ALBERTA ORIENTEERING ASSOCIATION
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AOA last newsletter in 2022

11/21/2022

 
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Message from the AOA President


Hello Alberta orienteers,

Well, I am feeling somewhat wistful about the end of the regular orienteering season, but also encouraged that the events that were held in 2022 show that Alberta orienteering is coming back from the disruptions of the past few years. And with the behind-the-scenes planning for future events, getting new officials trained to develop and run those events, map making and training mappers, trying to improve land access, training coaches, and so on, the “off-season” looks to be just as busy for our
core of hard-working volunteers.

And speaking of volunteers, this year the AOA held a one-day event last month to celebrate the people who make such a difference for Alberta orienteering. I think the event at the Red Deer Polytechnic on October 15 th was a great success. The sprint courses designed by David Campden of FWOC and Greg Yarkie of EOOC were a lot of fun – of course the fabulous weather helped – and that led to a very tasty (free) lunch and a chance to recognize the volunteers who had been so key to Alberta orienteering in 2021 and 2022 (check out the names in this newsletter). 

While the AOA recognizes key event officials and club organizers, some of who put in many hundreds of hours, including hundreds of kilometres of travelling to sites and walking through forests and over plains, there are so many of you who lend a hand, whether offering to pick up controls on a Wednesday night or register participants or mark them in as they finish, hand out maps to school kids, and more – all of which are so welcome to your fellow club member / volunteer who planned and put on the courses.

I would like to extend a heart-felt thank you to all of you who help Alberta orienteering in whatever way you can. This is how we keep orienteering thriving in Alberta.

Sincerely,
Kim Kasperski
President, Alberta Orienteering Association

Thank You Volunteers!



The AOA Volunteer Recognition  Criteria                     
  • AOA board  members 
  •  Auditor of AOA                              
  • Orienteering club’s presidents                                
  • Canada cup (A Meet) main organizers                            
  • Forest event (B-Meet) main organizers     
  •  Someone who has done something especially significant for AOA




 

Orienteering Highlights in 2022


Canadian Rockies Orienteering Festival
 
      
The big event of the year for Albertans was the Canadian Rockies Orienteering Festival (CROF) which included the Western Canadian Orienteering Championships held in Kananaskis, a Barebones event on a new map in the Crowsnest as well as the Canadian Orienteering Championships in Kimberley. This series of events had been planned for 2020 and had to be postponed for two years!  It was exciting to see it finally happen.  The WCOC Forest Sprint held on the new Banded Peak map was exciting!  The Middle and Long events for the WCOCs were held on a new map near Barrier Lake which had very interesting and, at times, extremely challenging terrain! From an organizer's point of view, it was nice to see our hard work of course planning and control site checking come to fruition! Despite the logging that made this map difficult to cross, most finishers said they really enjoyed being out on a new map!  Sunday's WCOC Long Event had an extra challenge thrown in by rain and cold weather.  Most orienteers made their way to Barebones down south to enjoy a more laid-back orienteering event before moving on to the COCs in Kimberley.  These events, too, were held on some very exciting maps! Participants of CROF raved about the orienteering. Congratulations to all the podium finishers and participants! Three Albertans swept their age class in every event: Geraint, Nicki and Grace (pictured above), and seven Albertans made the podium for every event in the 2022 COCs: Lada K, Greg Y, Mark G, Jack M, Tori O, Danny R and Ewan W!

Regular club events!
      
Alberta orienteers were also very excited to see the return of regular orienteering events!  Both FWOC and EOOC held about 20 regular Wednesday events.  Calgary had four forest events, including Run the Wild 2022 and an exciting Team Score-O, while Edmonton hosted 4 forest events which included a Score-O at Blackfoot.  Both clubs held successful Halloween events: Spook-O at Confederation Park with about 340 participants feasting on candy around the course, and the 3rd annual Rosenthal Haunted House with 941 participants (584 youth), plus 11 volunteers! In addition, EOOC hosted a Sprint Series, a competition designed for Team Canada time trials but open to orienteers of all skill levels. 

Red Deer Sprint 

To top off a great year, the AOA hosted the sprint event in Red Deer (mentioned by Kim in her letter).  This was also the first time on this map, intended for use in 2020! Thanks to Don B for such an awesome map to run on, and to David C and Greg Y for terrific courses. For those of you who missed the event, check out the long course:

CROF 2022 Pictures


See many more pictures that can be downloaded here.

2022  Junior World Orienteering Championships  (JWOC)

 
We had two juniors from Alberta attending JWOC this year! Congrats to Robyn and Andrew!  It's been quite a different JWOC - with the forest races being rescheduled for the fall, because of the forest fire risk and heat wave in Portugal.

