Welcome to the first event in our Introduction to Backcountry series!

Navigation doesn't need to be a lost art. Learning to figure out where you are and how to get from one area to another is critical for safe exploration in the wilderness. It's also incredibly satisfying. We've planned a 2 part navigation course that will give you the skills you need to join us on our wilderness excursions and also empower you feel more confident out in the wild.

In this first session, we'll learn the basics of navigation then put our skills to use, navigating a course in the safe setting of High Park on Toronto's West end. Some of the subject matter we'll cover:

• Why map reading is crucial even if you have GPS
• How to read a map and learn to visualize terrain
• Understanding contours and plotting safe routes
• How to orient yourself when you get lost
• How to read a compass and use it to navigate

We're incredibly lucky to be getting instruction from a former top Navigation instructor in the Canadian Army, Captain Robert Buckingham (RETD).

Captain Buckingham served a tour in Afghanistan before specializing in light infantry tactics. He completed his Airborne Patrol Pathfinder course in 2012 followed by the Infantry Advanced Reconnaissance course. He later became an Advanced Reconnaissance Instructor at the Canadian Infantry School where he was honoured with the school's top instructor award.

This is an amazing opportunity not only to learn from a world-class expert but it will also be a really fun, practical lesson, putting the skills to use around High Park. Once we're done, we'll head down the road to a local pub for food and drink (non alcoholic options available)

What you get when you sign up

We'll be lending maps and compasses for all participants

Welcome to the first event in our Introduction to Backcountry series!

Navigation doesn't need to be a lost art. Learning to figure out where you are and how to get from one area to another is critical for safe exploration in the wilderness. It's also incredibly satisfying. We've planned a 2 part navigation course that will give you the skills you need to join us on our wilderness excursions and also empower you feel more confident out in the wild.

In this first session, we'll learn the basics of navigation then put our skills to use, navigating a course in the safe setting of High Park on Toronto's West end. Some of the subject matter we'll cover:

• Why map reading is crucial even if you have GPS
• How to read a map and learn to visualize terrain
• Understanding contours and plotting safe routes
• How to orient yourself when you get lost
• How to read a compass and use it to navigate

We're incredibly lucky to be getting instruction from a former top Navigation instructor in the Canadian Army, Captain Robert Buckingham (RETD).

Captain Buckingham served a tour in Afghanistan before specializing in light infantry tactics. He completed his Airborne Patrol Pathfinder course in 2012 followed by the Infantry Advanced Reconnaissance course. He later became an Advanced Reconnaissance Instructor at the Canadian Infantry School where he was honoured with the school's top instructor award.

This is an amazing opportunity not only to learn from a world-class expert but it will also be a really fun, practical lesson, putting the skills to use around High Park. After the lesson, we'll head over to a local pub for food and drink (non alcholic options available).

What you get when you sign up

We'll be lending maps and compasses for all participants.

Please note - if you want to attend next week's advanced navigation exercise you will need to have first attended this session