Follow Paul Revere's Route: An Educator's Adventure in Boston's Historic Waterfront

Start the Revere's Crossing Event at Long Wharf (pictured) or North Point Park, Cambridge

Ready to combine history, geography, physical education, and problem-solving into one unforgettable experience?

As educators, we're always looking for ways to make learning come alive for our students. What if I told you there's an event happening right in Boston that lets you literally follow in Paul Revere's footsteps while mastering navigation skills that could transform your classroom teaching?

What is Orienteering?

Orienteering is a sport that combines physical activity with mental problem-solving. Participants use a detailed map and compass to navigate through checkpoints in the shortest time possible. Think of it as a real-world treasure hunt that develops critical thinking, spatial awareness, and decision-making skills.

Why This Event is Perfect for Educators

The Revere's Crossing Orienteering Event on Saturday, August 30th isn't just any race – it's a journey through living history. You'll navigate from Long Wharf in Boston, across the water to Charlestown, and into Cambridge, retracing parts of Paul Revere's midnight ride and the redcoats’ march on the 18th of April, 1775.

Educational Gold Mine

This event offers many cross-curricular connections:

• History: Experience the geography of the American Revolution firsthand

• Mathematics: Practice map scales, distance calculations, and coordinate systems

• Physical Education: Engage in active learning that promotes fitness

• Geography: Understand topography, urban planning, and spatial relationships

• Problem-Solving: Make quick decisions under pressure using critical thinking skills

Multiple Skill Levels Welcome

Whether you're a complete beginner or have some orienteering experience, there are different level courses designed for you:

• Short Course (~2km): Perfect for beginners

• Middle Course: For intermediate participants

• Long Course (6.6km): For advanced orienteers

All courses use professional orienteering maps at detailed scales (1:3000 or 1:4000) with precise 2.5-meter contour intervals.

What Makes This Event Special?

Historic Significance: 250 Years!

You'll be crossing the Charles where Paul Revere crossed, the night of the 18th of April, 1775. We’ll head from Boston, where the British soldiers were under siege from 1775 until March 1776, to Charlestown, where the Battle of Bunker Hill was fought… on Breed’s Hill. You’ll end up in Cambridge, where George Washington took command of the Continental Army on July 3, 1775. 

You’ll be able to look south from the start across the water toward Georges Island, with ramparts built to defend against a future enemy. You’ll skirt the North End, notable for the Old North Church from which two hung lanterns told Revere the British soldiers were crossing by boat. (This is a good time to re-read Longfellow’s poem about the Ride.)

Newly Mapped Areas

The North End Waterfront and Cambridge Crossing have not previously been mapped for orienteering, to our knowledge. The wharves were built out from Boston’s North End into the ocean; you will be running where there was only sea in 1775. Cambridge Crossing is a very recent development. We’ll visit the ponds and hills of its newly sculpted park, as well as some architecturally pretty splotches of garden.

Professional Organization

Orienteering USA has designated this as a National Ranking Event (NRE). It will be hosted by experienced orienteering organizers, ensuring high-quality maps, safe courses, and an excellent race experience.

Practical Details for Busy Educators

When: Saturday, August 30th, 2025 

Where: Start at Long Wharf, Boston (near Aquarium T-stop) or North Point Park, Cambridge 

Cost: $16 for adults, $10 for youth (recreational level). See website for details on entry into the national ranking event. 

Registration Deadline: August 27

Time Commitment: 2-4 hours total

More Information: Event website

Easy Registration

Choose the recreational level for a fun, no-pressure introduction to the sport. Register here for the recreational courses – no published results, no pressure, just pure educational adventure.

Accessibility

• Multiple public transit options (Blue, Red, Green, and Orange lines all connect to start/finish areas)

• Financial assistance available if cost is a concern

• Equipment rental available (including electronic timing chips)

• Volunteer opportunities that let you participate and help

Bring Learning Back to Your Classroom

After experiencing orienteering, you'll return to school with:

• Real-world map and compass skills to teach your students

• Understanding of how geography shaped history in your local area

• Experience with spatial problem-solving that enhances STEM education

• Ideas for active learning that gets students moving and thinking

• Connections to outdoor education and environmental awareness

Many educators find that orienteering becomes a powerful tool for engaging reluctant learners, building confidence, and developing perseverance.

Take the Next Step

Registration closes on Wednesday, August 27th. Don't let this opportunity pass by – it's rare to find an activity that so perfectly combines physical activity, mental challenge, local history, and educational value.

Ready to follow Paul Revere's route and discover orienteering?

Register for the recreational course and prepare for an adventure that will enrich both your personal experience and your teaching toolkit.

Questions? Contact the organizers at nre@navigationgames.org – they're educators themselves and understand exactly what makes this sport so valuable for learning.

"Listen, my children, and you shall hear..." – this time, you'll be the one making the midnight ride through Boston's historic waterfront, armed with map and compass instead of lantern signals.

The event includes a post-race tea party in Cambridge at 4:00 PM – because every good adventure deserves a proper celebration!