From: Dr. Bob Klein (drbob@troop111.org)
Date: Tue Jun 11 2002 - 05:37:58 CDT
FWIW, I try to encourage my Scouts to go as compass free as possible
during our treks, instead using the "sun and watch" technique, or just
the general direction of the sun, to orient the Crew map. At least 90
percent of the time, that is perfectly adequate.
Why do this? Well, as I tell my guys, if you're ever in a true survival
situation, like your helicopter went down in the Northwest Territories
while you were scoping out your latest gold strike (you lucky dog, you),
what are the chances you will have a compass (or GPS) in your pocket?
On a far more mundane/pragmatic level, you'll know which direction
you're heading while driving a car, or playing accidental tourist in DC
or elsewhere, or in a hundred similar scenarios. In short, a very good
skill to have.
Try this exercise one time: On a clear mid-morning or mid-afternoon
during one of your shakedowns, ask everyone in your Crew to mentally
determine south by "what they see". Then have everyone close their
eyes, and point where they think south is. Then open their eyes.
Generally you will have arms pointing all around the compass rose.
Then teach them how to find south by general sun direction, or sun and
watch if you prefer, or both. Then repeat the above exercise 4 or 5
more times during the rest of the weekend. You'll be amazed at the
improvement. Repeat the exercise at the next shakedown, and they'll
incorporate it as a permanent lifetime skill. That's in ADDITION to
normal map and compass skills, not instead of. Give it a shot! (you can
always whip out your $150 Suunto to prove you're right). :)
- Dr. Bob
-------------------------------------------------------
Scouting E-mail Discussion Lists @ usscouts.org
Subscribe/Unsubscribe at http://usscouts.org/lists/
Listserv Commands at http://usscouts.org/lists/lc.asp
-------------------------------------------------------
Send listserv commands to: listserv@troop47.com
Send postings to: philmont@troop47.com
List FAQ found at: http://usscouts.org/lists/faq.asp
List Administrator: philmont_owner@troop47.com
-------------------------------------------------------
As you gather around this virtual campfire with fellow
Scouts and Scouters, do your best to be trustworthy,
loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient,
cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.
-------------------------------------------------------
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.1.7 : Thu Mar 13 2003 - 10:38:13 CST