SECOND CLASS SCOUT

Following a Route Drawn on a Map

Step 1. On the map, place the edge of your compass along your planned route. Find the symbols on your map for your current location and for the place you want to reach. Lay your compass on the map with the edge of the baseplate touching those two symbols. Be sure the direc- tion-of-travel arrow is pointing in the direction you intend to go. [If the symbols are far apart, connect them with a ruler, pencil a straight line between them, then place the compass edge along that line.)

Step 2. On the compass, set the bearing. Hold the baseplate firmly on the map. Ignore the needle and turn the compass housing until the meridian lines are parallel with any magnetic-north line drawn on your north arrow in the margin. The N on the compass housing should point toward the top of the map.

Step 3. In the field, follow the compass bearing. Hold your compass in front of you with the direction-of-travel arrow point- ing straight ahead. Turn your entire body until the compass needle covers the orienting arrow on the floor of the compass housing (the north end of the needle should be pointing toward north on the housing). The direction-of-travel arrow will point toward your destination. Pick a tree, rock, or something else in line with the direction-of-travel arrow and walk to it. When you reach it, take another compass bearing and head toward another object farther along your route. Repeat, walking from one point to another until you arrive at your destination.