Learn about orienteering - what it is, how to do it, and how to find events that you can participate in
Competitive orienteering is the sport of navigation—often held in unfamiliar terrain—using a map and compass to navigate from point to point in the least amount of time. In a less competitive setting, orienteering is an activity well-suited to all ages and abilities.
In either case, orienteering is considered to be a “thinking sport” - one which combines strategic thinking, decision making, navigation skills (map reading and interpretation), and travel through any variety of terrain. Orienteering is a sport for everyone and a fun way to exercise your body and mind as you enjoy the outdoors.
This class session will provide introductory level information about the sport of orienteering. We will cover basic map reading and navigation skills, decision making and strategy, and basic compass navigation skills. Following some preliminary classroom instruction, we will put our new orienteering knowledge to work outdoors on an actual orienteering course on site at the Norway House.
This class is appropriate for all ages 6 yrs and up. Kids of any age are welcome (orienteering events are often enjoyed by little kids in backpacks and strollers). For the outdoor portion of this class, please dress appropriately for the weather of the day.
For a fun look at competitive orienteering, check out this short video showing kids at work (and play) on an orienteering course in the woods. Note that, in addition to running, there is lots of thinking and decision making going on at the same time.
Link to the video: https://youtu.be/gAbyuq2jEac?si=Ql-5usUeN9kv1Nfd
John and Gwen Daniels are members of the Minnesota Orienteering Club and they can help you find events and tell you more about the Club and what it offers.
Orieteering is very popular in Norway and one of the top orienteers in the world is Norwegian Kasper Fosser.
This event is free to Norway House members; $5 general admission; $3 to Ventura Village residents. Children under 8 are free.