​​​The Spring Scamper & Fall Frenzy are FREE orienteering events where solo competitors and/or teams use a map and compass to search for up to 20 checkpoints placed in the woods and fields around Camp Bethel (328 Bethel Rd, Fincastle, VA). Both events are rogaine-style, where competitors have up to 6 hours to find as many points as possible and return to the start/finish. Total length of the entire course is approximately 8-10 miles, but that will vary widely based on how many points you find and how you find them! Points will be marked on the map and can be found in any order.


Course maps will be available to download from this page the Friday before the event. We will also have a folder of printed maps on the porch of the camp office. Bring your own compass, water, and snacks. Teams must stay together -- no splitting up! Families are encouraged to participate. Beginners can decide when to "call it a day."


You may find some snacks and treats at selected points :)


The course will close at 6 pm each day and re-open at 8 am. You can choose your day and your start time -- still 6 hours max. The start/finish is the paved ARK (dining hall) parking lot at Camp Bethel. Please depart the camp BEFORE dark.


Once you complete the course, email your total time, score, and a team photo to muddysquirrelinfo@gmail.com and we'll share on our Facebook and Instagram pages, which will serve as our virtual scoreboard. 


These events are FREE, but we welcome donations! Please consider making one to help offset the time it takes to design, put up, and take down the course. Thanks in advance for your generosity :)

How does this work?

This format is rogaine-style  where individuals/teams use a map & compass to navigate an area in search of control points (CPs). The adventure must be completed totally on FOOT and teams MUST stay together. Our goal in course design is to take you to cool places that you might never travel to otherwise. We definitely encourage you to navigate the road less traveled. Our courses are challenging for experts but are also welcoming to beginners. We'll have CPs suitable to every ability level.  Here are the basics...

  • You are looking for a hanging orange and white 3-D flag (CP)
  • CPs are worth different point values
  • Punch your scorecard when you find a CP
  • You can find CPs in any order you choose
  • 6 hour time limit
  • Most points wins
  • In the event that multiple teams "clear the course," fastest team wins
  • We provide maps -- or print your own
  • You provide the compass​
  • Great for families or teams of friends 
  • We also offer "custom" navigation experiences for any group​; contact us!

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Orienteering

in Virginia's Blue Ridge 

Muddy Squirrel

Fall Frenzy: November 1-3, 2024

Donation amount

*** Fall Frenzy UPDATE: Hunting season is here, even within the boundaries of Camp Bethel. Wear some blaze orange. Leaves are especially dry and slippery, so footing can be sketchy. If adventuring solo, make sure someone knows when you expect to return. Cell service should be available for most of the course ***

Fall Frenzy course map available here!