This JWOC was all about the Sprint races this summer. In the Individual Sprint race, Robyn Astridge was 81st and Andrew McLaren was 91st; other Canadian team members included Isak Fransson from Hamilton (121st) and Lukas Raz from Ottawa (139th). In the Sprint Relay, Canada was 7th in the B final. 

The Forest events were held November 4-6, and Alec Le Helloco (from Ottawa) represented Canada in the forest disciplines.

Call for Official's records in 2022 

A reminder for  the AOA Grants deadline

 
All the forms can be found on our website:
www.orienteeringalberta.ca/aoa-policies--grants.html



Help us do more Orienteering!

 

We usually don’t engage in donation-based fundraising but this is a unique opportunity for all sports in AB : 
  • The donations are fully matched by the Government of Alberta and 100% goes back to the sport.
  • Donors can select the sport, cause/programs  they want to support
  • It is a charitable donation, so Tax receipts are issued right away to the donors.
  • The donation process is very simple and quick, online donation. 
  • AOA will use 100% of the proceeds to donate back to the clubs, or as requested by the donors. 
  • Send us an email if you have a special request for your donation. (info@orienteeringalberta.ca)
  • https://www.alberta.ca/sport-physical-activity-and-recreation-donation-form.aspx#jumplinks-1
 

 Activities for the winter 

 

The clubs still do some members-only activities so make sure you check the EOOC and FWOC websites on a regular basis!

Edmonton Club (EOOC):

  • Club news
Calgary Club (FWOC):
  • Upcoming events including TNT
Outreach:
  • AOA can book special events as requested from outreach areas
  • Email us: at info@orienteeringalberta.ca
Orienteering Games: 
 
  • For those who want to test their control description knowledge: MapRunner CD Quiz
  • For those who want to develop speed in making route choices (especially in sprint orienteering): Route Choice Game ( you have to register to play but it is free)
  • For those who want to improve their ability to read contours: Contour Training

    On the radar for next year...

    • May - Spring Training Camp
    • June - 2023 WCOCs in Kelowna
    • July - 2023 California O-Fest and NAOC (North American Orienteering Championships)
    • August - 2023 COCs in Montreal
    • 2023 Alberta Orienteering Championships hosted by FWOC

    Take care and see you back orietneering soon!


    Copyright ©  AOA.  All rights reserved.


    Our mailing address is:
    Alberta Orienteering Association
    Box 1576 Cochrane, Alberta
    T4C 1B5 Canada

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    2022 AOA  SPRING Newsletter

    3/18/2022

     
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    Message from the AOA President

    Hello Alberta Orienteers, from those just starting out, to those who have run the forests and plains for years.  Welcome, all to the 2022 orienteering season!

    I am crossing my fingers and holding my breath, hoping that we can get back to more in-person events this season.  The one common thread that I have heard this winter is that people really miss seeing their fellow orienteers in person.  To that end, the AOA has increased its budget for events where people can come to together and share their mutual enjoyment of our sport.
    Something special to look forward to in July is the running of the much-postponed Western Canadian Orienteering Championship, put on by our friends at FWOC, and the associated Canadian Orienteering Championship, put on by our B.C. friends at the Kootenay Orienteering Club.  A special opportunity between these two events, will be to take in two Barebones events near Blairmore, in southern Alberta.
    For those chomping at the bit, FWOC is hoping to put on their traditional spring opener at Rumsey on Sunday, May 1st, and EOOC is also hoping to put on an event in Morningside two weeks later.  So, dust off your compass, and get ready for orienteering in 2022.  I hope to see you on the trails!

    Kim Kasperski

    Save the date:

     Alberta Orienteering Association 
    AGM


    7 pm, April 19, 2022

     Zoom meeting

    Please register below to receive an email with the Zoom link. The link will be also posted on our website just before the event starts.

    Register for the AOA AGM here

    All participants at the AOA AGM on April 19, 2022 will be entered to win an entry to the WCOC!
    It's a win-win situation!  Not sure what WCOC is?
    Read on to learn about the Western Canadian Orienteering Championships below.

    Plan for a great vacation this summer!

    The Foothills Wanderers Orienteering Club (FWOC), AOA and the Kootenay Orienteering Club have teamed up to organize the 2022 Canadian Rockies Orienteering Festival, July 1 to July 10, 2022.

    We invite you to join us for the 2022 Western Canadian Orienteering Championships (WCOC) and the 2022 Canadian Orienteering Championships (COC) on some of the best terrain in Canada with spectacular surroundings. For both championships, there will be three races: sprint, middle and long distances as well as model event. All races will be on new or fully revised high-quality maps. 

