April 03rd, 2023

4/3/2023

AOA News and Events

Hello Alberta orienteers,
As I write this we are two hours away from the spring equinox. And even though there is still snow on the ground here in Edmonton, the sky is a brilliant blue and temperatures are above zero. So, condolences to the skiers out there, but I hope you will be as enthused as I am to start thinking about the orienteering season ahead.
In planning for the 2023 season your AOA board met in Red Deer in February to determine its priorities and the budget to apply to all the objectives we have as the provincial orienteering association. A couple of key priorities we chose were, one, to increase the ranks of senior orienteering officials – and the course we held in Calgary yesterday for level 300 course planners is one small step in that direction (thanks to Marion Owen for organizing and John Rance for putting on the course!). And another is to help to develop and support new and current mappers in Alberta, as, most of you will know, accurate maps are a cornerstone of our sport. But these are just two of the many things we will be doing–especially by our executive director, Bogi Gyorfi. By the way, if you would like to help set priorities for provincial orienteering, we would welcome any of you who would like to join the AOA board, especially at the upcoming annual general meeting (notice to come out soon).
Speaking of training officials, The Edmonton Overlanders Orienteering Club (EOOC) will be introducing orienteering techniques as well as course planning to newer orienteers in a combined social and learning weekend at the Strathcona Wilderness Centre. Why this emphasis on qualifying new officials? Well, in 2025 EOOC will be putting on the Canadian Orienteering Championships (COCs) and Foothills Orienteering (FWOC) will be organizing the Western Canadian Orienteering Championships (WCOCs), and advanced certified officials are needed for course planning and managing these Canada Cup events. So, in a domino effect, those people who will be spending the hundreds of hours in planning for 2025, leave a gap in the planning of local orienteering events, for which the clubs hope to bring in and qualify new officials.
I don’t want to leave an impression that it is such a lot of work to put on orienteering events...well, it is...but it is work that those of us who have been involved with the sport for a while now, thoroughly and absolutely enjoy. Both in the planning and execution of events, and as participants.
So, here’s a welcome to spring 2023 and the new orienteering season!
Sincerely,
Kim Kasperski

Kim Kasperski

Save the date:

Alberta Orienteering Association

AGM

7 pm, April 13, 2023

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!

Join us to dust off the compass and your skills

Western Canadian Training Camp
Foothills Wanderers Orienteering Club (FWOC) and the AOA are hosting a 3-day spring training camp in Cranbrook using the fantastic maps and great terrain from the 2022 Canadian Championships. Enjoy three days of coached training activities, a B- event and spend some social time with fellow orienteers from across Canada in the group accommodation option.

Date: May 19-22, 2023
Intermediate and advanced adults
Experienced youth 12 years and older are welcome
Accommodation: College of the Rockies, Cranbrook campus

Learning & Social Weekend
Edmonton Overlanders Orienteering Club (EOOC) is inviting everyone who is relatively new to the sport and wants to get more confident with orienteering basics. This is a great opportunity to learn more about our sport, explore new areas, practice advanced navigation techniques, connect to other orienteers, and/or work towards your 100-level certification.

Location: Strathcona Wilderness Centre Lodge.
When: Friday March 24th to Sunday, March 26th, with optional overnight bunkhouse-style accommodation.
Come and stay for the whole weekend camp, or choose which sessions to register for.

NEW OUTREACH program in RED DEER for all ages

We want to provide opportunities for individuals and families to enjoy the outdoors and develop confidence and motivation to be active outside .
All our events are planned for Wednesdays 6:00-7:30 pm, in different locations to discover the city parks with our maps.
These are self-led activities for all ages. You are welcome to bring the whole family but parents must stay with their children.
There will be two courses, one for newbies and kids and one for the experienced.

HOW TO JOIN?
Become an AOA Outreach Member and you can enjoy up to 10 events in 2023. If you sign up for the annual membership, you will receive an email before each event confirming the start location.

Not sure yet? Sign up for one free TRY IT.

