've enjoyed a good treasure hunt with your friends? Welcome to Orienteering, a sport that combines the thrill of a treasure hunt with the challenge of exploring the great outdoors. It’s not just about running fast; it’s about thinking fast! We call it "cunning running," and it's your chance to turn places like Karura Forest, the Ngong Hills, or even your own school grounds into an exciting adventure course.

In this lesson, we will journey through the fundamentals of orienteering, from understanding your tools to mastering the skills that will make you a confident navigator. Let's get started!

The Essential Tools of the Trade

Every great adventurer needs their tools. In orienteering, your two best friends are a special map and a reliable compass.

This is not your usual classroom map or Google Maps on a phone. An orienteering map is a detailed topographic map that tells you the story of the land. Here’s what makes it special:

• Scale: This tells you how the distance on the map relates to the distance on the ground. A common scale is 1:10,000, which means 1 centimetre on the map represents 10,000 centimetres (or 100 metres) in the real world.
• Legend (or Key): This is the map's dictionary. It shows you what the different symbols and colours mean. For example, blue for water (like a small kijito or stream), green for vegetation (dark green for a thicket you can't run through), and black for man-made features (like a fence or a hut).
• Contour Lines: These thin brown lines are the magic that shows you the shape of the land. Lines close together mean a steep hill (like climbing up Menengai Crater!), while lines far apart show flat ground.
• North Lines: These are parallel lines running up the map that all point to Magnetic North, which helps you align your map with your compass.

Image Suggestion: A vibrant, close-up photo of a Kenyan student's hands holding a detailed orienteering map spread out on the grass. The map shows colourful symbols, contour lines, and a course marked in red. The background is slightly blurred, showing the green of a place like the Nairobi Arboretum or Karura Forest.

Let's do a quick calculation on Map Scale.

### Calculating Real Distance from a Map ###

GIVEN:
- Map Scale: 1:10,000 (which means 1cm on map = 100m on ground)
- Measured distance on map between two points = 4.5 cm

FORMULA:
Real Distance = (Map Distance) x (Scale Factor)

CALCULATION:
Real Distance = 4.5 cm * 100 m/cm
Real Distance = 450 metres

So, you need to travel 450 metres to get to the next point!

The compass is your guide. Its main job is to point North, allowing you to align, or 'orient', your map with the world around you. It also helps you walk in a straight line in a specific direction.

### Parts of a Simple Baseplate Compass ###

       (Direction of Travel Arrow)
                  /|\
                   |
  |-------------------------------------|
  |                .                    |
  |              (Index Line)           |
  |                                     |
  |        /-----------------\          |
  |       /  (Rotating Dial)  \         |
  |      |         N 360       |        |
  |      | W 270<--+-->E 90     |        | <-- (Magnifier)
  |      |         S 180       |        |
  |       \ (Magnetic Needle) /         |
  |        \-----------------/          |
  |                                     |
  |--------(Baseplate)------------------|
  (Ruler for measuring distance)

• Baseplate: The clear plastic base you hold.
• Direction of Travel Arrow: The big arrow on the baseplate that you point where you want to go.
• Rotating Dial (or Bezel): The movable circle with degree markings (0 to 360).
• Magnetic Needle: The floating needle inside the dial. The red end always points to Magnetic North.

Mastering the Basic Skills

Having the tools is one thing, but knowing how to use them is where the real skill lies. Let's break down the three most important techniques.

This is the first thing you should always do. It means aligning your map so that North on the map points to North in the real world.

1. Place your compass flat on your map.
2. Rotate the map AND the compass together until the North lines on the map are parallel with the magnetic needle in your compass (make sure the red end of the needle points to 'N' on the map).
3. Your map is now oriented! It's a mirror of the landscape around you.
4. Pro Tip: Keep your thumb on your current location on the map. As you move, slide your thumb along. This is called 'thumbing'.

A bearing is simply the direction to your destination, measured in degrees. It's how you walk in a straight line to a control point you can't see.

Real-World Example: Imagine you are at the KICC and you want to walk directly towards Uhuru Park. You would take a bearing from your position to the park. The compass would give you a number, say 270 degrees (West), and you would follow that direction precisely.

