Orienteering...
is an outdoor sport using maps to find one's way.
For all ages
For children as young as toddlers there is a special orienteering
course called the string course. The entire route is marked from
start to finish, so no one gets lost. A simple map shows the
route and the location of the markers, called controls. As children
become ready, they can learn about maps, map symbols, direction,
figuring out where they are, and so forth, all while on a well
marked course they can follow themselves.
Older children and adults can learn to orienteer on White
courses. The White course is for beginners. Points are marked
on the map, and the goal is to find them in order. Children usually
first do White courses with their family or youth group, then
with other children, and finally by themselves.
A guide for parents
This site is designed as a guide for parents, teachers, youth
group leaders and orienteering organizers (but it can be fun
as a general intro to orienteering if you flip through to the
relevant parts). It covers a wide variety of topics that are
useful in getting children involved in orienteering, helping
them get more out of orienteering, and expanding their skills
with the resources available in North America. Some sections
are suitable for people new to orienteering, and others will
be of interest to those already orienteering.
The resource section
lists books that go into more detail on various subjects, as
well as addresses to write to or link to for various other resources.
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