The Canadian Orienteering Festival (COF) was a landmark event in 2025— six internationally scoped races, including two world ranking events, plus the three-day Sass Peepre junior training camp, the Team Canada Fundraiser Relay, a festive banquet, camping, and countless moments of community connection. It brought together orienteers for two exhilarating weeks of competition, learning, and connection. 300 participants, from newcomers to veterans, every participant left with a "real orienteering" experience of tired legs and full hearts.

For long-time competitor Nicki R, the festival was a joyful reminder of why this sport never grows old. “It was the greenest green I’ve ever encountered on an orienteering map,” she wrote, describing the unusually lush and rain-fed Alberta forests. Between the challenging middle distance at the WCOC and an unforgettable sprint through the sheep herd at Fort Saskatchewan, Nicki found magic not only in the races but in the community moments — walking to the arena with friends, cheering on 90-year-old racers, and singing around a campfire. Her reflections remind us that orienteering is more than sport; it’s a timeless antidote to modern distractions.

For Emilia S,  the experience was transformative. Started with the SOGO Adventure Running program, she described her first big forest races as both intimidating and empowering. The Sass Peepre Junior Camp was a highlight, turning 10 km of training into an adventure shared with new friends. Learning to focus on one map section at a time, she discovered the thrill of independence and the satisfaction of every successful control. “Each control point is like a mini win,” Emilia shared, adding that the COF races have boosted both her confidence and cross-country readiness for school this fall.

And behind every great event are the volunteers. New FWOC member Linda H found joy and connection in the simple act of handing out refreshments at the finish line. “Participants couldn’t stop thanking me,” she reflected. Watching racers of all ages, from children to seniors, she felt inspired to keep learning and stay engaged. Her story perfectly captures how volunteering connects us to the heartbeat of the orienteering community.

The COF 2025 was not just a festival of races—it was a celebration of people, perseverance, and passion for the outdoors. Whether you were mapping routes, setting up tents, bushwacking through the green, or slicing fruit in the tent, every effort contributed to a summer we’ll never forget.
The WCOC photos are still available here for your download.
Here is a glimpse of WCOC, the bird's-eye view (sounds-on).

 
 

 

 We may be a small sport community, but we have a big mission—to grow and advance orienteering across the country—and that is only possible through the thousands of volunteer hours contributed each year.

The masterminds, organizers, and doers of this sport give not only their time but also their energy, creativity, and enthusiasm. Every single person involved deserves recognition, but a few heroic efforts stand out. Special thanks to Marsha Fehr, WCOC Director, and to Geraint Edmunds, Dorothy Penner, and Mary-Lou Hogg, COC Directors. Their dedication over the past two years kept the Canadian Orienteering Festival preparations on track and ensured everything came together seamlessly.

We also extend heartfelt thanks to the course planners and controllers who made countless site visits to perfect every map and control, as well as the on-site teams—timing, start crews, safety and first aid personnel, refreshment volunteers, and setup crews—who brought it all to life during event days.

Each year, the Alberta Orienteering Association proudly recognizes club volunteers who stand out for their exceptional contributions to orienteering in Alberta. While we wish we could personally thank every individual, we hope that together with each club’s recognition efforts, our provincial criteria help ensure everyone feels appreciated for their dedication and hard work.
Thank you all—you’re amazing!
 

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 significant specifically for the AOA.(e.g OC board and committee members).

 

 

Special congratulations to our Alberta athletes on the Team Canada Program: Gavin Winn, Grace Mahoney, Andrew McLaren, and Robyn Astridge.They’ve been compted on the international stage and are now wrapping up a busy season. Look for some of their stories in the next AOA newsletter!

Application Deadlines
The deadline for the AOA High Performance Grant Application is December 1st. Apply here.
Applications for the Orienteering Canada Team Canada Program closes on November 15th. More info here.

 

Join us for the Canadian Orienteering Festival or Skill Development Camp in August!