Follow the "Red to Shed" method:

1. Place the compass on your map with the long edge connecting your current position to the control point you want to go to. Ensure the Direction of Travel arrow points towards your destination.
2. Turn the rotating dial until the orienting lines inside the dial are parallel with the North lines on the map (and the 'N' on the dial points to North on the map).
3. Take the compass off the map and hold it flat in your hand. Now, turn your whole body until the red end of the magnetic needle is inside the orienting arrow (the "shed").
4. The Direction of Travel arrow on the baseplate now points exactly where you need to go! Walk in that direction.

How do you know when you've travelled the 450 metres we calculated earlier? By counting your paces!

A 'pace' in orienteering is usually two steps. To use pacing, you first need to calibrate your own pace count.

### How to Find Your Pace Count ###

1.  **Measure:** On your school sports field, measure out a 100-metre straight line.
2.  **Walk & Count:** Walk the 100m at your normal, brisk pace. Count every time your left foot hits the ground.
3.  **Repeat:** Do this three times and find the average. Let's say your average count is 62.
4.  **Result:** Your personal pace count is 62 paces per 100 metres.

Now, to walk 450 metres:
Distance to travel = 450m
Paces needed = (450m / 100m) * 62 paces
Paces needed = 4.5 * 62 = 279 paces.

You need to walk 279 paces (counting your left foot) to cover the distance!

A Kenyan Orienteering Scenario

Juma and Fatuma are on their school's inter-house orienteering team. They get their map at the starting point. The first control point is near a feature marked on the map as a 'large termite mound'.

Juma: "Okay, let's orient the map first." They align the map with the compass. North is now North.

Fatuma: "I see the mound on the map. Let's take a bearing." She places the compass on the map, pointing the travel arrow from their position to the mound symbol. She turns the dial to align with the map's North lines and reads the bearing: 110 degrees.

Juma: "Got it. The map scale is 1:5,000, so 1cm is 50m. The distance is 3cm, so that's 150 metres. My pace count is 60 per 100m, so we need to take (1.5 * 60) = 90 paces."

They hold the compass, turn their bodies until the red needle is in the shed at 110 degrees, and start walking, with Juma quietly counting his paces. After 90 paces, they look up, and just behind a small acacia bush, they spot the orange and white control flag hanging next to a huge termite mound. Success!

Image Suggestion: Two energetic Kenyan teenagers in school sports kits, one boy and one girl, smiling as they punch their control card at an orange-and-white orienteering flag. The flag is tied to a branch of an acacia tree in a savanna-like school field. In the background, you can see the slope of a gentle hill.

Safety First! Always!

Adventure is fun, but safety is paramount. Always remember these rules:

• The Buddy System: Never go orienteering alone, especially in a large forest or unfamiliar area.
• Dress Appropriately: Wear comfortable running shoes (not open shoes like akala!), long socks or trousers to protect from scratches, and a hat if it's sunny.
• Carry Water: Hydration is key! Always carry enough water for your course.
• The Whistle: Carry a whistle. Three sharp blasts is a universal signal for help.
• If You Get Lost: Don't panic! Remember STOP:
  • S - Stop moving.
  • T - Think. Where did you last know your position?
  • O - Observe your surroundings. What can you see that's on the map?
  • P - Plan your next move. If you are truly lost, stay put and use your whistle.

Your Adventure Awaits!

Orienteering is more than just a sport; it’s a life skill. It teaches you problem-solving, self-reliance, and a deep appreciation for the environment. You have learned about the map, the compass, and the core techniques of navigation. Now, it's your turn to practice.

Start small. Try to make a simple map of your school compound and navigate between the flagpole and the library. Practice taking bearings and pacing the distance. With every step, you'll build confidence. So, grab a map, find a compass, and start exploring. The next great adventure is waiting for you!

Jambo Champion! The Ultimate Treasure Hunt: An Introduction to Orienteering

Habari yako? Have you ever imagined being on a real-life treasure hunt, not for gold, but for the thrill of adventure and the challenge of finding your own way? Forget video games! Orienteering is the real deal. It's an exciting outdoor sport that challenges both your mind and your body. Think of it as a race with a twist – there's no set path! You have to use your brain, a special map, and a compass to navigate through unfamiliar terrain. It's a skill used by everyone from Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rangers tracking animals in Tsavo to hikers exploring the trails of Mount Kenya.

So, are you ready to become a master navigator? Let's begin our journey!

The 'Big Three': Your Tools for Adventure

In orienteering, you rely on three essential tools. Forget your phone's GPS; this is all about traditional, powerful skills!

