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HOW TO USE A COMPASS

Compass Anatomy

Navigational Concepts

HOW TO USE A MAP

Grid Plotting

Terrain Association

PRIMITIVE VS MODERN

Celestial Navigation

Using A GPS

SURVIVAL PRIORITIES

Making A Game Plan

Self-Rescue

Next Navigation 101:

CLASS DATES: April 11-13, 2025

Days

Hours

Minutes

Seconds

Want to break free from relying on your phone’s GPS and truly master the art of wilderness navigation?

Join our weekend course in land navigation with Jacks Genega from Wildcard Wilderness, and unlock the skills you need to confidently explore the great outdoors. Designed for hikers, backpackers, campers, and adventurers of all experience levels, this hands-on course will teach you essential techniques to “lost-proof” yourself and safely find your way in the wild.

Learn to read topographic maps with ease, fully understand the functions of a compass, and navigate using the sun and stars. You'll also master route planning, pinpointing your location, and making informed decisions while trekking off the beaten path. With these skills, you’ll gain the self-reliance needed to explore with confidence and safety.

The Navigation 101 curriculum covers essential techniques such as triangulation, primitive navigation, self-mapping, and signaling for rescue. You'll also learn to navigate in low-visibility conditions and use natural features like plants and trees as reliable guides. By the end of this course, you’ll transform from a technology-dependent traveler into a skilled explorer, ready to embrace any adventure the wilderness has to offer.

PLOT GRID COORDINATES

SELF-MAP

TERRAIN ASSOCIATION

COMPASS ANATOMY

BUILD CONFIDENCE

Be empowered to handle unexpected wilderness challenges.

DEVELOP SKILLS

Learn alongside expert instructors with years of field experience.

HANDS-ON TRAINING

Gain experience using several navigation techniques.
Navigation 101

Navigation 101

$225.00 - $225.00
$225.00
$225.00 - $225.00
$225.00
COURSE DETAILS:

LAND NAVIGATION 101

Lead Instructor: JACKS GENEGA

APRIL 11-13, 2025

BEGINS 9:00 AM FRIDAY

Students can arrive on site as early as 7:30 AM to set up camp.

ENDS 2:00 PM SUNDAY

Students can not stay on site past Sunday for insurance purposes.

Please contact courses@georgiabushcraft.com for any questions relating to this course.

Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

This course is designed for 20 participants total.

Course Highlights:

  • Discover the many uses of compass other than navigation
  • Learn how to navigate by the stars in the Northern Hemisphere
  • Signaling for rescue with the use of your kit
  • Comprehend how to use modern devices in navigation and self-rescue
  • Use P.A.U.L. mapping to navigate without the use of a map or device
  • Learn how to positively identify plants and trees that aid in navigation
  • Make pace beads to track your distance
  • Discover how sunlight and shadows aid in finding cardinal directions
  • Practice navigational concepts and run various courses in a wilderness setting
  • Discuss how to prevent getting lost and how to make a game plan
  • Learn how to plot grid coordinates and route plan 
  • Discover how terrain features can assist you in finding your way
GEAR LIST:

Required Gear List:

  • 1 x non lensatic baseplate compass (Suunto MC2 or Silva Compass Ranger are suggested)
  • 1 x 25’ brightly colored 550 paracord (orange is suggested)
  • 1 x notebook and pencils (Rite in the Rain is suggested)

Additional Items:

  • Camp Chair for Comfort
  • Tent or Hammock with preferred sleep system
  • Headlamp with Spare Batteries
  • Proper Clothing for Season and Weather
  • Leather Gloves for Camp Chores
  • Combination Tool like a Leatherman or SAK for Camp Chores
  • Cookware and Stoves for the Meals and Snacks you provide
  • Water Container with Lid
  • Hydration/Electrolyte Packs
  • Hygiene Items
  • Any Prescribed Medications

LOCATION:

Our Address: 1150 Carruth Rd Watkinsville, GA 30677

SEE MAP

Classes are held on a private, 30+ acre property located approximately 90 minutes from Atlanta Airport and 20 minutes from Downtown Athens.

On Carruth Road, turn right down the second driveway next to the large barn and blue dumpster.

Participants can park along the woodline near the red gate straight ahead.

Class instruction will be held at Basecamp, which is located 200 yards past the gate.

Overnight camping is determined by the instructor and is subject to change, however, setting up in the main field or the woods near Basecamp is common. You may leave your vehicle near the entrance or relocate it to your camp.

Downtown Watkinsville is located within a 20 minute drive from the farm with major conveniences (grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, hotels, etc.) nearby.

Please check out our store, Outpost Oconee, in Downtown Watkinsville for more information about our events as well as shop for additional gear and local goods.

