Valley kids learn map and compass basics
It was a little more than a week ago that the Desert Sheriff Search and Rescue team told KESQ and CBS Local 2 they were seeing a large spike in hiker rescues recently.
One of the issues they said were hikers having the tools they need, like a compass or map, but not knowing how to use them.
On Sunday in Palm Desert, a group of young explorers took the first steps in making sure they don’t become part of that problem.
11-year-old Oliver Schorr was one of many who took advantage of the free class on map and compass basics at the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument visitor center, run by Friends of the Desert Mountains.
“If you learn it it’s kind of easy,” Schorr told KESQ News Channel 3’s and CBS Local 2’s Katie Widner. “If you have a map and a compass but you don’t know how to use them, it’s not going to help you. “
The class is offered once a month. For adults, instructors said outdoor retailer REI offers free classes as well.
Click here for a calendar of events at the center for kids and adults.