• Your Brain: This is your most important tool! It's where you make decisions, read the map, and plan your route. A sharp mind is faster than fast legs!
• The Map: This isn't your usual atlas. It's a highly detailed topographic map that shows you the secrets of the land.
• The Compass: Your trusty guide. It points you in the right direction when the map and the terrain aren't enough.

Real-World Scenario: Imagine you're in the middle of Karura Forest. You need to get from the main gate to the waterfall. Do you take the main path, which is longer but easier? Or do you take a shortcut through the thicket, which is shorter but might be slower? That's an orienteering decision!

The Map: Your Secret Guide to the Land

An orienteering map is your most precious piece of equipment. It tells you everything you need to know about the area around you. Let's break it down.

1. Scale: Understanding Distance

The scale tells you how distances on the map relate to distances on the ground. A common scale is 1:10,000, which means 1 centimetre on the map equals 10,000 centimetres (or 100 metres) on the ground.

--- How to Calculate Real Distance ---

1. Measure the distance on the map with a ruler.
   Let's say it's 5 cm between your position and the next control point.

2. Look at the map scale. Let's use 1:10,000.
   This means 1 cm = 100 metres.

3. Multiply your map distance by the scale factor.
   5 cm * 100 metres/cm = 500 metres.

Sawa? So, you need to travel 500 metres on the ground!

2. Colours: Reading the Terrain

Colours on the map give you a quick idea of what the land is like.

• Blue: Water features (rivers, ponds, marshes). Think of the Nairobi River or Lake Naivasha.
• Black: Man-made features (buildings, paths, roads, fences).
• Brown: The shape of the land (contour lines, hills). This is how you see the steepness of the Ngong Hills on a map.
• Yellow: Open, runnable land (fields, clearings).
• Green: Forest or thick vegetation. The darker the green, the harder it is to run through!

Image Suggestion: A vibrant, detailed close-up of an orienteering map showing a section of a Kenyan forest like Karura or Naro Moru. The image should clearly display the different colours, contour lines, and symbols for paths and streams.

3. Symbols: The Language of the Map

The map uses symbols to show specific features. You'll find these explained in the map's legend.

--- Common Map Symbols (ASCII Diagram) ---

  x      - Small boulder or special tree
  ●      - Large, distinct boulder
  ▲      - Small hill or knoll
  V      - Small depression or pit
  O      - Building
  -----  - Path or small trail
  =====  - Road

The Compass: Your Direction Finder

The compass is your best friend when you need to be certain about your direction. It helps you orient your map and walk in a straight line, a skill we call "taking a bearing."

--- Basic Baseplate Compass (ASCII Diagram) ---

      Direction of Travel Arrow --> [||||||||||||||||||||||]
                                    [      ( N )         ]
                                    [     /--^--\        ]
                                    [    |  /|\  |       ] Dial/Housing
                                    [     \--|--/        ] (Turns)
                                    [      ( S )         ]
                                    [____________________] Baseplate

How to Take a Bearing (The 3 Steps):

1. Set: Place the edge of your compass on the map, connecting your current location to where you want to go.
2. Dial: Turn the compass housing (the dial) until the North lines inside the housing are parallel with the North lines on the map. Make sure the 'N' on the dial points to North on the map.
3. Follow: Take the compass off the map and hold it flat in front of you. Turn your whole body until the red end of the magnetic needle is inside the red outline arrow in the housing (we call this "putting red in the shed"). Now, the direction of travel arrow on the compass points exactly where you need to go! Walk in that direction.

Image Suggestion: A first-person perspective photo of a Kenyan student's hands holding a baseplate compass correctly on an orienteering map. The background is slightly blurred, showing a forest path, indicating they are in the middle of a course.

Sometimes you need to know the direction back to where you came from. This is called a back bearing.

--- How to Calculate a Back Bearing ---

It's simple math!

IF your bearing is LESS THAN 180 degrees:
   ADD 180 to it.
   Example: Bearing = 40°. Back Bearing = 40 + 180 = 220°.

IF your bearing is MORE THAN 180 degrees:
   SUBTRACT 180 from it.
   Example: Bearing = 250°. Back Bearing = 250 - 180 = 70°.

Putting it all Together: The Course!

An orienteering course is marked on your map with a series of circles.

• Start: Marked with a triangle (△).
• Control Points: Numbered circles (e.g., ①, ②, ③). At each location on the ground, you will find a bright orange and white flag. You must use the attached punch to mark your control card to prove you were there.
• Finish: Marked with a double circle (◎).

