Competitive Land Navigation & Orienteering Teams

Land Navigation & Orienteering is for all ages and degrees of fitness and skill. It provides the suspense and excitement of a treasure hunt and the physical challenge of a cross country run. The object is to locate control points by using a map, compass and pace count to navigate the outdoor terrain.

Competitive orienteering involves running from point to point. It is more demanding than road running, not only because of the terrain, but because the participant must make decisions, and keep track of the distance covered. Although orienteering challenges both the mind and the body, the teams competitive ability to think under pressure and make wise decisions is sometimes more important than speed or endurance.

There are different types of Land Navigation & Orienteering events such as Route Orienteering, Line Orienteering, Cross-Country Orienteering and Score Orienteering.

The JROTC Department of the North East Independent School District plays host to four Score Orienteering Meets annually. Each event has a number of control points, each with a point value a specific start and finish point and specific time limit (usually 90 minutes). To ensure the safety and welfare of all participants the District requires participants to compete in teams. All contestants/teams are required to have a compass, safety whistle, canteen of water,  a watch or time piece, a map with clues and score card before setting out on the terrain course. Orienteering is a part of the overall Geography and Earth Science curriculum.