Orienteering is an exciting outdoor sport that fits comfortably with the aims of the Scout Association in that it exercises both the mind and the body. Orienteering can be participated in both recreationally and competitively, either way the aim in orienteering is to navigate around a course marked on an orienteering map. In a competitive environment participants will look to find the best route to complete the course in the quickest time.

Scouting can introduce young people (and leaders) to the sport of orienteering and those that are interested may go on to compete with local specialist clubs. One of the features of orienteering is that everyone can participate (or compete in orienteering competitions) no matter what age or level of fitness. As an individual improves navigation skills and fitness levels they will be able to see improvement in their orienteering results.

Buckmore Park is fortunate to have an existing orienteering map covering a significant proportion of Buckmore Park with a variety of terrain types and features and an interesting network of paths and tracks.

At the moment we are simply offering maps with almost 60 controls that visitors can use to make up their own routes or find a many controls as they can in a fixed time.

The A3 is a bigger scale and easier to read and covers a slightly larger area. The A4 map is clearly easier to print and is readable. Higher resolution maps are available by emailin bookings@buckmorepark.org.uk

Start the course at the location described on the map and in the description. As you follow the course you are looking for Orange and White Markers (normally placed at least 3 metres up a tree). When you reach the marker you can check the marker number to ensure you are at the right one (there are currently 60 markers around the campsite!). Then, to prove you have been at the location write down the two letters on the marker in the box on the course description sheet).  If you not sure what is required feel free to email Gavin for further advice.

Groups should bring their own compasses to aid navigation.

The Orienteering Course at Buckmore Park Scout Campsite is now available on the maprunf app - available to download from your mobile provider. This has three big benefits.

1. With the current course you can always see where you are on the map - so you don't need to get lost!
2. You can review your routes online after your visit and compare tracks.
3. You get an automatically generated score.

To use Maprunf:

1. Download the app maprunf
2. When downloaded select event - then select UK - Kent - Chatham then Buckmore Park SC
3. You will find the event has a code - this can be provided by emailing bookings@buckmorepark.org.uk
4. If you click go to start the orienteering map will appear (you can do this at home to have a look but close the app when you have finished as it will turn on gps).
5. When you go to the start / finish the time will start and then stop when you return to the start/  finish (so don't return until you are ready to finish!)
6. There is a 20m tolerance so it will probably beep as you approach the start finish.
7. The way the current course is set up participants can see where they are and will create a snail trail. Good for people learning their skills.
8. You get 20 points for each control visited and lose 10 points for each minute you are late back to the start finish.
9. You can review your routes after your vist both on the app and online (easier) at: https://maprunners.weebly.com/events.html Select events then Buckmore Park SC. Again - you will need the same event code.
10. Rember your risk assessment - the woods at Buckmore Park (and beoynd) are huge - so  worth thinking how to set a limit! The good thing about the app is the young people should be able to find their way home - make sure they have a full battery!

As with all Scout activities safety is of paramount importance. Please ensure young people understand the boundaries of the course to avoid them getting lost. Consider whether the young people need to be closely supervised, in groups or they have the skills to work individually.

If your young people already have some navigation skills why not use the courses to run a competition – who can complete the courses in the fastest time?

We would love to hear how users get on with the orienteering courses. Please provide feedback to Gavin@buckmorepark.org.uk – tell us where you are from, whether you managed to complete the course and if you couldn’t find any of the controls. Who completed the course in the fastest time and what was the time?

Buckmore Park Scout Campsite would like to acknowledge the support of Dartford Orienteering Klubb (DFOK) for their support with Maprunf. DFOK are also re-mapping the campsite's oreinteering map - more details coming soon. Lots of helpful orienteering information can be found at the DFOK website http://www.dfok.co.uk/