Key Skills for Success

To become a great orienteer, practice these skills.

1. Pacing: Know your steps! You must learn how many of your normal walking or jogging steps it takes to cover 100 metres. This helps you estimate distance travelled.

--- How to Find Your Pace Count ---

1. Measure out a 100-metre distance in a field.
2. Walk it normally, counting every second step (e.g., every time your left foot hits the ground).
3. Do this 3 times and find the average.

Example:
Attempt 1: 60 paces
Attempt 2: 62 paces
Attempt 3: 61 paces
Average = (60 + 62 + 61) / 3 = 61 paces per 100 metres.

2. Orienting the Map: Always keep your map turned so that the North on the map points to North in the real world. This way, what you see on the map matches what you see around you.

3. Thumbing: This is a simple trick. As you walk, keep your thumb on the map at your current location. This saves you from having to search for your position every time you look at the map.

Congratulations, you now have the foundational knowledge of an orienteer! It's a sport that builds confidence, problem-solving skills, and a great appreciation for our beautiful Kenyan landscapes. The next step is to get out there. Start in your school compound or a local park. Practice, make mistakes, and learn from them.

Sasa, uko tayari! The adventure awaits!

Habari! Ready for an Adventure?

Have you ever watched a movie and seen an explorer navigating through a dense forest with just a map and a compass? Have you ever imagined yourself on a grand treasure hunt, using your brain and your feet to find a hidden prize? Well, welcome to the world of Orienteering – the thinking sport where you become the explorer!

Forget just running in circles on a track. Orienteering is an exciting outdoor challenge that combines running or walking with navigation. It’s a race against the clock, but the fastest runner doesn’t always win. The smartest navigator does! Let's get you ready to conquer any course, from your school compound to the vast Ngong Hills.

What Exactly is Orienteering?

Think of it as a high-tech scavenger hunt. You are given a very detailed special map. On the map, there's a course marked with circles. Your goal is to visit each point (called a control) in order, as fast as you can. You use your map and a compass to figure out the best way to get from one point to the next. It’s a test of your mind and your body!

Image Suggestion: A dynamic, vibrant photo of a diverse group of Kenyan teenagers, dressed in sportswear, excitedly looking at an orienteering map together in a sun-dappled forest like Karura Forest. One points to a location on the map while another holds a compass. Their expressions are a mix of concentration and fun.

Your Explorer's Toolkit: The 3 Key Items

To be a successful orienteer, you need to master your tools. There are three essential items you'll use.

1. The Map: Your Guide to the World

   This isn't like the maps in your social studies textbook! An orienteering map is super detailed. It shows you everything: tiny paths, single big trees, small streams, and even ditches. Here’s how to read it:

   • Symbols (The Legend): Every map has a key. A 'V' might mean a small pit, a green area is a forest you can't run through easily (like a thicket of kei apple), and a blue line is a river, maybe like a small stream feeding the Tana River.
   • Colours: Blue for water, black for man-made features (like paths or buildings), brown for landforms (hills), and green/yellow for vegetation.
   • Scale: This tells you how distances on the map relate to distances on the ground. A common scale is 1:10,000. This means 1 cm on the map is 10,000 cm (or 100 metres) in the real world.

   
   ### Calculating Real Distance from a Map ###
   
   GIVEN:
   - Map Scale: 1:15,000
   - Distance measured on map: 4 cm
   
   FORMULA:
   Real Distance = Map Distance x Scale Denominator
   
   STEP 1: Convert map distance to real-world cm.
      4 cm * 15,000 = 60,000 cm
   
   STEP 2: Convert cm to metres (since 100 cm = 1 m).
      60,000 cm / 100 = 600 metres
   
   ANSWER: The real distance on the ground is 600 metres.
           

   Contour Lines: These brown squiggly lines are the secret to understanding the shape of the land. When they are close together, the hill is very steep. When they are far apart, the ground is flat or gently sloping.

   
      A Steep Hill        A Gentle Slope
   
        / \                 /   \
       /   \               /     \
      /-----\             /-------\
     /-------\           /---------\
    /---------\         /-----------\
   /-----------\       /-------------\
   (Lines are close)   (Lines are far apart)
           

2. The Compass: Your True North

   Your compass is your best friend. Its main job is to tell you where North is, which helps you point the map the right way. The red end of the magnetic needle always points to the Earth's magnetic north.

