Orienteering – the Sport of a Lifetime
Orienteering is the sport of navigation with map and compass. It's easy to learn, but always challenging. The object is to run to a series of points shown on the map, choosing routes—both on and off trail—that will help you find all the points and get back to the finish in the shortest amount of time. The points on the course are marked with orange and white flags and punches, so you can prove you've been there. Each “control” marker is located on a distinct feature, such as a stream junction or the top of a knoll.
Orienteering is often called the “thinking sport” because it involves map reading and decision-making in addition to a great workout. Any kind of map may be used for orienteering (even a street map), but the best ones are detailed five-color topographic maps developed especially for the sport. O' mapsshow boulders, cliffs, ditches, and fences, in addition to elevation, vegetation, and trails.
Orienteering is a sport for everyone, regardless of age or experience. The competitive athlete can experience the exhilaration of moving
through the woods at top speed, while the non-competitive orienteer can enjoy the forest at a more leisurely pace. Most events provide
courses for all levels—from beginner (white & yellow courses) to advanced (orange & green courses).
Eagles Landing NJROTC participates in orienteering events locally through the Georgia Orienteering Club (GAOC) along with JROTC competitions in Georgia and nearby states like South and North Carolina. We have even been known to travel to Ohio and participate in national competitions. We have had cadets recognized as US National champions for the yellow and orange courses. Scroll down and check out the videos below and see if orienteering is for you!