Navigating through the wilderness, without getting lost, is a skill that can save your life... During this course you'll learn to: * use a topographic map;
* do map orientation and feature identification;
* relate features on a topo map to your surroundings;
* use your compass and its various features;
* use a map and compass to determine your location and desired direction of travel;
* navigate while traveling cross-country through challenging terrain. Eligibility requirements: No prior map and compass experience necessary - we'll teach you what you need to know! Students ages 14-17 must have parental permission and already be accepted in a Tacoma course requiring Basic Navigation, or be interviewed and accepted by the Navigation Committee Chair or designee. Required compass: Students must use an appropriate compass (about $45-$75) with both adjustable declination and a sighting mirror. Every student must have their own compass; sharing won't work in our class structure.

Tacoma Basic Nav is two evening workshops (April 17 and 24) and an all-day Saturday, April 27 field trip at Irish Cabin (NW corner Mt. Rainier). Attendance at all three sessions required for graduation; please don't register unless you're sure to attend all three. Navigation Chair Michael Baker will send you a long pre-class email after you register; you should print, read, and keep this email, it contains much information about this course. If you haven't received that email by two weeks bef... More

Tacoma Basic Nav is two evening workshops (April 17 and 24) and an all-day Saturday, April 27 field trip at Irish Cabin (NW corner Mt. Rainier). Attendance at all three sessions required for graduation; please don't register unless you're sure to attend all three. Navigation Chair Michael Baker will send you a long pre-class email after you register; you should print, read, and keep this email, it contains much information about this course. If you haven't received that email by two weeks before course start date please contact him; he'll send it to you. Pre-class email outlines five things you must do, before the first workshop, to properly prepare. If you come to the first workshop without doing all this you'll start far behind the other students - not recommended! If you have any questions, any at all, please email Nav Chair Michael Baker, michael@uw.edu.

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