Course: The Olympia branch is offering a navigation course this August. The course consists of two evenings of instruction, exercises, and discussion, followed by a day of outdoor exercises and testing. The evening sessions are scheduled for Tuesday, June 19, and Thursday, June 21, and the outdoor session is on Sunday, June 24.

Students will learn about maps, compass use, coordinate systems, terrain association, route planning, and navigation in a group setting.

While the course does not have prerequisites, students will be required to purchase an approved compass (approximately $40 - $50). The course cost is $45, which includes the text “Wilderness Navigation” by Burns and Burns and a map for the in-class exercises.

Students should complete the following activities before the first class date on Jun. 19:

1. Register on-line for the activity on the Club website.
2. Purchase an approved compass. Allow enough time, in case an on-line purchase is necessary. See the attachment for specifics and sources.
3. Pick up “Wilderness Navigation” by Burns and Burns at Alpine Experience. We will send you instructions about the pickup when you register.
4. Read the book through.
5. Complete the homework assignment, which will be sent to you, and bring it to the first class.

To complete the course, students must:

1. Complete the homework and in-class assignments.
2. Attend all classes (Tuesday evening, Thursday evening, and Sunday all day).
3. Pass the outdoor exercises.
4. Pass the final exam.

If you have questions about the course or registration, you can contact registrar Tom Eckhout or Mike Kretzler