Anyone here done orienteering?

[Boosh]

My kids enjoy learning how to use a map and compass when we are out in the woods, they are 8 and 9, and both girls are learning about this subject at school too which is great.

My eldest is very "sporty" and was looking around for a club to join, and i mentioned orienteering to her and she seemed quite interested.

Does anyone here have any experience of orienteering clubs and what age they can join? I think for the time being i'd rather she was with me if she's goinjg to go navigating her way through the forest, but i thought i'd get some advice anyway.

Thanks,

Boosh.

 

[big_swede]

I can't give any good advice other than that is really good fun! Back in school we used to do it a lot, and I reckon that is a good workout and real fun. It's like trail running, but without a trail

I think 9 is a ok age to join a club, but check with the club first. They probably will start really easy with the kids.

 

[Pipistrelle]

I was a BOF orienteering instructor before i began walking in the woods, I think times have changed (11 years ago now) and we taught all ages, the youngsters were taught rudimentary skills on star courses before they progressed onto full courses, but check out the british orienteering federation web site, there is a quick look up table for you find clubs.

http://www.britishorienteering.org.uk/asp/findclub.asp or stick it in google.

 

[swyn]

Hi Boosh.
There is a local (to us ish) orienteering club that has a big event every year here using quite a large area of the the woodland. Approx 200 people take part. This seems to be quite a serious event as the clippers are situated in some interesting places. By clippers I mean the things that you will use to mark your route card as you move round the course. Having seen the maps that are used puts this into a much higher gear than Landranger meandering!
The event/club/organisers are called 'Thames valley orienteers'. Not sure if they have a website though. I can find out more info if you draw a blank.
This possibly sounds suitable for your 'sporty' eldest.
I hope that this helps and that perhaps Bucks is not really that far from where you are.
Swyn.

 

[Adrian M]

I did a bit of orientering a while ago before I stuffed my knee( thats my excuse ). I was a member of Thames Vally Orientering Club at one stage.

http://www.tvoc.org.uk/

I also went to events run by Hertfordshire orintering club.

http://www.happyherts.org.uk/

Most club events are colour coded for difficulty and distance and some have a "string course" for the very young ones.

You could check out the BOF website to find a local club, they all seem to be really friendly and you can usually take part in their events without joining the club, if you just want to have a go.

http://www.britishorienteering.org.uk/asp/homepage.asp

Hope this helps.