First off, what is Orienteering? Orienteering is an outdoor sport where you use a map and a compass to find your way through a cross-country style course either leisurely or competitively. Here’s basically how it works: By using only a compass and a map, participants will move from one control point to another until reaching end of course. Each participant – an orienteer – uses a special device, a unique one is located at each control point, to mark their scorecard thus proving they have actually visited required control points. The orienteer who reaches finish line first, with all control points visited, is winner. Sounds easy doesn’t it? So what’s catch?

Organize your gear before you go. The basic principle is to organize or categorize your gear by "when" and "how quickly" you will need it. When I get to campsite, first thing I do is prepare shelter. So my tent and shade awning are easiest pieces of gear to get to.

Plan your campsite. Understand how vehicles, wind, sun and rain will enter campsite. For example, if wind is coming out of west, you’ll probably want your tent and kitchen west of any campfire to reduce smoke nuisance.

Always have a first aid kit in camp. Everyone in camp should know where it is, have access to it and know how to use it. I keep mine in plain sight in my kitchen. If it’s locked in my truck, no one can get to it except me.

Every camp needs a shovel. I believe a shovel is most important tool in camp. You’ll use it to manage your campfire, leveling sleeping spots and countless other uses. Don’t leave home without it.