Uludağ National Park Children Orienteering Experience

Summer Orienteering for Kids in Uludağ National Park

When Uludağ is mentioned, winter usually comes to mind; however, in the summer months, Uludağ National Park transforms into a whole different world for kids with its fir forest coolness and open plateaus. Taking the cable car from Bursa is an adventure in itself, exciting kids from the start of the day. In our approximately two-hour program, we introduce orienteering as a treasure hunt in nature for the 7-12 age group. Everyone gets their own map and small compass, then searches for the orange-white control flags placed among the firs and on the edges of the plateaus.

Uludağ's summer face is advantageous for kids. The open areas between the trees provide a wide field of view; the child can easily see their group and guide wherever they look. The dark trunks of the fir forest and the border with the open meadows are a clear line on the map, and seeing this border in the real world is the most concrete way to learn map reading. Thanks to the cool plateau air, walking is not tiring even in the middle of summer.

Turning the Map, Finding the Flag, Marking the Card

In the opening of the program, we learn the language of the map with a short game. What does green mean, what does white mean, why does the yellow area mean meadow? Children find the answers to these questions not by memorizing, but by looking around. Everyone sees that the red tip of the compass always points north by trying it out in their own hands; the habit of turning the map north starts here. Then, the control cards are distributed. At each orange-white flag, the child marks their card and moves on to the next point. Our routes are short; the points are close to each other and all remain within the safe boundaries previously determined by the guide. Our goal is not to tire the child, but to give them the opportunity to make their own decisions.

The benefits of this experience go beyond the game. The sense of direction develops, attention deficit is replaced by a real task, and each flag found makes a small contribution to self-confidence. The two hours spent away from screens are the time when love for nature blossoms in the most natural way. Respect for nature is also part of the program: not leaving trash within the national park boundaries, not touching plants and animals, and not changing the position of the flags are the group's common promise.

Information and Preparation for Parents

Groups are kept small, and an experienced guide is at the head of each group; children are under supervision throughout the program. Parents can either accompany the group or wait at the meeting point. It's enough to have closed and sturdy sports shoes, water, and a hat with you. Due to Uludağ's altitude, the weather can cool down quickly even in summer, so we recommend adding a thin jacket. If you want to give your child a real day of discovery in nature, we kindly ask you to create your registration early.