We had a family day out to join a navigation course run by Forest Explorers over in Delamere Forest. This course was one of many events they run specifically for home educators.
The aim of the day was to learn about OS maps and how they help us to navigate. We also learned how to take a bearing with a compass. The course was the right balance of teaching and hands on activities. We particularly enjoyed recreating two squares from an OS map on the ground using natural materials (and a tyre!). We looked at the contour lines and tried to recreate the hills with piles of leaves. We used twigs for the railway line and a piece of bark for a church. A rock served as a lake and Peggy made a fish out of a leaf to go in the lake.
The girls struggled a bit with the compass work but we’ll follow this up with further practice at home. It’s a hard skill to master! Their efforts were rewarded with cake and a hot chocolate in the cafe – most agreeable!
Overall, it was a really good course and I’d definitely go on another course run by this company. I just wish Delamere was closer to home to go to the monthly home ed sessions.
