 Orienteering
This Merit Badge requires 2 sessions to complete.
The Pathways to Eagle preparation work items for the Orienteering merit badge are: 7, 8, 9, 10
- Items in RED - MUST be completed before the session starts to make it possible to complete the merit badge at Pathways to Eagle. Bring proof of completion (item, written work, note, photo, etc.)
- Items in GREEN - Can be completed before the session starts or done during merit badge session.
- Items in BLACK - MUST be ready to demonstrate your knowledge of these requirements during the merit badge session.
Scouts are strongly encouraged to use a Merit Badge worksheet to show that they have done the preparation work for the merit badge.
Download the workbook for the
Orienteering Merit Badge
in Adobe PDF format from the U.S. Scouting Service Project website.
Scouts MUST be able to discuss any items completed as preparation works or as written work.
Note: Some requirements contain items that fall into more that one category and are listed as the higher category.
NOTE: Each Scout must bring his own compass and the
Merit Badge Book, and should have read the Merit
Badge Book. |
1. |
Show that you know first aid for the types of injuries that could occur while orienteering, including cuts, scratches, blisters, snakebite, insect stings, tick bites, heat and cold reactions (sunburn, heatstroke, heat exhaustion, hypothermia), and dehydration. Explain to your counselor why you should be able to identify poisonous plants and poisonous animals that are found in your area. |
2. |
Explain what orienteering is. |
| a. |
Explain how a compass works. Describe the features of an orienteering compass. |
| b. |
In the field, show how to take a compass bearing and how to follow it. |
| a. |
Explain how a topographic map shows terrain features. Point out and name five terrain features on a map and in the field. |
| b. |
Point out and name 10 symbols on a topographic map. |
| c. |
Explain the meaning of declination. Tell why you must consider declination when using map and compass together. |
| d. |
Show a topographic map with magnetic north-south lines. |
| e. |
Show how to measure distance on a map using an orienteering compass. |
| f. |
Show how to orient a map using a compass. |
5. |
Set up a 100-meter pace course. Determine your walking and running pace for 100 meters. Tell why it is important to pace-count. |
| a. |
Identify 20 international control description symbols. Tell the meaning of each symbol. |
| b. |
Show a control description sheet and explain the information provided. |
| c. |
Explain the following terms and tell when you
would use them: attack point, collecting feature,
catching feature, aiming off, contouring, reading
ahead, handrail, relocation, rough versus fine
orienteering. |
| a. |
Take part in three orienteering events. One of these must be a cross-country course. |
| b. |
After each event, write a report with (1) a copy
of the master map and control description sheet,
(2) a copy of the route you took on the course,
(3) a discussion of how you could improve your
time between control points, and (4) a list of
your major weaknesses on this course. Describe
what you could do to improve. |
8. |
Do ONE of the following: |
| a. |
Set up a cross-country course that is at least
2,000 meters long with at least five control
markers. Prepare the master map and control
description sheet. |
| b. |
Set up a score orienteering course with at least
12 control points and a time limit of at least 60
minutes. Set point values for each control.
Prepare the master map and control description
sheet. |
9. |
Act as an official during an orienteering event. This may be during the running of the course you set up for requirement 8. |
10. |
Teach orienteering techniques to your patrol,
troop, or crew. |
|
The requirements listed on this web site are believed to be correct.
The official requirements can be found in the current edition of
"Boy Scout Requirements Book 2026"
Download the workbook for the
Orienteering Merit Badge
in Adobe PDF format from, The U.S. Scouting Service Project website.
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