3. The Control Card and Punch

   At each control point (marked by a red and white flag), there's a punch. You use this to mark your control card to prove you were there. Modern events use an electronic finger-stick (like a small flash disk) that you just tap at each station.

Image Suggestion: A close-up, top-down shot of the essential orienteering gear laid out on a natural wooden surface. Show a colourful, detailed orienteering map partially unrolled, a modern baseplate compass placed on top of it, and an electronic "finger-stick" timing chip next to them. The lighting should be bright and clear.

Mastering the Craft: Essential Skills

Having the gear is one thing; knowing how to use it is everything! Let's learn two fundamental skills.

1. Pacing: Your Personal Metre-Rule

How do you know when you've travelled 100 metres? You can't carry a tape measure! You use pacing. A "pace" is two steps. Here's how to find your personal pace count for 100 metres.

### How to Calculate Your Pace Count ###

1.  **Measure a straight 100m distance** on a field. Use a measuring tape. Mark the start and finish.

2.  **Walk the distance at a normal, steady pace.** Count how many times your left foot (or right foot) hits the ground.

3.  **Do this three times** to get an average and be more accurate.

4.  **Example Calculation:**
    - Walk 1: 60 paces
    - Walk 2: 62 paces
    - Walk 3: 61 paces
    - Total = 60 + 62 + 61 = 183
    - Average = 183 / 3 = 61 paces

5.  **Your 100m pace count is 61!** Now you know that if you need to travel 200m, you just need to count about 122 paces. Remember, your pace count will be shorter when jogging or running!

2. Taking a Bearing: Pointing Yourself to Success

A bearing is just a precise direction. If the control is in a tricky spot with no obvious path, you need a bearing.

### How to Take a Bearing (3 Simple Steps) ###

Imagine you are at Point A and want to go to Point B.

1.  **PLACE:** Place your compass on the map so the long edge of the baseplate makes a line from where you are (A) to where you want to go (B). Make sure the Direction-of-Travel arrow points towards B!

2.  **TURN THE HOUSING:** Keep the compass baseplate still. Turn the round dial (the housing) until the orienting lines inside the housing are parallel with the North-South lines on the map. Make sure the 'N' on the housing points to North on the map.

3.  **TURN YOURSELF:** Now, take the compass off the map and hold it flat in front of you. Turn your whole body until the red magnetic needle is inside the red orienting arrow ("Red Fred is in his shed"). The Direction-of-Travel arrow on the baseplate now points exactly to Point B! Walk in that direction.

A Kenyan Adventure: Navigating Karura Forest

You're at the start near the Amani Garden in Karura Forest. Your map tells you the first control (Control 1) is 250 metres away, on the north side of a prominent Mugumo tree, deep inside a wooded area. There's no path leading directly to it!

What do you do? First, you use your compass to take a bearing from your position to Control 1 on the map. Let's say the bearing is 45 degrees Northeast. Then, you calculate your paces. If your pace count is 60 for 100m, you'll need 60 (for 100m) + 60 (for 100m) + 30 (for 50m) = 150 paces. You turn your body to face 45 degrees, and you start walking, counting your paces carefully. As you get close to 150 paces, you start looking carefully for that big Mugumo tree. You spot it, find the flag, punch your card, and you're off to the next control! You did it!

Why Orienteering is More Than Just a Sport

This sport builds skills you will use for the rest of your life. It teaches:

• Problem-Solving: Every leg of the course is a new puzzle to solve.
• Decision-Making: Do I take the shorter, steep route over the hill or the longer, flat route around it? You have to decide quickly!
• Self-Reliance: Out there, it's just you, your map, and your compass. You learn to trust your own skills and judgment.
• Fitness: It's a fantastic workout for your entire body without you even realising it because your mind is so engaged.
• Love for Nature: It gets you out into our beautiful Kenyan landscapes, appreciating the forests, parks, and open spaces.

Your Final Briefing: Stay Safe!

Safety is always number one. Remember the three Ws:

• Whistle: Always carry one. Three sharp blasts is the universal signal for "I need help!"
• Watch: Keep an eye on the time. Courses usually have a closing time.
• Weatherproofs: The weather can change quickly. Be prepared.

If you ever get lost, the most important thing to do is to STOP. Stay calm, try to figure out where you are on the map using the features around you. Do not panic and run around.

Now you have the knowledge, explorer. Orienteering is a journey of discovery, both of the land and of yourself. It's challenging, it's fun, and it's waiting for you. Grab a map, grab a compass, and let the adventure begin!