Track Your Position
Learning Goal: I can maintain continuous awareness of my position and direction while moving.
Intro
Tracking your position ensures you can communicate when something goes wrong in between intersections, if signage is missing, if a dust storm occurs, etc. Especially when first starting out, get into the habit of saying each intersection out loud as you cross through it, to help both you and your partner keep track. This self-discipline of tracking yourself is important, especially for emergencies. Veteran Rangers also often say this habit is why they don't get lost.
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Crossroad Ranger: GPS-enabled webpage lets you test yourself on tracking intersections of your own neighborhood. Use this to practice the habit of looking at intersection signs while going on long walks (like what successful Dirt Rangers do to keep track of their position).
Note: Please try this practice on your phone! Scan the QR code below (if you're having problems doing that, type rangerstoryteller.org/crossroadranger into your phone's internet address bar).
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If you can't practice on actual streets, this tool provides a simulation you can do from home. While a YouTube video of your choosing plays in the middle of the screen, the corner shows intersections you are "traveling" past. Occasionally you'll get tested to name the last intersection you passed.
Predicting the Next Intersection
At the Burn you can predict the next intersection based on your current and past intersections. If the number or letter has changed the past two intersections, it will be what's changing on the next intersection as well. It will also keep going up or down (i.e., if we went from 4 and D to 4 and E, next is 4 and F).
Test Yourself
Do Crossroad Ranger or Track Distract while hanging out and chatting with a friend, to simulate the full distracting experience of being at a Burn.