It is not too late to register for the COF 2025! We invite everyone—beginners, seasoned orienteers, families, and friends—to join us for an unforgettable adventure and connect with the orienteering community. Whether you want to compete, discover the sport, or help out behind the scenes, we welcome both participants and volunteers. Your enthusiasm, energy, and support are what make this event possible—come be part of the excitement! You can find all the details of the events, fun socials, and camping options on the website.

Registration closes August 8th. Sign up here

Interested in volunteering? Sign up here

 

We’re incredibly proud of our athletes who have represented us on the world stage this season!

Special congratulations to Gavan Winn and Grace Mahoney from FWOC on making their debuts at the Junior World Orienteering Championships (JWOC)! 

The Senior Team Canada athletes have achieved outstanding results at the World Orienteering Championships (WOC), with impressive performances in both the individual event (Vegard placing 16th in the Long distance) and the Team Relay, where Canada finished 11th!
Let’s continue celebrating and supporting our young orienteers as they reach new heights!



 TEAM RELAY AT WOC 2025

SUPPORT THE TEAM CANADA ATHLETES

We're seeking donations for our annual silent auction at the Canadian Orienteering Festival banquet on Saturday, August 23rd. Ideal items include crafts, art, food, or orienteering supplies, outdoorsy items. Drop off any donations at any WCOC/COC event registration desk, or contact us to arrange pickup if you’re unable to attend. All proceeds support Team Canada’s athletes through coaching and training at home and internationally.
Learn more: orienteering.ca/posts/auctions2025

Thank you for your support!

Hello Alberta Orienteers!

I must admit that the first day of spring really caught me by surprise.   Here I was, dillydallying around, thinking I had plenty of time to get all of my orienteering-related tasks done before the start of the season, whereas, ‘lo and behold’ not so much!
It has been a busy winter, between the activities of the AOA Board and the clubs in furthering the sport of orienteering province-wide, to many club members (including members of the AOA board), ramping up the preparations for the 2025 Canadian Orienteering Festival, being held in Alberta this summer (registration now open!).
The AOA, primarily through our fabulous Executive Director, Bogi Gyorfi, has again been successful in obtaining funding from the Alberta Every Kid Can Play initiative, to help further the sport of orienteering beyond Calgary and Edmonton. However, this funding has also let the AOA increase our support to the clubs, which in turn leverages club efforts in their orienteering programs.
Many of your fellow orienteers will be heavily involved in getting ready for the aforementioned 20025 COF, while at the same time, making sure you have those weekly Wednesday evening events to enjoy, and hopefully, a few week-end forest events, such as FWOC’s Spring Opener, April 27th at Rumsey, and EOOC’s Alberta Championships, May 17&18 at Blackfoot provincial park.  Whether you come to an orienteering event simply for the sheer pleasure of being outside in nature, or are determined to improve your times on the courses that are set, there will be something for everyone at these events.
Lastly, I will be hanging up my president’s gavel at the AOA Annual General Meeting on April 10th,  as I have maxed-out the number of years that I can be president, as set out in our by-laws.  So, if you want to run for the AOA Board, or simply want to attend to find out the highlights of the past year, please register for this online meeting.  And to those wonderful people on the AOA Board: there could not have been a finer group more dedicated to supporting the sport of orienteering in Alberta.  It was my sincere pleasure and privilege working with you these past four years.
Kim Kasperski
AOA President

All of our detailed reports and 2025 plans can be found on our website.

 
 

 

 

• April 2025 - Spring Opener- Rumsey Forest B event by FWOC
• May 17 - 18, 2025 - Alberta Orienteering Championships -by EOOC on the Waskehegan map.
• June 6 - 8, 2025 - Sage Stomp - near Kelowna, hosted by Sage Orienteering
• June 21, 2025 - WCOC Terrain Training Day - Come check out terrain similar to the WCOC map and get in some orienteering training!
• July 27, 2025 - Elbow Bluffs Forest B event by FWOC
• August 15-24,2025 Canadian Orienteering Festival 2025, you simply can't miss this!!! Early Bird savings ends on April 30th.

• Sept 6 - 7, 2025 - Pothole lake 2-Day GVOC event in Merritt, BC.
• Oct 10 -13, 2025 - BC Orienteering Champs KOC in Cranbrook, BC.