    Don't let the name intimidate you. These events are also family and beginner-friendly, both championship and open/recreational classes will be available. You can even try it in a group setting.

    NEW ! We will also be orienteering for the first time ever in the Crowsnest Pass in SW Alberta. The perfect stop as you make your way from the Westerns to the Sass Peepre Camp and the Canadians.

    The Canadian Rockies offer plenty of outdoor recreational activities for everyone … checkout out the tourism pages of the cities of Calgary, Banff, Canmore, Blairmore, Cranbrook and Kimberley!
      Registration is coming soon! We are setting up a new system so please bear with us.




     

    Planning calendar for Alberta 2022


    Check out the Alberta and close-by events. It looks like we are back with a full set of offerings. From the usual Wednesday night club events to forest events, training opportunities and  Provincial / Westerns & National Championships everything is being planned for this summer.

     
    Please SAVE the DATE!

    AUGUST 21-22 , 2022 Sunday and Monday. 
     
    We need your help!

    AOA received a CASINO draw in Calgary Pure Casino. The AGLC Casino fund is a main operational support for AOA. We use it for creating maps, developing programs and supporting events. If you can help us with a shift it would be greatly appreciated.
    Please sign up below.


     
    AOA Casino Sign Up

    Full speed ahead -
    Youth Programs and Try It! Opportunities

     

    Check out the Red Deer and Airdrie Outreach Programs and grab a spot. Registration is open and space is limited. We are also hosting Try It events in April.
    in Red Deer and Airdrie and Calgary
    SOGO programs in Calgary and the KRW programs in Edmonton opened registration for the spring.

     AOA and Clubs' News

     

    The AOA Board of Directors had an in-person meeting to work on the 2022 and beyond strategic plan and goals to advance orienteering.

    Strategic Planning, Roadmap, Grants and Reports can be found on our website. Feedback, ideas, engagement are always welcome!
    • https://www.orienteeringalberta.ca/agm-meetings.html
    • https://www.orienteeringalberta.ca/aoa-policies--grants.html

    Edmonton Club ( EOOC)
    • Club news
    Calgary Club (FWOC):
    • Upcoming events
    Outreach: Airdrie and Red Deer events
    • Red Deer and Airdrie 


      Congratulations and Thank You!


      THANK YOU to our amazing volunteers.
      One thing is certain, Orienteering in Alberta would not exist without all the dedicated heroes in the community who give thousands of hours to the sport.
      Congrats to Marion, Geraint and Marilyn who were inducted into the Order of Orienteering Canada (Lifetime Achievement) by Orienteering Canada this month! Check out their bios for all the amazing things they have done!






       

       

      We hope to see you soon!


      Copyright ©  AOA.  All rights reserved.


      Our mailing address is:
      Alberta Orienteering Association
      Box 1576 Cochrane, Alberta
      T4C 1B5 Canada

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      2021: A New O Season!

      3/22/2021

       
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      Message from the AOA President


      We’re at the beginning of another orienteering season that, once again, will look and feel very different from what we’re used to. What’s different from last year is that we have vaccines against this COVID-19 virus and a plan to get everyone vaccinated by September, maybe sooner, so we could be looking at a series of Fall orienteering events that get us back together in the parks and forests.

      The AOA completed a three-year strategic planning cycle at the end of 2020 where we focussed on creating outreach programs in new communities outside of Edmonton and Calgary. For our current three-year plan, we will be focussing on maintaining and developing the outreach programs we established in Airdrie, Red Deer, Rocky Mountain House and Grande Prairie with the hope that we can create a new orienteering club in Red Deer. Full details of the new strategic plan are available for everyone to read on the AOA’s website.

      The AOA AGM will be held on Wednesday 14 April starting at 6.30 pm. Official notice will be sent to all members on or before March 25 with a link to register and receive a Zoom invitation to join the meeting. This will be my last AGM as president, having reached the maximum term limit of four years. Kim Kasperski from EOOC has agreed to be nominated to take over from me as president. Kim will come back to the AOA board having already served as president around 10 years ago so will be able to get up and running very quickly.
      I hope to see you in the forest soon.
      David Campden

      Save the Date!

       
      Register for the AGM now

      AGMs to Start the Season

      Both the AOA and Clubs start the new season with an AGM. AOA will elect their new Board on April 14, 2021. Some new faces are standing for office and some old pros are returning to take up the torch. 

