Youngsters given map-reading skills
Orienteering ps1206-14 Orienteering Team From Driffield At longcroft School Beverley Pictured by Pam Stanforth ps1206-14
In preparation for possibly one of the most challenging nights of their lives, 150 youngsters took part in specialist orienteering training with the Humberside and Lincolnshire Orienteers (HALO) in readiness for the Humberside Police Night Challenge.
The 30 teams, each made up of five young people aged between 13 to 17, attended free hour-long training sessions organised by HALO in Hull, Beverley, Grimsby and Scunthorpe.
During the training, the teams were taught how to read a map and what the various symbols mean, how to plot a course using map references, how to use a compass to follow the course and how to use electronic timing equipment.
HALO chairman John Butler said: “On the night, each of the teams will have to plot their course, which is mainly off-road, using map references before they can set off. This is why it is so important that the team attends a training session before the event.
“To make sure that they follow the correct course, the teams will have to check in at a variety of control points en-route, using the latest high-tech electronic recording equipment, provided by HALO.
“Based on the previous events, we expect the winning teams to finish in under six hours, which is pretty good going when you consider the distance, the nature of the terrain, the challenges that they have to overcome and that it all takes place in the dark.”
Night Challenge, which takes place on 3 and 4 March, is principally supported by the Tribune Trust and planned in association with the Humberside Police Youth Engagement Team, Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the Environment Agency, Houlton’s and HALO.
As well as receiving basic map-reading and navigation training, each team will be accompanied by a walking supervisor.
These are trained volunteers, who will act in an advisory and support capacity, should difficulties arise.
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Monday 21 May 2012
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