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Introduction to Orienteering - ONE DAY ONLY
Instruction (approx 30 mins) starting every 15 minutes: 10:00am - 2:00pm
Pre-registration for a timeslot is REQUIRED via SignUp Genius
REGISTER for "Introduction to Orienteering"
Brand new to orienteering? Always wondered what to do with a map & compass? This introductory event will offer small group trainings with an instructor and time to complete additional orienteering courses.
The instructional course is 0.7 km (0.4 miles). Four additional courses are available to practice on after instruction:
- White course (1.7 km) - beginner course with all controls on trail
- Yellow course (2.6 km) - advanced beginner course with some controls slightly off trail
- Sprint1 (2.4 km) - intermediate course with some controls further off trail
- Sprint2 (2.4 km) - intermediate course with all different controls from Sprint1.
All course distances are approximate and time needed to complete each course will be dependent on whether you walk or run, and accuracy of your navigation. In general, the White and Yellow courses can usually be completed in under 45 minutes at a walk. Children 12 and under need to be accompanied by an adult. Participants can try as many courses as they like.
Cost
- Free for members of NEOC (interested in becoming a member? More info is HERE)
- Free for members of MetroWest YMCA.
- Non-members are $10 per adult (22+) and $5 for youth (age 21 and under). After registering, please PAY ONLINE
(Maps will be provided for "Intro to Orienteering" participants.)
Volunteer! Contact meet director if you can assist with registration, instruction, or control hanging.
Already know how to orienteer?
Help introduce the sport to friends who have always wanted to try by encouraging them to sign up for this Introductory event. Come try these same courses during the Bring Your Own May (BYOM) event happening March 30th through April 7th (courses closes on 2 pm).
Course maps will be available on the New England Orienteering Club schedule under "MetroWest YMCA Outdoor Center BYOM". Download the maps, then print the courses you want to do. Non-members pay $10 per family for the BYOM map downloads. NEOC members are free.
This event is a joint effort between the New England Orienteering Club and the MetroWest YMCA Outdoor Center to help introduce folks to the joys of orienteering and the fun of running around in the woods with a map and compass.
Parking Please use the north soccer field entrance across from Wildlife Dr (appox 62 East St) and continue to the dirt parking lot across from the soccer fields.
Items to Bring With You
- Dress for the weather. This event happens snow, rain, or shine. Plan to be outside for 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Maps: Printed maps will be provided for those who register for instruction.
- Compass if you have one - a simple baseplate compass works very well for orienteering. These courses can be completed without a compass.
- Water & snacks. No water is available on the course.
- Cell phone with web access (recommended but optional) used to scan QR code at each control point. Make sure it's fully charged, especially if it's cold outside.
Safety
- Please be respectful of other park users.
- Report any missing controls / QR codes or any other issues to the event director.
- Dogs must be leashed.
- Please scan the FINISH QR code (even if you didn’t find all your controls, or just decided to stop) so we know you are off the course.
Use the soccer field entrance across from Wildlife Drive and continue to dirt lot across from the soccer fields.
