Cross-Country March by Cardinal Directions and Terrain Points
Translation details
Model:mistral-large-2512.Translated text
Section titled “Translated text”We are an exploratory expedition in the Gobi Desert (sandy terrain), or a reconnaissance expedition in the Amazon forests (forested terrain), or a military unit in the field (normal terrain). We have sent several reconnaissance patrols into the field. From one of them, we receive a radio message: “S. O. S.!… We are to the north-west of the last position…” (or camp). The message is interrupted at this point, evidently they could not transmit more details.
To the rescue, we send search groups one after another. They determine the correct direction using: a compass, a sighting compass, or a map¹). They memorize a series of auxiliary points in the terrain along the given direction, as well as the last one on the horizon, and march according to them, searching for the missing.
In terrain with limited visibility (the exercise will be more difficult), the search patrols must determine the direction with a compass or sighting compass several times. If the starting position is located higher, thus
¹) Use the same type of instrument or a combination of them (sighting compass and map) for everyone.
offering an extensive view, then it is sufficient to orient the compass once.
If older troops participate in the game, the instructor leaves a note with the message at the starting point, then goes as the missing person to a certain position in the given direction (should be hidden), from where they observe the approaching troops.
When leading beginner troops, it is necessary to stay at the starting point to correct their direction-finding errors. In such a case, the missing patrol can be simulated by a clever individual or group, settling at the designated point in hiding.
The troop that finds the missing or has the smallest deviation from them wins.
Troops may set out simultaneously or one after another every few minutes.
With simultaneous departure, there may be a concern that weaker groups might rely too much on those better at orientation and not perform the exercise independently. This method can therefore be applied only to better-trained units or groups.
Directional games can be conducted on water if the exercising youth can swim and row, and most importantly, if they are accustomed to the fact that bravado is not allowed on water. Our numerous lakes and ponds can be a beautiful terrain for these exercises. One boat or kayak is sufficient. If there is more equipment, even better. With beginners in swimming and rowing, the instructor should go out on the water with them. Experienced individuals can be sent under the command of a responsible troop leader.
When we have only one boat, we send crews (do not overload the boat) one after another, waiting for the return of the previous group (the instructor can thus be with each group and better observe the participants’ behavior). We will finish the game faster if we have two or more boats.
With a larger number of kayaks or boats, we can launch the entire flotilla simultaneously.
We can give various forms to directional games on water.
Source of scan: Polona / National Library, marked “Public Domain”. View scan — image 142.
Metadata
Section titled “Metadata”- Type: game
- Traits: Not stated in the source
- Source: Jan Jasiński, Gry i ćwiczenia terenowe (Harce terenowe) (1938)
- Printed pages: 134–136
- Digital edition: Digital edition · Source record
- Open the edition at the relevant page: p. 134
- Read the source text: gct-071