      FWOC

      The following members were elected to the FWOC Board:

      President - Tim McLaren
      Treasurer - Marion Owen
      Secretary - Lourdes Gutierrez-Kellam
      VP Jr Dev - Charlotte MacNaughton
      VP Mapping - Don Bayly
      VP Technical - Marsha Fehr
      VP Technology - Vital Mialeshka

      AOA

      The proposed slate for the 2021/22 AOA Board is:

      President: Kim Kasperski
      Past-President - David Campden
      Treasurer - Wayne Best
      Secretary - Clarence Kort
      VP Mapping - vacant
      VP Technical - Marsha Fehr

      If you are interested in the VP Mapping position, please contact David Campden.

      EOOC  Board of Directors

       
      Judy Cornish - President
      Karen Brownlee - Secretary
      Al Nilson - Treasurer
      Bobbi Menard – Junior Program
      Peter Mackenzie – Junior Program and Past President
      Marilyn Edmunds - Membership
      Geraint Edmunds - Mapping
      Greg Yarkie - Scheduling 
      Robert Gilchrist – Member at Large
      Stefan Duret – Member at Large
      Don Riddle - Member at Large

       O Season Starters 


      The Board of Directors are busy making plans for the orienteering season!  With luck, COVID restrictions will be reduced and we can orienteer again even if the format looks slightly different.  Stay on top of the news by checking your club's website frequently.
      Edmonton Club (EOOC):
      • Club news
      • Independent orienteering
      Calgary Club (FWOC):
      • Upcoming events
      Outreach
      • Airdrie: Try orienteering
      • Red Deer: Try orienteering
      Any location self-guided activities: 
      • NEIGHBOURHOOD ADVENTURE create your own google based map and route
      • SOGO@Home: for kids to keep them active at home

      In-person Youth Programs


      Check out the spring Outreach Programs and grab some spots. Registration open and space is limited. We are also hosting Try It events on April 10, 2021.
      Airdrie and Red Deer.
      SOGO programs in Calgary. Cochrane and Bragg Creek are filling up fast and the KRW programs in Edmonton will open registration soon.

      Did you know?


      Permanent Courses
      in Red Deer

       
      Red Deer has two permanent courses still being maintained according to Don Wales. Kin Canyon and Heritage Ranch maps are still in ok shape, and discussions started about the permanent courses and remapping these areas with the city.
      Check them out next time you are on a road trip and going by Red Deer!
      Also, we received a grant from the City of Red Deer to support our community program development. If you know anyone who wants to engage more with orienteering ask them to contact us. Our goal is to establish a club in RD.



      Professional Development Opportunities


       

      Leaders, Board members:

      Government of Alberta - Community Development Unit
      • Free Weekly webinars:  https://www.alberta.ca/community-development-unit.aspx
        • Understanding the Non-Profit Legal Landscape
        • Roles and Responsibilities of a Non-Profit Board of Directors
        • Legal Responsibilities of a Non-Profit
        • Non-Profit Organizational Purpose and Planning
        • Financial Responsibilities of a Non-Profit
        • Risk Management for Non-Profits
        • Non-Profit Committees and How to Run Effective Meetings

      Coaches:

      • Orienteering Community Coach Workshop: April 11, 2021  Calgary
      • High Five free online program
      A new virtual on-demand training for sport coaches across Canada
      Learn more about how to keep the game fun for your players while having a quality sport experience and earn professional development points towards your National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). 
      Pre-register to get exclusive access to HIGH FIVE Sport
      • Be Fit For Life free online course:
      Mindful Movement: This course teaches leaders how to deliver techniques from the Be Fit for Life Network Yoga Techniques & Zen Me resources.  


      New Resources:

      • Engaging Newcomer Girls & Women: Physical Activity & Sport Handbook
      • The Coaches Resource Guide: Supporting Young Athletes Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing in a Mainstream Setting
      • For links to more resources, check the ESC's Inclusion & Diversity webpage.

      AOA website for sport-specific covid measures


      Return to Sport Guidelines


      AOA is following the Provincial Health authorities' measures and Orienteering Canada developed guidelines to provide a safe environment for our sports participants. The focus and expectations must be shifted away from competitive events to the opportunity to be outside, doing a sport we enjoy, respecting our collective responsibilities to health and safety, and being extra-appreciative to the officials who are creating opportunities to orienteer. Visit these webpages which contain the updated recommendations:
      For organizers: Return to Sport
      For participants: Safety in Orienteering


      These guidelines and forms will be implemented by the organizers. Make sure to follow your activity specific instructions if you attend any activity.

       Orienteering in the News


      We had a great promotional event with Sport Calgary featuring Orienteering. Over 60 people were signed up to learn more about our sport.

      Big thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of this event: Charlotte MacNaughton, Jan-Erik Naes, Bogi Gyorfi, Clarence Kort, Jean MacNaughton, Andrew McLaren, Soma Csonka, Emma Sherwood.

