Star Course: Out, Find It, Back to Base

From a central base, each student heads out for one control marked on a mini map, comes back, has it checked and gets the next one. It's the safest beginner format: everyone passes through base and mistakes get fixed right away.

How to play

1. Explanation and the first control walked together with mini map 1 (5 min).
2. Near-control round: go out, write the code, come back, the teacher checks and hands you another mini map (8 min).
3. Round of far controls or ones behind features (columns, benches, trees) (10 min).
4. Final challenge: mini maps with two controls per trip (5 min).
5. Debrief: which control was hardest and what did you look at to get there (2 min).

Rules

• Always come back to base between controls.
• If you can't find it in three minutes, come back and ask for help; that's not a failure.
• Don't touch or move the markers, just read the code.
• Walk near the marker; that's where people bunch up.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair users: mini maps with controls in flat, accessible areas.
• Students with hearing loss: the teacher uses clear gestures and the mini map has the instructions written on it.
• Hesitant students: go out with a partner the first three times.

Learning goals

• Read a mini map and reach a control.
• Fix mistakes on the spot with the teacher's help.
• Build independence in orienteering.

Equipment for a class of 25

• orienteering markers: 20
• mini maps: 20
• control cards: 30
• pencils: 30

Teacher tip

No orienteering markers? Use a cone with a laminated sheet and a two-letter code. Cut the mini maps from the same map and sort them by number in envelopes.

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