Orienteering for Children
In an era where chilling out is regarded as ‘crucial’ and comfort is the key, where food is plentiful and where more and more people are following 
sedentary lifestyles, how can we help ourselves? We are reminded on a daily basis of the potentially harmful effects of an inactive lifestyle. And as the pace of life continues to accelerate, quality family time will inevitably be challenged. So, how can we pull together the needs of the family with fun, and the desirability of physical fitness? Thankfully, on an individual level there is plenty we can do. Of course, there are the more obvious choices, such as swimming and cycling together as a family, but if you want to try something a bit different, then orienteering may put you on course to future family health.
So, what is orienteering?
If you and your children like treasure hunts, you should enjoy orienteering. In a nutshell, orienteering is an exciting outdoor adventure sport that offers a mental and physical challenge. The aim of orienteering is to navigate, in sequence, to different control points that are located on a special course, using a specially-drawn map. The idea of the exercise is to decide on the best route to complete in the quickest time. Think of it as an advanced treasure hunt that anybody can do, or think of it as a cross-country race that you navigate using a map instead of following a set course.
What do I have to do?
As already mentioned, the aim is to navigate around a course as quickly as possible, using a specially drawn map. Orienteering maps are drawn to a large scale and provide a detailed ‘legend’ or key to help you read them better. Different features are highlighted: for example, contour lines, landform, buildings, and terrain. This helps to navigate the easiest route around the course avoiding areas such as dense woodland, or areas with thick brambles and nettles.
The map also shows a course with a series of ‘control’ points marked. These control points are highlighted on the map with brightly coloured dots, whilst on the course itself they are signed by a control flag or sometimes a marked card.
Each control flag bears a number or letter, which needs to be matched up against the number or letter on the control descriptions sheet. This comes with the map. When you are sure you are at the correct flag, you need to prove it. To do this, you will need to use a technique known as punching. This involves using either an electronic punching device (given to your team at registration) or ‘punching’ or marking your control card (again, given to you at the start) using a stapler or coloured crayon located at the flag - just to prove you have been there. You use your map to find all the control flags on the course until you reach the finish.
Do I have to run?
You can if you want to. But you can also jog or walk.
How will I know what course to do?
Courses vary in length and technical difficulty and are distinguished using a colour-coded system. Starting with ‘White’ courses, which are aimed at families with young children, there is a colour progression, similar to the martial art belt-grading system. This finishes with challenging ’Brown’ courses that span over long distances through tough terrain. Most families with primary school aged children follow the white courses as they are very easy to follow and all the control flags are positioned on paths. The course length is a reasonable 1 to 1.5 km, allowing little legs to have a good stretch. After that, the next progression is onto a yellow course that uses simple linear features like paths, walls and streams and is typically around 1.5 to 2.5km - more suitable for the slightly older child.
What will we need to wear?
* Lightweight, breathable, comfortable clothes. Things that you don’t mind getting dirty and that are suitable for walking or running,
* A good pair of trainers or walking shoes, with good grip.
* A waterproof – you can’t trust the British weather!
Why is it particularly good for children and families?
One of orienteering’s big appeals is that it is a fun outdoor activity in which the whole family can get involved. There is a chance for healthy competition against other families at an event, where working well as a family unit will provide good results. It can really bring people together and tighten the bond within families. Plus there are boundless benefits to racing around a course in the fresh air and stunning countryside, not to mention the buzz the children get from finding the control flags.
The sport also encourages decision-making, and builds map reading and navigational skills, which may prove useful in other areas of life. Essentially, it is a healthy exercise for the brain as well as body.
Where does orienteering take place?
Orienteering can take place anywhere, but usually takes in green spaces such as urban parks, forests and the countryside. It can also take place in school playgrounds. To find a local permanent orienteering course, you can go to the ‘permanent courses’ section of the British Orienteering website at www.britishorienteering.org.uk. Or if you would like to attend an organised event, again, take a look at the website. Most events take place on a Sunday morning, and you will also find plenty of people who will help you get started.
Orienteering in schools
In recognition of its physical and mental testing qualities, orienteering is a sport adopted by 1 in 10 schools in the UK. Each November, over 1000 schoolchildren compete at the British Schools Orienteering Championships. The sport follows the National Curriculum for PE, Geography and Mathematics.
Further Information:
British Orienteering
Tel: 01629 734042
Email: info@britishorienteering.org.uk
Web: www.britishorienteering.org.uk.
Children’s section of the website: www.britishorienteering.org.uk/ozone
British Schools Orienteering Association
Tel: 01926 854 639
Email: info@bsoa.org
Web: www.bsoa.org
Kirsty Woodgate