      Here is the link to the Sport Calgary website where you can find great resources if you want to watch it or send it to someone who wants to learn more about our sport.

       

      Orienteering Memories


          
      Edmonton SKI O 
             
      Calgary TNT at Confederation park

      Take care and see you on a map soon!


      Copyright ©  AOA.  All rights reserved.


      Our mailing address is:
      Alberta Orienteering Association
      Box 1576 Cochrane, Alberta
      T4C 1B5 Canada

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      You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.
       






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      Winter Updates

      12/21/2020

       
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      Message from the AOA President


      This year has been very challenging in many ways for everyone. But despite the pandemic, orienteering has been possible, albeit in modified formats and always without the socializing before and afterwards.

      With a collaborative effort, the clubs and AOA were able to provide safe outdoor activities to more than 6000 participants in 2020.

      I really want to thank all those volunteers who have continued to offer their time and experience to make anything happen at all. The board members in each club have had to meet more often to ensure all orienteering activities conform to the ever-changing health regulations as well as managing finances that have been hard hit by program cancellations. Coaches have had to deal with physical distancing, mask-wearing, hand sanitizing and other changes to their coaching routines. All this is added stress in an already stressful environment.

      Sadly, the 2020 Western Canadian Orienteering Championships that were scheduled for last July had to be postponed. This after the organizing committee had already put in a huge amount of work to create new maps, plan and vet courses, manage registrations, acquire permits, arrange transport and accommodation – the list goes on for such a big event. Let’s hope all this work comes to fruition sometime in the not too distant future.

      I want to finish by saying the Alberta Orienteering Association needs you! I have been president of the AOA for four terms and, to conform with our bylaws, cannot continue as president after the next AGM in April 2021. Apart from needing a new president, it would be beneficial to have a couple more “regular” board members, especially from Edmonton. At the moment, the AOA board has five members, of which only one is from Edmonton. The board meets once a month on-line and twice a year in person (when we were allowed!). The main duties of the board are overseeing the work of our amazing Executive Director (Bogi), managing finances, adopting relevant sport policies, coordinating an annual forest event schedule, coordinating forest mapping projects and representing orienteering to the provincial government, Orienteering Canada and other sport bodies. So if you think you can help out, please contact Bogi (info@orienteeringalberta.ca).

      I wish you all a safe, healthy and active 2021.

      David Campden 

      What happened in 2020?

      Regardless of the many challenges posed by the pandemic, the clubs and AOA were able to provide opportunities to over 6000 participants to enjoy the outdoors in a safe environment. With Orienteering Canada's support and extensive work on Covid 19 guidelines for orienteering safely, the clubs were able to return to the sport through the summer and fall.

        
      Highlights:
      • Thanks to our Club's organizers for many activities in the form of online programs and individual-based GPS orienteering.
      • In-person events and kids programs ( KRW and SOGO)
      • Try it sessions
      • School and small group programs
      • 3 coaching courses and two outreach school programs in Grande Prairie
      • Thanks to Marion Owen who mentored the O100 courses (run online)
      • Thanks to our mappers ( Don Bayly and Teresa Winn ) who completed two forest maps ( Lusk Creek / Crowsnest Pass) and a couple of outreach maps.
      • Maintained our PSO ( Provincial Sport Association) grant and obtained two new grants to support clubs and outreach programs 





       
        

      Spotlight 

       



      In this year that challenged everyone, we thank our amazing COACHES and VOLUNTEERS for continuing to offer their time and energy to support orienteering in Alberta. Their commitment to our sport will allow us to get back on track to enjoy regular programming and events just as soon as this pandemic is over.

      We are highlighting the coaching teams in this newsletter to show that it really "takes a village" to run orienteering programs. A BIG thank you to all of you for being so agile in adapting to this new challenging environment.





        
      THANK YOU!
      Kids Run Wild / EOOC coaches and volunteers:  
      • Dorothy Penner
      • Peter Gwinner
      • Anton Goulko
      • Drew Penner
      • Aleksey Goulko
      • Evan Penner
      • Sierra Kahrim-Goulko
      • Hannah & Gordon Hussell
      • Sarah Perritt
      • Jakob Andrews
      • Marilyn & Geraint Edmunds
      • Garry Atchison
        SOGO / FWOC coaches and volunteers:
        • Jasmine Sepandj
        • Clarence Kort 
        • Gabrielle Savard
        • Lenora Carbonetto
        • Damian Konotopetz
        • Andrew McLaren
        • Braxton Smith
        • Bridie Pryce
        • Chandra Kuran
        • Danica Marks
        • Emma Sherwood
        • Flora Csonka
        • Jane Laughton
        • Michelle Deacon
        • Rhian Sanderson
        • Shelley Brolsma
        • Soma Csonka
        • Yannick Spelier
        • Molly McVean
        • Toby Carter
        • Vera Sokolosky 
        • Dexter Chiclo 
        • Kath McLaren
        • Marsha Fehr
        • Tim Mclaren
        • Teresa Winn
        • Marion Owen
        • Kim Iandolo
        • Nicki Rehn
        • David Roberts
        AOA coaches and volunteers:
        • Bogi Gyorfi
        • Lisa Tough
        • Malin Hansen
        • Flora Csonka
        • Soma Csonka
        • David Campden

