This past spring, Rye Country Day School’s Physical Education Department added orienteering to the curriculum. Known as the “sport of navigation,” orienteering challenges participants to navigate between checkpoints specified on a map in the shortest time possible. 

The addition of orienteering is part of the P.E. Department’s ongoing effort to offer more outdoor education and fitness experiences to our students. P.E. Teachers Nicola Clarkson, Ryan King, Russell Tombline, and Jessica Zimmerman developed the unit and its implementation plan with the support of an RCDS Research & Innovation Grant.

Ms. Clarkson, Mr. King, Mr. Tombline, and Ms. Zimmerman collaborated with RCDS rising senior Zack Wirth ’27 and the STEAM Department’s Makerspace Apprenticeship Program to create the materials needed to develop the Orienteering Unit.

As a Level 3 STEAM Apprentice,  Zack led the design process for this project from start to finish. He began the materials development process with interviews to create initial design mock-ups and prototypes.  Using Fusion 360 for CAD modeling and 3D printing for fabrication, he produced punchers, control points, punch cards, code key guides, and additional supporting components. Zack’s in-depth production work, which spanned more than six months, required strong methodology, dedication, iterative prototyping, and a sense of ownership.

By April 2026, P.E. Teachers began introducing the unit in third, fifth, and sixth grade.

And the reviews are in! Students thoroughly enjoyed the resulting orienteering unit, which offers an engaging way to develop navigation, problem-solving, decision-making, and teamwork skills! 

Many thanks to the P.E. Department for their innovative leadership and for harnessing the power of interdisciplinary collaboration with the STEAM and the Makerspace Apprentice Programs, while also creating meaningful opportunities for student leadership, skill development, and authentic learning.

“It has been an outstanding project that Zack has truly spearheaded,” shared Makerspace Director Kevin Farrant. “It highlights what a Level 3 apprentice can accomplish, as well as the impact cross divisional collaboration we value so much at RCDS.”

Mr. King added, “It has been exciting to watch Zack apply the design process in such a practical, hands-on way that will enhance our Middle School students’ experience.”