    

 

Last year, Albertans traveled to numerous Canadian events and brought home countless medals. We’re eager to build on that success! This year, with the COF2025 the Canadian and Western Championships hosted in-province, it’ll be even easier to claim those bragging rights. We’re also expecting strong participation on the international stage, as many of our young athletes have been selected for Team Canada to represent our country at JWOC and World Cups. Congrats to our future generation!
If you spot our athletes at local events, please say hi and cheer them on. Also, if you’re looking for a tax donation receipt, your support can help these athletes on their journey to the world stage!

 

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL'S ACTIVITY LOG

O200 course in Calgary

FWOC is planning on holding an O200 clinic for people who already have O100 status and want to go to the next level. Planned for Sunday, May 4 or 18th. For more information contact Marion at [email protected].

Hello Alberta orienteers,

I realize that many of you will be thinking more of the upcoming holiday season, and winter activities than of orienteering.  But I wanted to let you know of what I consider to be highlights and key developments for Alberta orienteering in 2024. 
One of the best accomplishments this year, which the AOA Executive Director, Bogi Gyorfi, will likely mention, are the thousands (literally!) of children that participated in orienteering this year, thanks to the effort of EOOC, FWOC, and, the AOA.  These efforts were in part supported by a grant from the Alberta government, the ‘Every Kid Can Play’ initiative, which Bogi was successful in obtaining again for the coming year.  
What also supports the school and junior programs are the funds the AOA receives by our members volunteering at casinos.  The AOA casino alternates between Calgary and Edmonton, and this time it was the Edmonton orienteers turn.  Thank you to all of you who braved the less-than-ideal driving conditions earlier this month to stand your shifts.  Not only do these funds help the various junior and school programs, but also help support the creation or updating of (as the case may be) our forest maps.  This has been especially key this year, and for next, because of the upcoming Canadian Orienteering Festival 2025 (COF25).  Calgary orienteers will be hosting the Western Canadian Championship (August 15-18), and Edmonton orienteers the Canadian Championship (August 22-24).  New maps are being created for both events, and will be a legacy for the local clubs to use for years to come.  
For over a year volunteers have been busy with the planning for COF25, from creating the orienteering courses, directing the mapping, planning logistics, running t-shirt design contests, testing the courses (in the heat of summer and bitter cold of November), planning the IT and software needs for the events, working with land owners to obtain permissions, and so on, and so on.  It is a huge and complex effort, especially as two of the races will be World Ranking Events, for which the International Orienteering Federation has stringent requirements.  Hundreds of volunteer hours have already been put in, and even more will be needed, especially as we get closer to the event  - so stay tuned for calls for volunteers. □  Many of the roles do not require an expertise in orienteering, so keep August 2025 in mind if you will be looking for something to do! 
And speaking of volunteers, while the AOA recognises 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 to design orienteering courses, 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.  Thank you, to you all!  
All of you have my sincere wish for a safe and happy holiday season, and I hope to see you again on the trails in 2025. Map and compass in hand.

Sincerely,
Kim Kasperski
President, Alberta Orienteering Association

A big thank you!

To all our amazing volunteers, your dedication and hard work are the backbone of our orienteering events. Thank you for not only volunteering but for building a welcoming and supportive community. You're the heroes behind the scenes, and we deeply appreciate all that you do. From casino shifts to program coaching, events, and board meetings, every effort contributes to our success. Our gratitude extends to everyone involved—not just those named but all who support orienteering. 
(AOA has an official criteria for which we give special thanks each year.)
The AOA volunteer recognition criteria 

FWOC/ AOA training camp 

      

Alberta Training Camp organized by Foothills Orienteering (FWOC) was an incredible experience! Participants enjoyed challenging terrain, fantastic courses and activities, stunning views, fun group camping, and perfect weather. A huge thank-you goes out to our amazing volunteers: main organizer, event planner and coach Marsha, activity planner and coach Finley and Kitty, and race planner, Teresa.

