Makes sure instructors have thorough knowledge of safety practices, equipment use and maintenance, and technique.

Reviews the rules and operating procedures with the girls before each session.

Makes sure the safety rules are written, understood, practiced, and posted at the site.

Secures all equipment in a dry, locked storage area.

Makes sure girls and adults avoid wearing jewelry, especially pierced earrings, looped earrings, bracelets, and necklaces in contact sports or where jewelry may become entangled in equipment.

Makes sure a list of emergency telephone numbers, including those for emergency rescue ser vices and the police, is posted or carried by the adult in charge.

Teaches girls to take shelter away from tall objects in a storm with lightning and thunder. Find the lowest point in an open flat area.. Squat low to the ground on the balls of the feet. Have girls place their hands on their knees with their heads between them. Instruct girls to make themselves the smallest targets possible and to minimize their contact with the ground.

Participants receive instruction from a person experienced in orienteering before navigating an orienteering course. First-timers participate on a beginner-level course. Girls with previous topographic map-reading experience may be eligible to attempt an advanced beginners’ course.

Daisy and Brownie Girl Scouts go in small groups with an adult who has had basic instruction in orienteering. They may participate on a String-O course with an adult watching.

Junior Girl Scouts in small groups are accompanied on a course by an adult with basic instruction in orienteering.

Cadette and Senior Girl Scouts who have received training may orienteer in groups of at least two.

Girls wear long pants and hiking boots or sneakers.

Girls take proper precautions in areas where poisonous plants or snakes or ticks are prevalent.

Each group carries an orienteering map, a compass, an emergency signaling whistle, and a watch.

Whenever possible, girls take part in a meet organized by an orienteering club.

When other areas are used, check for the following:

The site selected is a park, camp, or other area with a good trail network.

Proper landowner permission is secured to use the site.

During hunting season, the orienteering site is in a “no hunting” area with sufficient separation from hunting activity to ensure no accidental contact between hunters and orienteers.

Out-of-bounds and dangerous areas are marked on the map.

Hazardous obstacles are marked on the ground—they are surrounded by surveyor’s tape or a similar marking.

The orienteering map is sufficiently accurate so that the participants are not navigationally misled.

A first-aider is present at the course finish area.

Each participant is given a specific time limit to complete the course and must check in at the finish area whether or not she completed the course.

Beginning and finishing course times of each participant are care fully noted to ensure that all participants have returned.