The ability to navigate confidently through the landscape is one of the most important skills for anyone who spends time in the outdoors. While modern technology has made navigation easier, GPS devices and phones can fail or lose signal in remote areas. For this reason, map and compass navigation remains an essential skill for hikers, hunters, backpackers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

In this course, participants will learn the foundational principles of land navigation using traditional tools. We will begin by building a strong understanding of map reading, including topographic features, symbols, grid coordinates, and how maps represent the terrain around us. From there, students will learn essential compass skills such as shooting an azimuth, calculating declination, and properly orienting a map in the field. Participants will also learn practical techniques such as establishing a pace count to estimate distance traveled.

Once these skills are established, participants will apply what they have learned by navigating several pre-set courses in the field. Under the guidance of Cedarwood Outdoor School instructors, students will practice translating map information into real-world movement across the landscape.

By the end of the course, participants will have the knowledge and practical experience needed to read maps, use a compass effectively, and navigate confidently without relying on electronic devices.