AOC 2024 - Alberta Orienteering Championship 

A huge THANK YOU to the Government of Alberta and the Every Kid Can Play grant we received, which helped us to provide these amazing programs! With FWOC/SOGO and EOOC/KRW support, and AOA Red Deer & Airdrie outreach, nearly 6,000 participants across Alberta had the chance to connect with nature, build skills, and enjoy the outdoors through 30 programs, 14 schools, and 9 communities through trying orienteering.
We are so excited to receive next year's support to continue the work we've started with our clubs and partners.
Together, we're making outdoor recreation accessible for so many kids. Thank you to the clubs EOOC (Dorothy), SOGO at school (Tiffany, Kim, and Josephina), and the Red Deer coaches (Lisa and Karen) for making this year such a success!

 
 

Albertans were highly active in 2024, attending not only local events but also major ones like the Canadian Championships, North American Championships, and Westerns. We know how much work goes into these events, and nothing is more rewarding for the organizers than seeing participants from across Canada. Congratulations to everyone who made the trip and supported the Canadian orienteering community this year.

Below are some stories from our Team Canada and Junior Athletes.

We are so proud of you and excited to follow your successes next year!
We will continue to provide the AOA grants to support these young athletes, enabling them to attend competitions where they represent Canada and Alberta.

Did you know that both clubs are working tirelessly to put on next year Canadian and Western Canadian Orienteering Championships? It will be a very exciting and busy time. Join us as a participant or volunteer to be part of this fun festival. 

Enjoy 9 days of thrilling competitive orienteering races, including the Canadian Orienteering Championships, Western Canadian Orienteering Championships, and World Ranking Events. For more details check out the website. Planning to open registration mid-January!
COF 2025 Website

□ Announcing Our T-Shirt Design Contest Winner! □
We are thrilled to announce the winner of our T-shirt design contest! After much anticipation, the votes are in and the chosen design is the stunning Rainbow Beaver Dam, created by the incredibly talented Amanda Edmunds! Amanda has won a fantastic package for the Canadian Orienteering Festival 2025.

 

 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.
All participants at the AOA AGM will be entered to win a door prize!  It's a win-win situation!  

• Date: July 5-7, 2024
• Details still being finalized.
• The group campground on-site has been booked!
• Registration opens soon.

Where: Sandy McNabb
When: August 23-25, 2024
What: Classic two-day cumulative race competition + a fun 1980's style evening event!

Join us as we celebrate the  AOA's 50th anniversary with a traditional class race (cumulative results) at one of our oldest maps - first mapped in 1982 by FWOC's own Don Bayly! Awesome prizes to be one and fun times to be enjoyed.  The group campground at Sandy McNabb is booked for the weekend.  Make the AOCs a part of your summer adventures!

 

The IOF (International Orienteering Federation) has updated its map symbol set. You can expect so see some map changes over the ext year to accommodate these new symbols.  OCAD has create a chart to point out the kew changes for regular maps:

There are also changes to the sprint map symbol set.  These changes may be in place for events such as the Canadians and North Americans in Ontario this year!

Area with obstacles could include areas that have multiple planters too numerous to map individually.

 Date to be confirmed for late September/October. Hosted by EOOC in Redwater Natural Area near Edmonton. A  fun adventure and free AOA-sponsored BBQ awaits all levels from beginners to elites! Stay tuned for updates and registration details. Don't miss it!

We are proud to share that Kids Run Wild has been awarded the prestigious Best Children's Outdoor Pursuits & Fitness Programme 2023 - Western Canada by Acquisition International. This recognition is a testament to the EOOC club's passion and dedication to orienteering. Special thanks to coach Dorothy P, amazing volunteers like Peter G, and all the supporting families.
We look forward to seeing the program's positive impact as KRW nurtures children's love for outdoor pursuits and fitness to continue.

 
Western Canadian Training Camp

One of the best training camp locations found!
It took place in Cranbrook, BC, in May and was well attended by 50 people. Eager learners from all clubs in Alberta and BC, as well as from Ontario and Montana. We had 5 coaches (Kitty, Marsha, Magali, Finley, and Bogi) and course planners Andree and Eileen from KOC. Also, we had some great help from Magnus J planning some great activities from Norway. Accommodation at the College of the Rockies was excellent; single rooms with a kitchen to share! We heard many requesting to go back there annually. 

