Wheaton

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September 1
Sunday

Quantico Orienteering Club invites all newcomers to join us for an "INTRODUCTION TO ORIENTEERING” as we prepare to kick off our 2013-2014 season. This year we are hosting two purely beginner-oriented events: this one, at which instruction will be available in both English and ASL, and another in Virginia on Sunday, September 8th at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton, VA.

These will be FREE beginner-only orienteering events for all ages - from children to adults. For anyone who has ever wanted to try orienteering, or just wondered what it is, here's the chance to come out and give it a go. Those of you who are already seasoned orienteers, please feel free to invite your co-workers and friends out to experience that activity you're always telling them you do.

Participants will learn the basics of orienteering from experienced instructors and then apply their newly acquired skills on a beginner level orienteering course (either a White or Yellow Course) that same day. Registration opens at 9:00 AM and instruction will be offered approximately every 20 minutes beginning at 9:20 AM and running through 11:00 AM. Instruction will also be available in ASL throughout this period. Participants can either orienteer solo, or in small groups of their own choosing. All participants will have until 12:30 PM to complete their courses.

The only equipment you'll need to bring is your brain, some active clothing/sportswear, a comfortable pair of athletic shoes, and a watch. Participants may also want to bring along extra water or beverages, though there will be plenty of water on the course and at the start/finish/instructional area.

As added bonus, all participants get a free trial membership to the Quantico Orienteering Club through the end of October 2013.

To join us an one of these events, please reserve a spot by emailing the Meet Director, Heidi Onkst and providing first/last name of each participant and which event you will be attending (Wheaton, Mason Neck or both!). The park permits limit these events to a certain number of participants, so please register ASAP.

Looking forward to the start of a great O-Season!

Location

Wheaton Regional Park, Shorefield Area, Shelter H, Wheaton, MD (Introduction to Orienteering)

RegistrationRegister on-site from 9:00 am to 11:00am. Please contact the Meet Director, Heidi Onkst, to reserve a spot.
Start TimesFirst training session begins at 9:20am. Participants can start course any time after they complete the Introduction to Orienteering training, which will last about 20 minutes. “Out of the Woods” time is 12:30pm
ScheduleSunday, September 1
9:20 am - 12:30 pmIntroduction to Orienteering: Orienteering for Beginners - courses open
Volunteers
Meet Director:Heidi Onkst
Course Designer:David Onkst
Location Details

Introduction to Orienteering
Wheaton Regional Park
Shorefield Area, Shelter H
Wheaton, MD
Google Map

From I-495 take Exit 31 for Georgia Avenue/MD 97 North. Follow Georgia Avenue north for almost 3 miles, then turn right onto Shorefield Road. Continue on Shorefield Road until you reach the parking area. Registration/check-in will be near Pavilion H.
Google Maps Link
Apple/iPhone Link
Course DetailsIntroduction to Orienteering
Course NameLength (km)Climb (m)No. Controls
White 2.75013
White 2.55012
Yellow 3.615
Course NotesIntroduction to Orienteering

White A - all on trails. Best option for families with small children and no orienteering experience.

White B - all on trails, a tad more challenging than white A. Good option for adults or families with older children and no/minimal navigational experience.

Yellow - longer, some off trail controls but with linear features to follow. Good option for adults with some navigation/orienteering experience, adventure racers and hikers.

Entry Fees

This event will be free of charge.

  • Electronic timing will be used. We will provide you with an electronic timing chip (aka e-stick, finger dibber, or SI-card) for free if you don't own one. Loaned e-sticks that are lost incur a $40 replacement fee.
  • Compasses are available at no charge, but if lost incur a $15 replacement fee.
  • Please provide collateral (driver's license or car keys) when borrowing a compass.
  • For additional safety, whistles are available for sale at $1/each.
  • Free beginner instruction will be available - just ask at the registration table.