GAOC Navigation Clinics 2023

Andi Berger will be teaching 3 levels of Navigation Clinics at specific GAOC events in the fall of 2023. During each clinic, Andi will introduce you to skills, techniques, and processes that have helped her medal in US National Championship and North America Championship orienteering events. After a brief talk, Andi will take the group out on a course to demonstrate and practice the topics being taught. Each clinic is expected to take about 2 hours, depending on the length of the course. The clinics are limited to 10 participants, but each level will be repeated at 3 different GAOC events to maximize participation. You must pre-register for a clinic and its corresponding course during registration for each GAOC event, which will open on the Monday evening before the event. No extra fee is charged for the clinics.

The clinics progress from introductory to advanced, and are intended to be completed sequentially, with each level being a prerequisite for the next level. If you would like to participate in the Intermediate or Advanced level but haven't completed the previous level, you may be able to get approval to participate if you have placed well at several events on appropriate level courses. Email Andi at andikno@yahoo.com to ask for approval.

Navigation 101 (Beginner Level)

In Navigation 101 (Beginner Level), we will practice map reading by explaining the map symbols and pointing out the features they represent as we walk a Yellow (novice) course. While on the course, we will also practice using the compass to keep the map oriented and assist with navigation. Techniques like catching features, handrails, collecting features, and attack points will be introduced. Navigation 101 is available on September 3, October 1, and October 8 to anyone.

Navigation 102 (Intermediate Level)

For Navigation 102 (Intermediate Level), we will use and expand the skills and techniques that were introduced in Navigation 101 as we walk an Orange (intermediate) course. Precision Compass skills and Distance Estimation by Measurement and Pace skills will be introduced. The importance of route choice and attack points will be emphasized. Navigation 102 is available on October 29, November 4, and November 19 to anyone who has completed Navigation 101 or has prior approval from Andi.

Navigation 103 (Advanced Level)

During Navigation 103 (Advanced Level), we will practice 5 skills (rough map reading, precision map reading, rough compass reading, precision compass reading, and distance estimation by measurement and pace) as we walk a Silver (short Advanced) course. Aiming off, collecting features, and catching features techniques will be emphasized. Processes of route choice, simplifying the map, and relocating will be discussed and practiced. Navigation 103 is available on November 26, December 3, and December 10 to anyone who has completed Navigation 102 or has prior approval from Andi.

2023 Navigation Clinic Schedule
Clinic	Date	Day	Start Time	Location	Level	Course
Navigation 101	Sep 3	Sunday	9:30am	Hard Labor Creek State Park	Beginner	Yellow
	Oct 1	Sunday	11:00am	Don Carter State Park	Beginner	Yellow
	Oct 8	Sunday	9:30am	F. D. Roosevelt State Park	Beginner	Yellow
Navigation 102	Oct 29	Sunday	9:30am	Hard Labor Creek State Park	Intermediate	Orange
	Nov 4	Saturday	5:00pm	Dauset Trails	Intermediate	Orange
	Nov 19	Sunday	9:30am	Chattahoochee Bend State Park	Intermediate	Orange
Navigation 103	Nov 26	Sunday	9:30am	Sweetwater Creek State Park	Advanced	Silver
	Dec 3	Sunday	9:30am	Don Carter State Park	Advanced	Silver
	Dec 10	Sunday	9:30am	Mistletoe State Park	Advanced	Silver