 

 Unlocking Challenges @ Western Spring Training Camp
When I was young, I said to my mom at the dinner table “maybe there’s a challenge inside you need to unlock”.  The details behind why I said this isn’t relevant.  What is relevant is that this statement has become a powerful mantra for me and my family.  
There were a good number of challenges I was able to unlock  at the Western Spring Training Camp. I walked away from the camp more confident in my ability to use my compass and more knowledgeable of map contours and symbols. I also unlocked a fear of being on my own in a forest during a route choice activity. Last but not least, I got quite comfortable being lost knowing that “I am not really lost, I am just bewildered” (as they called it at camp).
What my mom and I loved most about our time in Cranbrook was feeling a part of a community.  The sport of orienteering feels small until you participate in events, like this camp. There is nothing better than like-minded people coming together to share a passion for something important in their lives. The organizers, coaches, and other participants made us feel welcome and we both walked away with not only new skills, but new friends too. I left the three day camp feeling connected, inspired and more confident than ever that orienteering is my sport.  If you are a teen interest in trying orienteering, come join me for some upcoming events!
By Gabriel S, age 14

Blackfoot Score-O Recap
EOOC hosted the Blackfoot Score-O on May 28.  There were three options for time: 1, 3 and 6 hours!  Interestingly the event was held on a new map some of which had not been field checked, so participants had their work cut out for them if they chose to venture there!  Another interesting feature was the combination of regular SI controls and maprun controls (no si, sometimes flags, ribbons or nothing!) Three orienteers braved the 6 hours of cruelling navigation.  Wise participants went after the regular controls in mapped terrain, but some of us more adventurous types (needless to say less-wise?) decided to go for the big score controls in the green terrain with only ribbons or the maprun beep to tell us were at the control!  We found the controls we went after ... as well as more spanworm caterpillars than we care to recall. We had to de-caterpillar after leaving the forest!
Thanks to the amazing volunteers who put on this event!
by: Marsha F

2023 Run the Wild
FWOC's much-loved navigation race returned to the picturesque location of Sandy McNabb after a decade, and it was nothing short of spectacular! Sheep Valley boasts vast, untamed landscapes with rolling hills and a trail system that can either guide you or leave you bewildered, testing your navigation skills to the core. The event featured a Rogaine-style score-O, a trail run component, and some exciting secret bonuses, courtesy of the amazing Run the Wild team.
Designed to cater to both beginners and seasoned orienteers, this 6-hour challenge allows you to create a route that perfectly aligns with your skills, fitness, and mood. It's all about having a blast and pushing the boundaries with your team.
 

Blackfoot map

2023 Western Canadian Orienteering Championships 
Thank you to Sage Orienteering for some amazing races!  Participants came off both Middle and Long events feeling they had given it their all and had fun while they did it! Congratulations to all the participants and podium finishers!  Alberta showed off their competitive side, taking the podium in several classes in both events. (Fwoc submitted results listed.) In the Middle event: Andrew (2nd M21E), Ewan (1st Western Canadian M20), Gavan (1st M18), Finley (3rd Western Canadian M35), Tim (3rd M45), Teresa (1st Western Canadian F45), Christin (2nd F65) In the Long event, Robyn (3rd F21E), Gavan (1st M18), Alexandru (1st M10), Finley (2nd Western Canadian M35), Tim (2nd M45), Don B (3rd Western Canadian M65), Izabela ( 2nd Western Canadian F10), Teresa (2nd F45), and Christin (1st F65).


