Orienteering Merit Badge

A merit badge briefing will take place 30 minutes before the beginner’s clinic at the monthly meets of the North Texas Orienteering Association (NTOA). For 2 day meets the briefing will be on day 1 only. Scouts should check the http://www.ntoa.com latest information on meet schedule.

Troops must provide their own 2-deep leadership or parents should accompany Scouts to the meets. NTOA will provide instruction and courses to complete the merit badge requirements. The merit badge requires participation in 3 orienteering courses and working as an official at one meet. Generally Scouts can complete one course per meet day.

Note to Scoutmasters: The courses will satisfy the 1st Class orienteering requirement if you add the measuring of the height and width of objects (flag pole, tree, creek, etc.). That instruction is not provided.

Scouts should arrive at least 30 minutes before the first beginner’s clinic for the merit badge briefing. Scouts should wear clothes suitable for bushwhacking through the forest. Running shoes or boots are OK. Long pants or jeans, gaiters, or tall socks would be good. Bring suitable outdoor gear for the weather conditions (jacket, poncho or rain suit, gloves, hat, etc.). Orienteering meets are held even if raining. Also compass, watch, canteen or water bottle, and whistle (loaners available). Many bring a sack lunch for after they run. Awards are given after the competition.

You can pre-register on the website before the meet. If you pre-register you will get a pre-printed map of your course. If you don’t pre-register you may have to draw your course on a blank map before you start.

If you have any questions, contact merit badge counselor, Ralph Courtney (Eagle Scout) at courtneyrj@cableone.net or phone 903-814-0232.