         Activities for the winter 


        New (independent) activities may arise over the winter when volunteers find themselves with time on their hands! Check the EOOC and FWOC websites on a regular basis!

        Edmonton Club (EOOC):

        • Club news
        • Independent orienteering
        Calgary Club (FWOC):
        • Upcoming events
        • TNT (Toonie Night Training)
        Any location self-guided activities: 
        • NEIGHBOURHOOD ADVENTURE create your own google based map and route
        • SOGO@Home: for kids to keep them active at home
        On-Line Orienteering Games: 
        • For those who want to test their control description knowledge: MapRunner CD Quiz
        • For those who want to develop speed in making route choice (especially in sprint orienteering): Route Choice Game ( you have to register to play but it is free)
        • For those who want to improve their ability to read contours: Contour Training
        More terrific downloadable orienteering activities from Scottish Orienteering: Countdown to Christmas

          Did you know?


          There is a new orienteering children's book written by an AOA member.
           
           

          We are so excited about this new book by Malin Hansen. (The Picture is from the 2019 AOA training camp where we met Malin and her family). Her book - Don't Get Lost! - aims to inspire children to get outside and learn how to read a map. It also teaches them what to do if they get lost, helping them build confidence in their own abilities. But most importantly, it's just a fun read! O-Store.ca and Amazon both have it in stock. 

          AOA website for sport-specific covid measures


          Return to Sport Guidelines


          AOA is following the Provincial Health authorities' measures and Orienteering Canada developed guidelines to provide a safe environment for our sports participants. The focus and expectations must be shifted away from competitive events to the opportunity to be outside, doing a sport we enjoy, respecting our collective responsibilities to health and safety, and being extra-appreciative to the officials who are creating opportunities to orienteer. Visit these webpages which contain the updated recommendations:
          For organizers: Return to Sport
          For participants: Safety in Orienteering


          These guidelines and forms will be implemented by the organizers. Make sure to follow your activity specific instructions if you attend any activity.

          Orienteering in 2020


              
              
            
            
          A pre-covid event - FWOC @ GVOC Sprint Camp!  

          Take care and see you back orietneering soon!


          Copyright ©  AOA.  All rights reserved.


          Our mailing address is:
          Alberta Orienteering Association
          Box 1576 Cochrane, Alberta
          T4C 1B5 Canada

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          You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.
           






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          Alberta Orienteering Association · PO box 1576 · Cochrane, Alberta T4C 1B5 · Canada

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          2020 SumMer Updates

          7/20/2020

           
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          AOA News and Events
          AOA Facebook AOA Facebook
          AOA Twitter AOA Twitter
          AOA Website AOA Website
          AOA Instagram AOA Instagram

          Summer Updates from the AOA Board


          Return to Sport Guidelines


          AOA is following the Orienteering Canada developed guidelines which are aligned with the Provincial Health authorities' recommendations. The focus and expectations must be shifted away from timed, competitive events to the opportunity to be outside, doing a sport we enjoy, respecting our collective responsibilities to health and safety, and being extra-appreciative to the officials who are creating opportunities to orienteer. Visit these webpages which contain all current recommendations:
          For organizers: Return to Sport
          For participants: Safety in Orienteering


          These guidelines and forms will be implemented by the organizers. Make sure to follow your activity specific instructions if you attend any activity this summer.

           Activities for summer 2020


          EOOC, FWOC and AOA have developed programs and activities within the Return to Sport Guidelines; check them out!

          Edmonton Club (EOOC):

          • Independent orienteering
          • Kids Run Wild Summer Camps
          Calgary Club (FWOC):
          • Self-guided orienteering
          • SOGO programs & Summer camps
          Any location self-guided activities: 
          • NEIGHBOURHOOD ADVENTURE
          • SOGO@Home 

          AOA Outreach
          In-person Activities


          JOIN US!
          AOA is organizing a couple of Try Orienteering activities. Everyone is welcomed; please come out if you are in the area. There will be an intermediate course for old-timers too but no SI at this time.
          • Cochrane Ranche: July 22, 2020, Wednesday 3-7 pm
          • Airdrie Nose Creek Park: July 29 or Aug 5  - permit dependent
          • Red Deer College: Date TBD-  permit dependent
          Follow our website or social media for updates.



