Natural Navigation: Become a Wilderness Explorer

Learning to navigate using nature is a skill that adventurers have used for centuries. In this activity, you’ll learn how to find your way using the sun, stars, and natural landmarks. Let’s explore how to navigate like a true wilderness explorer!

What You Need:

• A clear day or night sky
• A map and compass (optional)
• A notebook to record your observations

Step 1: Use the Sun to Find Your Direction

The sun is one of the easiest natural tools for finding your way. During the day, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. You can use this to help orient yourself. Stand with the sun rising on your right—that’s east! The west will be on your left, north in front of you, and south behind you.

Step 2: Navigate by the Stars

At night, the stars can guide you. The North Star, or Polaris, is a key star for navigation. It stays in almost the same spot in the sky, making it a reliable way to find north. To find Polaris, look for the Big Dipper constellation, and follow the two stars at the end of its “bowl”—they point directly to the North Star.

Fun Fact:

Polaris has been used for navigation for thousands of years! It’s located nearly directly above the North Pole, so it’s a constant guide for travellers in the Northern Hemisphere.

Step 3: Use Natural Landmarks

Nature provides plenty of landmarks to help you navigate. Look for distinctive trees, rock formations, or even the way moss grows on the north side of trees. These natural clues can help you find your way if you ever get turned around.

Step 4: Record Your Observations

As you practice natural navigation, write down your experiences in your notebook. Record the position of the sun, the location of the North Star, and the landmarks you used to find your way. This will help you remember the skills you’ve learned and improve your navigation over time.

Safety Tip:

Always be aware of your surroundings and don’t rely solely on natural navigation if you’re in unfamiliar territory. A map and compass are still important tools for any adventure!

Wrapping Up Your Natural Navigation Adventure

Mastering natural navigation is like becoming a real-life explorer. By learning to read the sun, stars, and landscape, you’re developing skills that can guide you on any adventure. So next time you’re out in nature, look up, look around, and start navigating the natural way!