75 Uniformed Young People Learn Navigation Skills at Hawley Military Training Area
On Saturday 25th October, the Hawley Military Training Area was filled with the sounds of excitement and discovery as over 75 uniformed young people gathered for a unique day of navigation and orienteering training. Hosted by the British Army Orienteering Club, the event provided a hands-on introduction to essential navigational skills, seamlessly blending education with adventure in a memorable setting.
Instructors from the British Army Orienteering Club coached Cadets, Scouts, and Girl Guides from across Surrey through the fundamentals of navigation and orienteering. The activities covered a range of skills, from basic map reading and compass use to tackling challenging timed courses laid out across Hawley.
A highlight of the day was the hot lunch, generously provided by Headquarters South East in the form of genuine army ration packs—the very same supplied to regular army personnel in the field. For many participants, it was their first experience heating up a meal and sampling an authentic general-purpose ration pack.
The training day at Hawley Military Training Area was a resounding success, made possible by the support and enthusiasm of the British Army Orienteering Club volunteers and the support of a small team from HQ South East, as well as the enthusiasm of the young attendees. Feedback from the young people and their parents was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing a newfound passion for orienteering and outdoor pursuits. The event was a shining example of how learning outside the classroom can inspire confidence, offer meaningful challenges, and, above all, provide a thoroughly enjoyable day in the great outdoors.
