Rogaining is the sport of long distance cross-country navigation. Teamwork, endurance, strategy and map reading are features of the sport.
Teams of two to five members navigate with map and compass; they can visit checkpoints in any order and will travel through terrain that varies from open countryside to hilly forest.
At most rogaines a central base camp - or Hash House - provides hot meals and teams may return at any time to eat, rest or enjoy the fellowship.
Rogaining supports and encourages people to develop respect for rural and forest environments; participants develop navigational skills, self reliance, general fitness, and the ability to work in a team.
Teams travel at their own pace, and anyone from children to grandparents can experience the personal satisfaction that comes from cross-country navigation at individual levels of competition and comfort.
It's a great outing for the family - your entry fee covers everything you need for a full day's entertainment. Most families that take part, treat the activity as a walk to interesting places combined with rest stops and perhaps a picnic for younger team members.
Children initially take part with Mum and Dad - they develop fitness, basic map-reading skills, an awareness of safety in the bush and the need to work together as a team.
As they grow, they will in time reach out to kids of a similar age and may, in time, establish their own teams - thereby building strong relationships with other rogainers.
The effort required to organise an interesting and safe Patrol Activity can be quite substantial.
Rogaines are generally set up the day before the event - usually in an area with camping. The kitchen tent is set up , there is water available and portable toilets are always supplied for the event.
So, your patrol activity looks like this:
Day before the event
Transport patrol(s) to the assembly area
Check in with the organisers
Establish Camp
If pre-arranged - be coached in navigation
On the Day
Participate in the rogaine - practise your new skills
At the end of the rogaine - food is supplied
Head for home - tell other scouts about your adventure