          If you would like to see an activity in your neighbourhood to promote Orienteering please let us now: Info@orienteeringalberta.ca

          Did you know?


          We had close to 10,000 kids through the school programs last year. In collaboration with the Clubs, we had over 32 schools engaged. We have many options for schools and communities:
          1. "TRY IT " Programs 
          2. Residency Programs
          3. Outdoor Adventure Community Programs
          4. Free resource guide and program management tools
          Our sessions include:
          • PHYSICAL LITERACY games,
          • Fun AGILITY stations
          • NAVIGATION & MAP READING 
          Thanks to Dorothy from Kids Run Wild, Lenora from SOGO, the AOA outreach programs & Lisa from Red Deer and of course our fantastic Volunteers and Board Committees who support this important work.
          Help us spread the word to your community that we can provide  fun, engaging outdoor programs. For more info visit our webpage or
          email us.
           
            

          Officials Challenge 

           
          Congratulations to the winner: David Roberts!
          Our thanks to everyone who submitted their courses. Thank you to Don Riddle for organizing it.

          O100 News 

           
          The O100 course is available online!
          FWOC's orienteering officials' guru, Marion O, has agreed to lead the course. Send us an email (info@orienteeringalberta.ca) or contact Marion directly (m.owen001@gmail.com) if you are interested in taking this course online.

          Why should you do it?
          • To feel more confident with your volunteering at club events.
          • To learn the best practices for organizing a local event, including registration, timing, and safety.
          • To understand the basics of planning courses - this is super fun!
          • To get familiar with some cool Software applications useful for course planning.
          • To become a certified O100 official - which is vital for our insurance!
          • It is free!
          • You (might) have time on your hands??

          NCCP Community Coaching Course 

           
          COMMUNITY SPORT COACH PROGRAM
          Planned for August 28, 2020, Calgary


          Community Sport Coaches usually are parents, teachers, group leaders, O-club members and youth who want to keep in touch with the sport. They are not necessarily experienced orienteers but they have a desire to contribute towards junior programs and the active sport community.

          The training program (workshop) for Community Coaches is 8 hours long and split into three segments with outdoor practical activities.
          The course will introduce participants to the coaching role, practice planning and will cover basic orienteering techniques. Be prepared to spend a couple of hours outside and have fun teaching each other. 

          After registration, you will be added to the CCA (Coaching Association of Canada) database and receive an NCCP ( National Coaching Certification Program) number. By actively participating in the workshop you will earn the Trained Community Sport Coach status.

          Email us if you are interested in joining, it's free for AOA members.


          AOA Policies 

          Your provincial Board of Directors has been hard at work updating and implementing policies to meet the Provincial Sport Organization standards. The newest set of policies is the Safe Sport Framework.  Please review it to see how it applies to your events and programs.

          These resources can also be found on the AOA website:
          • Orienteering Safety Brochure
          • Safety in Orienteering 
          • Volunteers information 
          • AOA Policies &Grants 

          Orienteering Memories


              

          Can you the name the orienteers, the year and the event?
           
              
            

          Take care and see you back orietneering soon!


          Copyright ©  AOA.  All rights reserved.


          Our mailing address is:
          Alberta Orienteering Association
          Box 1576 Cochrane, Alberta
          T4C 1B5 Canada

          Do you want to change how you receive these emails?

          You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.
           






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          Spring Updates -May 2020

          5/4/2020

           
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          AOA News and Events
          AOA Facebook AOA Facebook
          AOA Twitter AOA Twitter
          AOA Website AOA Website
          AOA Instagram AOA Instagram

          Spring Updates from the AOA Board


          Orienteering in a "COVID 19" Alberta


          We recognize that getting outdoors can be very beneficial for physical and mental health, both of which are very important at this time. Many of the club volunteers and staff are coming up with orienteering activities that you can do on your own while maintaining social distance. Please ensure that any outdoor activities that you do comply completely with the regulations and recommendations of your health authorities and governments. Follow the updates at the Public health orders website.
           