In addition to the store, travel across the street to the Blind Pig Tavern and try our signature burger, the Outpost!

SAFETY AND POLICIES:

BEFORE YOU ARRIVE:

All students must read, agree, and sign our Liability Waiver prior to arriving on site.

Be sure to check out our FAQ Section on our site HERE.

REFUND POLICY:

No refunds are available if you cancel any in-person event within 30 days of the event date. Your tuition can be applied to a future class within 365 calendar days from the scheduled event if you need to postpone. We will do our best to accommodate your future class requests but there is no guarantee there will be space for the event you would like.

ADDITIONAL INFO:

Sleeping Arrangements:

Students are not required to stay on site, however, overnight camping is encouraged to deepen social bonds around the fire.

Students can set up their tents or hammocks along the woodline in the field (suggested) or in the woodland area near the classroom. 

Restrooms:

There is a Port-A-John along the woodline near Basecamp for use.

Food:

Food is not provided so students are required to bring their own meals and snacks for consumption. 

There are scheduled breaks for meal times. Everyone usually gathers around the campfire during mealtimes, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for fellowship. 

If you have a cooler, we recommend filling it with ice to store perishable items to keep everything fresh and ready to enjoy.

Students should still inform the instructor of any critical food allergies if any.

Terrain:

The property is rich in resources with varying tree species on top of a diverse range of edible and medicinal plants. 

There are deep creek beds that can make navigating for some difficult. Participants should be mindful of their physical limitations and potential for mechanical injury when navigating off the trails. 

The trail into the woods is a worn down dirt path so vehicles can risk getting trapped. Those driving sedans or 2WD vehicles are not recommended to pass.

Cell Coverage:

Cell service is reliable except for some T-Mobile users where reception is rare, but can sometimes receive signal.

WiFi is available near the farm house for emergency use.

Water:

We suggest bringing plenty of water for hydration, cooking, and hygiene. 

Potable water is available on site near the farmhouse and also near the shower stall next to Basecamp.

There is a single outdoor shower stall that is usable barring certain weather conditions.

Power:

There is no external power source available for students. Participants should bring their own power stations or chargeable units for cell phones, head lamps, etc.

Trash:

There is a trash can available in Basecamp and a dumpster along the driveway.

Please respect this land and “leave no trace.”

MEET THE INSTRUCTOR

JACKS GENEGA

JACKS GENEGA

Jacks Genega is an avid adventurer and full-time van-lifer who travels across the country teaching various wilderness skills with a focus on tree medicine and camp craft. Her journey into exploring outdoor skills began when she encountered an earthquake, witnessed an avalanche, and fell into a crevasse on just day one of her solo hike across Iceland’s Landmannalauger region. It was then that she thought to herself, “I really need to amplify my survival skills.” She didn’t shy away from other solo travels across the UK and Europe having traversed some of the Alps’ highest peaks, glaciers and rivers while also studying bushcraft with Woodland Ways (UK) leading up to the completion of their Northern Forest Year, a year-long intensive in Scotland’s East Lothian region, home to the famous mountaineer, John Muir. She then carried her love for the craft back to the U.S. training with and working for various experts in the fields of emergency and wilderness...READ MORE.

TESTIMONIALS

Jacks is a powerful woman, chuck full of knowledge, courage, and skills who has the capacity to teach others what she lives!

URSALA L.

Jacks is a fantastic instructor and learning navigation from her was a blast! Thanks for an awesome time in the woods!

SIERRA H.

Learned some new skills and made some new friends. If you can take a class with Jacks, do it!

MARZ W.

MEET THE VENUE | GEORGIA BUSHCRAFT FARM

BASECAMP

This is where the majority of class instruction will be held.

THE FARM

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Do I need prior experience to take this course?

No prior experience is necessary! This course is designed for beginners and seasoned adventurers alike. Whether you’ve never used a compass before or want to refine your navigation skills, the course will adapt to your level and ensure you leave confident in your abilities.

2. Is this course suitable for kids or families?

Yes, this course is family-friendly! Children ages 12 and up are welcome as long as they’re accompanied by a participating adult. It’s a fantastic way to build family skills and confidence while enjoying the outdoors together.

3. What skills will I leave with after completing this course?

By the end of the course, you’ll know how to read and interpret topographic maps, use a compass effectively, navigate using natural signs like the sun, stars, and plants, and apply advanced techniques like triangulation and self-mapping. You’ll also learn how to plan safe routes and signal for rescue in emergencies. These skills will prepare you for confident and self-reliant adventures in any wilderness setting.

4. Who do I contact for further information about this course?

Please contact courses@georgiabushcraft.com for any inquiries about this weekend workshop.

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