Cone zone

Before you begin

• If you’re looking to save paper, you could run this activity as part of a bases activity evening, with smaller groups rotating between the bases and reusing resources.
• Print and cut out the ‘Orienteering game cards’.
  • You’ll need at least one blank map for every two people, and a couple for the people leading the activity.
  • Place maps 1 to 6 in the box or tray.
  • The person leading the activity should keep hold of the demonstration maps.
• Set out coloured cones in a 3x4 grid, ideally with about 4ft of space between each one. In a smaller activity area, leave as much space as possible. Place three red cones in a line at the top of the course, three yellow in a line beneath them, then three green and finally three blue at the bottom.

If you don’t have or can’t find cones, you could use coloured tape or fixed pieces of paper and card. If you have a large group, you may need to set out two or three courses in this way, with a helper or leader supervising each one.

Demonstration

1. Split into pairs. There should be six pairs per course. Have each pair stand by the course they’ll be using and give them each a blank map.
2. Explain that in this game, pairs will be navigating their way through the course using the map on their blank map. They’ll be using thumbing, orienting the map and setting the map to the ground. Some people may need help with this.

• • Thumbing the map means a person keeps their thumb on the map on the spot where they’re standing. If they move, they should also move their thumb in the same direction to the same destination.
  • Orienting the map means turning the map as the person holding it turns, so that both are always facing the same course layout. If they turn, they should also turn the map the same number of degrees in the opposite direction, so that the pattern of the course and the pattern of dots on the map match up, from where they’re standing.
  • Setting the map to the ground means finding the position where the person with the map is standing and turning the map to face the right direction. If they pick up the map for the first time, they should face the map the same way as the course and pinpoint where they’re standing in relation to parts of the course that are nearby.

3. Have pairs orient their maps correctly. Leaders and helpers should check that everyone understands how to do this and that it’s done properly.
4. Explain that the course will start with a triangle and finish with a circle. The person leading the activity should take a demonstration map and begin to walk the route, orienting their map as they turn for everyone to see. Have the pairs follow the route on their maps with their thumbs.

On your marks

1. Bring out the box or tray of maps. Have each pair take a map. Explain that the start point on each map is marked by a triangle.
2. Have each pair point to their start point. Leaders and helpers should check that they’ve chosen the correct cone and set their map to the ground. If everyone’s ready, they should go and stand by their starting cone.
3. Pairs should follow their route to its end point. Make sure everyone thumbs the map as they move and re-orient the map each time they turn.
4. When everyone has reached their end point, have them swap maps and go again from step six. Continue in this way until everyone’s completed a few different courses.