The Basic Map and Compass workshop is designed to give students the basic skills needed to use a map and compass to get around in the backcountry. We want to help you find your way!

Location: This workshop will be held at Curt Gowdy State Park. We'll meet you outside the Visitors Center at 8:45 am the day of your class to go over administrative details and we'll start promptly at 9am.

Workshop Description: This workshop will begin with an introduction to maps including how to make sense of the information around the edges of a map and how to read topography both on the map and on the terrain. Next, we will go over the two major coordinate systems used in recreational navigation: latitude/longitude and UTM. This will include a discussion about when to use each one. After this, we will discuss how to use a compass. Students will learn how to use the different parts of a compass and how to deal with declination. The last part of the course will teach students how to determine their location using triangulation and basic route planning techniques.

The Details: You can bring your own compass or borrow one of our ours. The class will be entirely outside. Please check the weather before you come and dress accordingly. Bring at least one liter of water for each person and any food you'll want to have throughout the workshop. The workshop will go through lunch time but we'll take a break so you can eat. We will be hiking along exposed terrain, we recommend sunscreen and a hat for sun protection. You must be in good enough physical condition to walk outdoors, up and down hills, and over uneven terrain. This class is designed for ages 14 +. If you'd like us to put together a class for a youth group or children please contact Rebecca, rebecca@laramiesbasecamp.com For more information and to register visit www.laramiesbasecamp.com and see details on our homepage.