Skip to main content

Volunteering at Scouts is changing to help us reach more young people

Volunteering is changing to help us reach more young people

Volunteering is changing at Scouts. Read more

Discover what this means

Navigator Staged Activity Badge

Navigator Staged Activity Badge

Navigator badge

How to earn your badge:

  1. Show you know how to:
    1. Read a six figure grid reference.
    2. Walk on a bearing.

      This should include ‘deviating from course’ (the four right angles technique to bypass an obstacle also known as 'boxing').

    3. Estimate your current position using a compass.
    4. Use back bearings to check the route.
    5. Convert grid bearings to magnetic bearings and vice versa.
  2. Using 1:50000 and 1:25000 scale Ordnance Survey maps:
    1. Interpret contour lines in terms of shape and steepness of terrain. Learn what the topographical features mean, including:
      • Valley
      • Ridge
      • Spur
      • Col
    2. Learn how to use and give six-figure grid references. Demonstrate the use of a roamer to improve accuracy.
    3. Show how to set a map, with and without a compass.
  3. Walk two compass routes of at least 5 kilometres each.

    They should be defined on a map, one route’s start and end points defined by you and the other by an adult.

  4. Show you know how to dress appropriately for the walk and what kit you and your group need.
  5. Choose the most appropriate type of map for the journey you are taking.

April 2024.

Requirements can be adapted to suit each young persons abilities. See our guidance on flexibility.

Looking for activities for this badge