FREE MAP-AND-COMPASS WILDERNESS LAND NAVIGATION CLASS >> May 23-24, 2026 (Roscommon, Michigan • Crawford County • Northern Lower Peninsula): Taught by Team MibSAR’s Long Range Special Operations Group (LRSOG) instructor cadre, this ADULTS-ONLY class will be held at the Michigan DNR’s spotless, state-of-the-art, Ralph A. MacMullan (RAM) Conference Center in the Education Building, 60-person Main Conference Room, 104 Conservation Drive, Roscommon, Michigan www.Michigan.gov/RAMcenter
>> CLASS CURRICULUM: In this class, team MibSAR’s Long Range Special Operations Group (LRSOG) instructor cadre will help you level-up -- or refresh -- your map-and-compass wilderness land navigation skills with immersive, hands-on dirt-time in the beautiful, 800,000-acre Au Sable State Forest:
• How to interpret contour lines and use a topographic map in the bush
• How to plot and calculate compass bearings on a topographic map
• How to adjust for magnetic declination in Michigan & around the world
• How to use a compass & U.S. Army Ranger Pacing beads to walk an accurate bearing
• 4-hours on long-range compass course with instructors
• 2-hours on night navigation compass course with instructors (optional)
• 5 free land nav books (Civil Air Patrol, Army, Australia EM, National Wildfire CG)
>> LODGING, MEALS, CAMPING, CABIN RENTALS:
~ For on-site room & BLD meal reservations, email the RAM Center at
TWFjTXVsbGFuQ2VudGVyIHwgTWljaGlnYW4gISBnb3Y=. (Meals are only available if enough participate; no lunch on Sunday; however, you may be able to get a box lunch on Sunday, ask about this option)
~ For walking-distance campsite and cabin reservations, contact North Higgins Lake State Park:
https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?id=478&type=SPRK&fbclid=IwY2xjawK9H6BleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFybmRlTGFVUlNIMmZqakYzAR7v9ulbXKv9QJ5YmmLbDdLV3zGZ9nISyrx1Sw4elSIRRn_nw4gCq-N5RMjt-Q_aem_7qNZVA4Q7X2Rj4stqO-bDw#overview
• NOTE: No meals or lodging are provided by the organizer, Michael Neiger, during this class.
>> NO INSURANCE COVERAGE
• No insurance coverage is provided by the organizer, Michael Neiger, for this class. Participants are encouraged to consult with a trusted professional about the need for life, disability, medical, prescription, dental, eye, evacuation, class cancellation, automobile, etc., insurance coverage.
>> EQUIPMENT TO BRING (or team-up and share with a partner)
~ 20 Suunto A30 loaner compasses and pacing beads available -- first come, first serve
Will be posted as class approaches.
Thank you for your interest!
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