RED DEER Community Orienteering Events calendar:
Wednesdays 6:00-7:30 pm
1. May 22- Barrett Park
2. May 31- Red Deer Polytechnic
3. June 7 - Bower Ponds
4. June 14- Kin Canyon
5. July date TBD - Heritage Ranch
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

Try an Orienteering event on (MAY 6/7 TBD) with the EOOC forest event at Morningside JJ Colette Natural area. We will have courses for everyone from beginners to advanced

Planning calendar for Alberta 2023

Did you know that you can see most of the events planned for 2023 on our webpage Events? We also have a planning calendar you can download for your own planning notes.

Edmonton Club ( EOOC)

Club news

Calgary Club (FWOC):

Upcoming events

Outreach: Airdrie and Red Deer events

Red Deer and Airdrie

$$$$ GRANTS $$$$

The AOA Grants Policy and application form can be found on our website.

AOA Grant Policy for Alberta clubs :

AOA Grant Policy for Clubs updated 2023
AOA has three grants available to support the clubs.
For clubs, the application deadline is April 1st. To apply contact the AOA office.

Application forms for AOA members :

The Leadership Grant will encourage AOA members to attend or present courses, clinics, workshops, training camps 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

We are happy to announce that we have received $2500 from the Government of Canada ParticipAction Grant to organize 5 events in 5 communities and invite underrepresented populations to try orienteering. If you have ideas for Crowsnest Pass, Red Deer, Cochrane, Calgary, or Edmonton or know someone who can we contact to invite, please let us know.

Get the KIDS outside or help us spread the word
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 Red Deer and Airdrie .
NEW COMMUNITY PROGRAM IN RED DEER !!

SOGO programs in Calgary and the KRW programs in Edmonton opened registration for the spring.

Mapping and Alberta Park Permit Updates

Mapping Update
We are excited to say that the mapping activity is growing in our province. New maps are being planned for the 2025 Canadian Championships and the 4 new outreach maps are in the works.

Thanks to our seasoned mappers Don B, Don R and Geraint who are always busy updating maps and helping some of the new mappers get hooked on making maps.

The club volunteers will never run out of jobs with map updates and finding new areas to map in the cities. Thanks to David, Teresa, Marsha, Stefan, Tim, and Dorothy for supporting this important work.

AB Park permit update:
FWOC is excited to share news that AB Parks, Kananaskis Region, in consultation with FWOC and AOA, has developed an excellent Orienteering Directive that should facilitate getting permits in the Kananskis region! Once our maps have been reviewed by the ecological lead on that AB Kananaskis team (the last step in a multi-year process), we should be able to offer more forest events on some of our favourite maps! Stay tuned! The Directive also makes it easier to create and use new maps! We can't thank Kitty Jones enough for devoting years to spear-heading this effort.

Congrats to our Team Canada Athletes

Orienteering Canada has just selected its Team Canada Program roster for 2023 and we're super proud to have 3 FWOC club members on that list:

Andrew M has been selected to the Junior National Team. Andrew was introduced to the sport through our SOGO Adventuring Running Progam years ago and has been excelling at all levels of competition recently including at the Junior World Championships in Portugal this past summer. Andrew is currently living in Hamilton while studying at McMaster University.
Jan Erik N has been selected to the Senior National Team. Jan Erik first competed at the Junior World Championships level in 2016 and in 2018 achieved a 13th place in the JWOC long distance in Hungary - a best result for Canadian men. Jan Erik lived in Calgary while studying engineering at UofC and ran the SOGO bridge program. Jan Erik is currently living in Chicago.
Robyn A has been selected to the Junior National Team. Robyn has grown up orienteering with the club in an orienteering family. She moved from Calgary to Vancouver this year for university. Robyn participated in her first Junior World Championships this summer in Portugal as the only woman on the team.

Congratulations to Andrew, Jan Erik, and Robyn!
You can find information on the entire team here.

We hope to see you soon!

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Alberta Orienteering Association
Box 1576 Cochrane, Alberta
T4C 1B5 Canada

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AOA last newsletter in 2022

11/21/2022

AOA News and Events

AOA Facebook

AOA Website

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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. ([email protected])
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 [email protected]

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!

