Orienteering Launchpad Program (OLP) at PSGR Krishnammal College for Women

On 1 September, PSGR Krishnammal College for Women came alive with maps, movement, and a little bit of adventure as students got their first taste of Orienteering through the Orienteering Launchpad Program (OLP).

The program was designed to introduce students to the sport of orienteering while helping them discover a different way of looking at their surroundings - not just as places to move through, but as spaces to observe, understand, and navigate.

Would you like to learn more about Orienteering?

Write to us: orienteering@nthadventure.com

For more information about the sport visit: www.orienteering.co.in

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From the Map to the Ground

The day began with a theory session covering the fundamentals and technical aspects of orienteering. Students were introduced to the basics of map reading, directions, compass use, distance estimation, identifying their location, contour lines, pacing, landmarks, and observation.

But it wasn't just about sitting in a classroom and learning symbols on a map. Students were encouraged to look at their own campus differently and put some of these concepts into practice through navigation exercises and outdoor activities.

Exploring the Campus, One Control at a Time

For the In-Campus Foot Orienteering activity, students received a specially designed orienteering map of the PSGR KCW campus. With physical maps and electronic dibbers in hand, they set out to find control points spread across the campus.

For many students, it was a completely new experience. Familiar paths and buildings suddenly looked different when viewed through a map. Participants had to constantly observe their surroundings, match what they saw on the ground with what was represented on the map, make quick route choices, and keep moving. It was a combination of thinking and physical activity. Being fast was useful, but knowing where you were going mattered just as much.

The competitive element added to the excitement, with the Top 10 performers in each activity recognised and rewarded with vouchers. Every participant who successfully completed the program also received a certificate of participation, celebrating their involvement in the first OLP at the institute.

The theory session was followed by Grid Orienteering, where students had to put their newly acquired skills to the test.

Using a 4×4 grid, participants navigated while running, making decisions about which route to take and figuring out how to reach their targets as quickly as possible. The activity brought together map reading, route planning, decision-making, and problem-solving, giving students a fun and accessible introduction to what makes orienteering unique.

And then came the real challenge: Foot Orienteering.

The Beginning of Something New

The Orienteering Launchpad Program at PSGR KCW was more than an introduction to a new sport. It was an opportunity for students to learn, move, think, explore, and see their familiar surroundings in a completely different way.

A huge thank you to the volunteers, Student Forum members, Department of Physical Education, and the KCW Management for their continuous support and enthusiasm. Their contribution played an important role in making the program a memorable experience for the students.

This was only the first of many initiatives we hope to bring to the institute. We look forward to seeing more students pick up a map, learn to navigate, and discover the excitement of Orienteering.

What Did the Students Think?

The best way to understand the experience is perhaps to hear it from the students themselves.

“Thank you so much for making us know about this mind-blowing new sport. We were able to understand how much fast our thinking abilities [can be], and while running we came to know about how healthy our body is.”

-Akshaya M, B.Sc. Psychology

For some, the experience was about simply trying something new and stepping outside their comfort zone.

“I enjoyed grid orienteering; I also enjoyed foot orienteering. As I'm not physically fit, I didn't do it well, but I got a lot of experience and enjoyed both the events.”

-Shanmugavalli M, B.A. History, 2nd Year

And for others, the program sparked an interest in taking the sport further.

“I took it seriously, as a sport should be taken. I am interested! This is a budding opportunity not many know, so I’d like to be involved in it. And yes, I like orienteering and navigating!”

- B Raagha Mozhi, B.Com E-Commerce, 1st Year