All worksheets / Orienteering
Edition 2026Active Merit Badge
Orienteering
Official Requirements & Fillable Workbook · 2026 Edition
Orienteering combines map reading, compass work, and foot racing in unfamiliar terrain. You will set up a pace course, master declination, and interpret intricate contour lines. Requirement 7 is where you prove your skill: successfully navigating at least three competitive or practice orienteering cross-country courses.
Key Requirements Covered:
- Topographic Maps & Contour Lines
- Magnetic Declination & Compass Bearings
- Pacing & Wilderness Route Choice
- Running Scored Orienteering Courses
6Printable Pages
10Requirements
2013Reqs Revised
What is on the worksheet: Orienteering Requirements
Every requirement for the Orienteering merit badge, word for word as published, with room to write under each one on the printed worksheet.
1First Aid for Orienteering Injuries
Show that you know first aid for the following types of injuries that could occur while orienteering: cuts, scratches, blisters, snakebite, insect stings, tick bites, heat and cold reactions (sunburn, heatstroke, heat exhaustion, hypothermia), dehydration. Explain to your counselor why you should be able to identify poisonous plants and poisonous animals that are found in your area.
2What Orienteering Is
Explain what orienteering is.
3The Orienteering Compass
Do the following:
- a Explain how a compass works. Describe the features of an orienteering compass.
- b In the field, show how to take a compass bearing and follow it.
4Reading a Topographic Map
Do the following:
- a Explain how a topographic map shows terrain features. Point out and name five terrain features on a map and in the field.
- b Point out and name 10 symbols on a topographic map.
- c Explain the meaning of declination. Tell why you must consider declination when using map and compass together.
- d Show a topographic map with magnetic north-south lines.
- e Show how to measure distances on a map using an orienteering compass.
- f Show how to orient a map using a compass.
5Set up a 100-meter pace course
Set up a 100-meter pace course. Determine your walking and running pace for 100 meters. Tell why it is important to pace-count.
6Control Descriptions and Terms
Do the following:
- a Identify 20 international control description symbols. Tell the meaning of each symbol.
- b Show a control description sheet and explain the information provided.
- c Explain the following terms and tell when you would use them: attack point, collecting feature, catching feature, aiming off, contouring, reading ahead, handrail, relocation, and rough versus fine orienteering.
7Three Orienteering Events
Do the following:
- a Take part in three orienteering events. One of these must be a cross-country course. Note: While orienteering is primarily an individual sport, Scouting America Youth Protection procedures call for using the buddy system. Requirement 7(a) can be completed by pairs or groups of Scouts.
- b After each event, write a report with (1) a copy of the master map and control description sheet, (2) a copy of the route you took on the course, (3) a discussion of how you could improve your time between control points, and (4) a list of your major weaknesses on this course. Describe what you could do to improve.
8Option Selection
Do ONE of the following:
- a Set up a cross-country course that is at least 2,000 meters long with at least five control markers. Prepare the master map and control description sheet.
- b Set up a score orienteering course with at least 12 control points and a time limit of at least 60 minutes. Set point values for each control. Prepare the master map and control description sheet.
9Serve as an Event Official
Act as an official during an orienteering event. This may be during the running of the course you set up for requirement 8.
10Teach Orienteering Techniques
Teach orienteering techniques to your patrol, troop, or crew.
Two dates, two different things
Requirements Revision vs. Worksheet Date
Scouting America last revised the Orienteering requirements in 2013. That is the badge, not this sheet — an older year does not mean the worksheet is out of date.
Verbatim Fidelity & Verification
This worksheet was checked against https://www.scouting.org/merit-badges/orienteering/ in Aug 2026 and reproduces the requirements word for word. Both dates are printed on the sheet, so a copy in a binder can always be placed in time.
Requirement text is © Scouting America, reproduced verbatim. The worksheet layout and design are original to this project.
Spotted a discrepancy on this sheet? Tell us and we will re-check it against the official requirements.
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