2022 AOA SPRING Newsletter

3/18/2022

AOA News and Events

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.

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!

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!

2021: A New O Season!

3/22/2021

AOA News and Events

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!

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):

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!

Winter Updates

12/21/2020

Campaign URL Copy

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AOA News and Events

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 ([email protected]).

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):

Calgary Club (FWOC):

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

Orienteering in 2020

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

Take care and see you back orietneering soon!

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

2020 SumMer Updates

7/20/2020

AOA News and Events

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):

Any location self-guided activities:

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: [email protected]

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:

"TRY IT " Programs
Residency Programs
Outdoor Adventure Community Programs
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 ([email protected]) or contact Marion directly ([email protected]) 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 Memories

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

Take care and see you back orietneering soon!

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Forward>>

April 03rd, 2023

Save the date: Alberta Orienteering Association

AGM

7 pm, April 13, 2023

Join us to dust off the compass and your skills

NEW OUTREACH program in RED DEER for all ages

Planning calendar for Alberta 2023

Get the KIDS outside or help us spread the word Youth Programs and TRY IT Opportunities

Mapping and Alberta Park Permit Updates

Congrats to our Team Canada Athletes Orienteering Canada has just selected its Team Canada Program roster for 2023 and we're super proud to have 3 FWOC club members on that list:

Congratulations to Andrew, Jan Erik, and Robyn! You can find information on the entire team here.

We hope to see you soon!

AOA last newsletter in 2022

Message from the AOA President

Thank You Volunteers!

Orienteering Highlights in 2022

CROF 2022 Pictures

2022 Junior World Orienteering Championships (JWOC)

Call for Official's records in 2022

Help us do more Orienteering!

Activities for the winter

Edmonton Club (EOOC):

On the radar for next year...

Take care and see you back orietneering soon!

2022 AOA SPRING Newsletter

Save the date: Alberta Orienteering Association AGM 7 pm, April 19, 2022

Plan for a great vacation this summer!

Planning calendar for Alberta 2022

Full speed ahead - Youth Programs and Try It! Opportunities

AOA and Clubs' News

Congratulations and Thank You!

We hope to see you soon!

2021: A New O Season!

Message from the AOA President

Save the Date!

AGMs to Start the Season

FWOC

AOA

EOOC Board of Directors

O Season Starters

In-person Youth Programs

Did you know?

Permanent Courses in Red Deer

Professional Development Opportunities

Leaders, Board members:

Coaches:

New Resources:

AOA website for sport-specific covid measures

Return to Sport Guidelines

Orienteering in the News

Orienteering Memories

Take care and see you on a map soon!

Winter Updates

Message from the AOA President

What happened in 2020?

Spotlight

Activities for the winter

Edmonton Club (EOOC):

Did you know?

AOA website for sport-specific covid measures

Return to Sport Guidelines

Orienteering in 2020

Take care and see you back orietneering soon!

2020 SumMer Updates

Summer Updates from the AOA Board

Return to Sport Guidelines

Activities for summer 2020

Edmonton Club (EOOC):

AOA Outreach In-person Activities

Did you know?

Officials Challenge

O100 News

NCCP Community Coaching Course

AOA Policies

Orienteering Memories

Take care and see you back orietneering soon!

Social media feed:

AOA Newsletter

Author

Archives

Save the date:

Alberta Orienteering Association

Get the KIDS outside or help us spread the word
Youth Programs and TRY IT Opportunities

Congrats to our Team Canada Athletes

Orienteering Canada has just selected its Team Canada Program roster for 2023 and we're super proud to have 3 FWOC club members on that list:

Congratulations to Andrew, Jan Erik, and Robyn!
You can find information on the entire team here.

Save the date:

Alberta Orienteering Association
AGM

7 pm, April 19, 2022

Full speed ahead -
Youth Programs and Try It! Opportunities

Permanent Courses
in Red Deer

AOA Outreach
In-person Activities