What is it?
Orienteering is similar to a cross-country race but you navigate using a map instead of following a set course • An outdoor sport where you navigate at your own pace between control markers on a set course using a special map and sometimes a compass • A sport recognised by Sports Councils • A sport enjoyed by people of all ages: 3 - 90 • A sport where we have had two World Champions: Yvette Baker and Jamie Stevenson in recent years • A sport adopted by 1 in 10 schools in the country to enhance children's experiences of the outdoors • A sport offered to pupils in 55% of schools in England (DFES survey) • Each November over 1000 schoolchildren compete at the British Schools Orienteering Championships.

What does it have to offer?
Opportunities for on and off-site experiences (often in beautiful countryside) • Challenge and adventure • Competition with yourself and others • Use of map and compass skills to aid navigation • Encouragement of decision making • Healthy exercise for brain as well as body.

How does it fit into school?
The National Curriculum for PE, Geography and Mathematics • An adventure activity on the doorstep which is cheap to set up and run • A sport with its own school competitions and championships at every level • A recreational activity for outdoor activity weekends away.

Why is it fun?
Exploring the countryside • Knowing where you're going • Running or walking along grassy forest paths • Experiencing the thrill of finding the controls • Reviewing your route decisions with your friends afterwards • You don't have to take part on your own - two heads sharing the map reading can sometimes be better than one.