Orienteering
A highly competitive team activity that encourages collaboration and requires good communication
Orienteering at Calvert
Orienteering at Calvert brings out the best in our guests. Traditional orienteering involves finding your way around a route or course with a map and compass. Some groups may enjoy the challenge of navigating between checkpoints this way, but more often we find using a treasure hunt style approach way more engaging.
The challenge is to find all checkpoints, ideally in order, in the shortest amount of time. As you might expect, this is a highly competitive team activity that encourages collaboration and requires good communication. More engaged groups will use strategic thinking and smart decision making to find the shortest route between points, saving time and giving them an edge over others.
We particularly love orienteering at Calvert because it can be made as simple or as complex as required. We can stage this activity on site, using the activity centre as the course, or take it into Dodd Wood behind the centre, or further afield into the wider Lake District depending on the needs of a particular group. A wonderful blend of physical and mental challenge, orienteering is an adventure activity that requires quick thinking teamwork, and can be adapted to people of all ages and abilities.
Orienteering is great for:
Problem-solving and decision-making
Adaptive orienteering equipment:
Check out the adaptive equipment which allows all of our guests to experience our incredible activities.
Wide range of accessible terrains
Differing difficulty options
Specialised maps
Alternative instructions available
“Excellent. Appreciate being able to access a facility like this where it’s inclusive of all abilities to be able to see my son take part in things not possible elsewhere that he’s ever had the experience of is amazing”
Calvert Lakes Guest
“They were well managed and staff were very knowledgeable and friendly, and always willing to go the extra mile to help us feel comfortable, safe and secure, without being over cautious.”
Calvert Lakes Guest
“We had so much fun doing everything and it was all so inclusive “
Calvert Lakes Guest
“Activities were amazing, the equipment was top notch. The instructors were very knowledgeable and encouraged the children and adults all week. Our instructor Bea was always energetic and enthusiastic with the group and made accomodation for our child’s SEN.”
Calvert Lakes Guest
Orienteering FAQ's
Take a look at our most frequently asked questions.
Who can enjoy orienteering?
Ideally, a good amount of mobility is required for orienteering, although on flatter, even ground wheelchair users can navigate their way around an orienteering course. You don’t have to be able to read a map or know where you are to enjoy this activity. Our instructors offer alternative instructions, pictorial variations, seated checkpoints and guides to make this as fun and inclusive as possible.
How long does orienteering take?
Usually, this activity takes around 2 hours although it can take longer for more enthusiastic groups if needed or can be shortened for groups with more complex needs. As ever, we are guided by our groups, and our team adopt a range of techniques to encourage even the most reluctant participants.
How hard is orienteering?
Orienteering can be tricky at first to get your head around but once the principle is explained and the first few checkpoints have been found, it can quickly become very engaging and competitive. We offer smaller courses, picture-based maps, shorter sessions for those that may find this activity challenging, or wider ranging maps for those who want to get stuck in.
Do you qualify for financial support?
At Calvert Lakes, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the joys of outdoor adventure. We also understand that the cost of a residential stay can be a barrier. Thanks to the hard work of our fundraising team, we have regular releases of bursary funding that can further help support your residential stay with us.
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