Olympia's basic navigation course includes instruction in maps, compass, declination adjustment, coordinate systems, terrain recognition, route planning, and navigation in a group setting, using a combination of lectures, exercises, readings, and practical exercises. It is conducted in two evening lectures and a day-long field trip.

The Olympia branch navigation course consists of two evenings of instruction, exercises, and discussion, followed by a day of outdoor exercises and testing. The evening sessions are scheduled for Tuesday, June 19, and Thursday, June 21, and the outdoor session is on Sunday, June 24, 2012. Students will learn about maps, compass use, coordinate systems, terrain association, route planning, and navigation in a group setting. The course cost is $45. Pre-course requirements: * Purchase an approved compass (approximately $40 - $50). See below for details. * Read the text “Wilderness Navigation” by Burns and Burns ($10-15). * Complete a homework assignment based on the text. To be provided. Course completion requirements: * Attend all course sessions. * Complete pre-course homework assignment. * Pass the outdoor session exercises. * Pass the written final exam. Contact Mike Kretzler at mkretzler@comcast.net with any questions.