Area residents are invited to take part in a basic orienteering class on Saturday, July 10.

The course, “Basic Orienteering with Map & Compass,” is sponsored by Libby Hostel Base Camp. This class will meet at 9 a.m. MST at the Venture Inn, 1015 W. Ninth St., in Libby, Montana, and include both classroom instruction and a field session. It is expected to wrap up at about 2:30 p.m. MST.

The course will include an introduction and an overall review of map and compass basics. Participants will learn valuable lessons and methods for point-to-point navigation, that alone or in combination with GPS will prepare individuals for wilderness travel and challenges.

Participants will learn about calculating point-to-point azimuth and distance to and from locations, map reading and scales, contour lines and elevations, topographic maps, aerial photos, legal descriptions, latitude and longitude, finding section corners, and other valuable orienteering skills. The classroom session will last a couple of hours, and then the group will head to the field to practice navigational techniques.

Those taking part should have a full tank of gas, water, lunch, appropriate layers for the weather, hats, and sunscreen. For the classroom session, bring pencils, small write in rain or paper notebook, calculator, ruler or scale, reading glasses, and hand lens if needed. The instructor will have a few compasses and maps for students.

Information or to register: Brian Baxter, b_baxter53@yahoo.com, or calling 406-291-2154.