FWOC at Westerns
 

Robyn and Andrew, have been chosen as members of the National Junior Team Canada Program. We are so proud to see these young and skilled FWOC athletes representing Canada at various international events. Their passion for orienteering shines brightly, and we wish them the best of luck in their endeavours. Go Team Canada!
Robyn's summer updates
Earlier this season I started off with the FWOC spring training camp, and shortly after raced WCOCs. At the end of June, I made a short trip to Eastern Washington for the Spokane 4 Days, where I participated in the Pig War. This weekend was NAOCs in Truckee, California. I had a strong sprint (where unfortunately I mispunched), and consequently had a rough time on the middle and the long, but recovered enough to run a mostly clean 2nd leg for the senior women’s relay team on the last day. Up next is COCs, where I’m looking forward to racing in the senior category, and hopefully end the summer on a high note.
Submitted by Robyn A

Andrew's summer updates
My bigger events started out with WCOCs in the dense and technical forests of Kelowna where I got to experience some of the coolest terrain I have ever run in, as well as the least amount of deadfall I have seen anywhere in North America. Shortly after I headed off for Europe and stopped by the Hungarian Middle Champs on my way to JWOC (Junior World Orienteering Championships) for a little training and to see what these European forests are all about. The races were fun but jet lag and the new terrain prevented me from making it into the A-final so I had to settle for first place in the B-final. Following that I did a bit of traveling around Croatia and then headed over to Romania for JWOC. My results at JWOC weren't great (about middle of the pack), but it was still a great time participating in such a high-level competition as well as talking to people from all over the world. Then after more traveling around, I made my way down to California to meet up with the Canadian team to do a bit of training around Tahoe to acclimatize to the terrain and elevation. Seemingly this paid off as I got gold in all my races in M20E. Additionally, I would have placed second in the M21E sprint since they were on the same course (just 13 seconds away from qualifying for the automatic spot at WOC next year in Edinburgh). Next up I have O-fest and COCs in Quebec in which I will be running up to M21E. Given my recent results at NAOC I am hopeful that I can come home with a medal or two but we'll just have to wait and see.
Submitted by Andrew Mc.

 

Red Deer Community Events
Upcoming 
5. July 31st - Bower Ponds
6. August date TBD- Barrett Park
7. September 13 - RDP
8. September 27 - Bower Pond
9. October 4- Kin Canyon
10. October 18 - Heritage Ranch

Crowsnest Pass Permanent Courses:
We set up three permanent orienteering courses at Pass Powderkeg, which you will be able to try on your own time.

Strathcona Wilderness Center Permanent Courses:
EOOC created some fun courses for Strathcona Wilderness Centre. The maps are ready for download from our website. Courses also can be done with the Map Run App or by picking up a map from customer service, onsite at SWC.
The longest challenge is a 24 controls Score O.

Edmonton Club ( EOOC)

• Club news

• Upcoming events

Outreach: Red Deer events

• Red Deer 

$$$ GRANTS $$$

Great New Provincial Government Grants!

 

Alberta’s government investing $8 million to help make sports, physical activity and recreation more accessible through the new Every Kid Can Play program.  Every Kid Can Play (EKCP) Program is designed to address affordability and accessibility challenges to sport, physical activity, and recreation (SPAR) programs for Alberta kids and their families. Alberta families can apply for up to $350 per child to offset registration fees, through funds directed to KidSport Alberta.

ADDITIONAL for non-profit sport organizations to make sports more affordable.
 2 grant application processes with the Government of Alberta, for Provincial-Scope organizations and Community-Level non-profit organizations, funding is available  to reduce costs associated with the delivery, expansion, or enhancement of existing programs.
We will work with the clubs to apply for these grants.

Our Annual Grants :
1. AOA Grants for Alberta Clubs:
The AOA Grants Policy and application form can be found on our website.

• AOA Grant Policy for Clubs ​​updated 2023​​​​
• AOA has three grants available to support the clubs.
•  To apply contact the AOA office.​

​​2. Application for AOA Members: 

• The Leadership Grant will encourage AOA members to attend or present courses, clinics, workshops, training camps events and conferences.
• The High-Performance Grant supports athletes who are named by Orienteering Canada to Canada's National Teams. It also supports Alberta coaches and team leaders of National Teams.
• For members, the application deadline is December 1st.  Please download the application form below and send it back to  [email protected] .

• AOA High-Performance Grant​  application​​

• AOA Leadership Grant​ application