Orienteering Field Trip

On November 8th, 2025, our John D. O’Bryant NJROTC Orienteering team went out yet again on their last orienteering field trip of the fall at Pine Bluff Recreational Area. After conquering two orienteering trips in two weeks back to back, the cadets returned sharper with their navigation skills and stronger in teamwork. Despite this being our last orienteering trip of the fall, there would certainly be more trips throughout the school year. On this trip, cadets were given the opportunity to complete two courses: one with 8 checkpoints, which was easier, and one with multiple checkpoints AA-ZZ. Most of the cadets finished the first course with 8 checkpoints around 30 minutes. Despite there being unclear paths covered with autumn leaves, they were able to finish the course using a map and compass only. In addition to this, cadets competed against each other in a little competition for the fastest time and all cadets made it through within a reasonable amount of time. The map of the second course however was a little different, as it didn’t tell you where to go next on the map, and instead told you on the checkpoints. The course made you zigzagging back and forth throughout the whole recreational area, which made it exhausting, however our cadets persevered through many checkpoints. We are so thankful for these opportunities that New England Orienteering Club (NEOC) has provided us and so proud of our cadets for conquering these challenges.