by Lydia O’Connell, age 10

I sprinted to the first control/flag and stuck my finger thing in it. Yes! One down, 10 to go. I really got the hang of it after the first control. I was orienteering with my family and I was on a Yellow. I got the time of 68 minutes and something seconds. After that I challenged my brother to a White. And he accepted. He won by a measly 1 minute and 30 seconds. Life is unfair.

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Read about a NEOC event from the perspective of first-timer, and Boston Globe reporter, Brian MacQuarrie.

Haven't used e-punch before?  This photo guide will show you what to expect. Click a photo to read the details.

• 1. Fill out your Safety Card 1. Fill out your Safety Card
• 2. Registration worker collects Safety Card 2. Registration worker collects Safety Card
• 3. Clear your stick 3. Clear your stick
• 4. Check your stick 4. Check your stick
• 5. Start 5. Start
• 6. The Controls 6. The Controls
• 7. Finish 7. Finish
• 8. Download! 8. Download!
•  

If you have a NEOC "loaner" finger-stick, be sure to return it before you leave.

• Read Peter Amram's series of articles in the Training section:
  • Advice for Children
  • Advice to Adults Working with Children
  • The First Control
  • Levels of the Game
  • A Flow Chart
  • Running the Numbers
  • Smarter is Faster
• Browse the links in the Orienteering Overview section.
• Note that Beginner instruction is generally available at NEOC meets from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM. Ask at Registration.

Note to veterans: Consider contributing an article to the Beginner's Corner.
Contact the Webmaster for information.