          Check out these self-guided activities:
          •  NEIGHBOURHOOD ADVENTURE: learn to create a map, plan your course and get outside with Google Maps. Beginners and family-friendly. Got over 8000 interactions on social media and some teachers started to use it in their online curriculum. Check it out!
          •  PARK ADVENTURE: starting in May we ware planning to set up some self-guided courses in some parks which you can complete at your own times
          • SOGO@Home : FWOC is developing great orienteering-focused activity ideas every week for all the parents and kids out there to do at home and in their neighbourhoods. There are activities for all ages. Check out the website!
          • Kids Run Wild: doing social media challenges and activities. follow them at Facebook or Instagram @kidsrunwild
          Stay safe and healthy.

          2020 AOA AGM

          April 26, 2020
          10 - 11:30am

           
          The Alberta Orienteering Association successfully hosted their on-line (video conference) AGM. 29 AOA members were able to participate and this met the quorum requirement. This meeting enabled the AOA Board to
          1. establish a new annual timing for the AGM which allows us to better align with Government timelines.  Members can expect to have the AGM in the spring going forward.  Hopefully next year we will be able to meet in person and enjoy an event at the same time.
          2. present the new AOA Safe Sport Framework;
          3. approve the obligatory reports;
          4. elect the Board of Directors for 2020;
          5. and appoint the auditors for 2020.
          Details may be found in the meeting documents, located here: https://www.orienteeringalberta.ca/agm-meetings.html

          Thank you to all those who took the time to attend.  We appreciate your participation. 
            
          Thank you to out-going Board members, Kitty J (pictured) and Beth C.  As noted by David C, both Kitty and Beth were valuable contributors to the on-going development of orienteering in Alberta.  

          Thank you to the Board members who agreed to stand for another year: David C (President), Wayne B (Treasurer), Clarence K (Secretary), Marsha F (Technical) and Andree P  (Member at Large).  If you would be interested in joining the Board, please contact Bogi at info@orienteeringalberta.ca.

          O100 News 

           
          The O100 course is available online!
          This option was in the works way before the pandemic hit, but the timing could not have been more opportune. The online course will be launched on May 1st.  FWOC's orienteering officials' guru, Marion O, has agreed to lead the course. Send us an email (info@orienteeringalberta.ca) if you are interested in taking this course online.
          Why should you do it?
          • To feel more confident with your volunteering at club events.
          • To learn the best practices for organizing a local event, including registration, timing, and safety.
          • To understand the basics of planning courses - this is super fun!
          • To get familiar with some cool Software applications useful for course planning.
          • To become a certified O100 official - which is vital for our insurance!
          • It is free!
          • You (might) have time on your hands??

          Officials Challenge 

           

          Alberta Orienteering is inviting all Level O200 and O300 certified officials to participate in a course planning activity/competition.  The competition is outlined in the document attached. Thank you for Don Riddle for organizing it. Don't hesitate to join this fun activity.
          Please email info@orienteeringalberta.ca if you are interested in participating.

          More Orienteering in the face of the pandemic!


          Orienteering Canada is also taking a leadership role in providing activities that orienteers across Canada can safely do in this current stay-home, physical distancing world. 
          • OC has been posting safe orienteering activities on their Facebook page.  Check out the daily ideas at https://www.facebook.com/orienteeringcanada/.
          • OC is also scheduling some Club Connect calls over the next month on various topics.  Our first topic was Map Reading. It was A LOT bigger than planned.  We had 297 people sign up.  About 200 people attended with many international attendees. Don't worry if you missed it; they will post the recorded sessions online so follow the OC news channels.
          • The High Performance Program of OC is also offering simulation exercises for free; these ones encourage you to get outside and run while doing the activity!  Check it out on OC's website.

          AOA Policies


          Your provincial Board of Directors has been hard at work updating and implementing policies to meet the Provincial Sport Organization standards. The newest set of policies is the Safe Sport Framework.  Please review it to see how it applies to your events and programs.

          These resources can also be found on the AOA website:
          • Orienteering Safety Brochure
          • Safety in Orienteering 
          • Volunteers information 
          • AOA Policies &Grants 

          AOA thanks our COVID 19 Front-line Workers


          Several members of AOA are working on the front-line of this pandemic in a variety of capacities: doctors, nurses, grocery store staff, mail deliverers or volunteers with Meals on Wheels, to name a few. 

          Thank you for all you do!

          We hope everyone stays safe (by practicing physical distancing, washing your hands, & not touching your face) to help ensure our and all front-line workers stay safe.

          Orienteering Memories


              

          Can you the name the orienteers, the year and the event?
           
              
            

          Take care and see you back orietneering soon!


          Copyright ©  AOA.  All rights reserved.


          Our mailing address is:
          Alberta Orienteering Association
          Box 1576 Cochrane, Alberta
          T4C 1B5 Canada

          Do you want to change how you receive these emails?

          You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.
           






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