2020 Spring Newsletter

4/7/2020

AOA News and Events

2020 Orienteering News from the AOA Board

Dear Orienteering Community,
Given the state of COVID-19 in Alberta, and with confidence that most of you are doing your best to limit your contact with other people, the Alberta Orienteering Association in conjunction with our local clubs, and aligned with and the International Orienteering Federation, has decided to cancel all events until May 31st. In addition, the 2020 Canadian Rockies Orienteering Festival (CROF) has been postponed until 2021.

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 in AB website.

Check out these activities:

SOGO@Home The SOGO Adventuring Running crew are working hard to provide you with tools and ideas for your families to stay active at home
AOA outreach is working on positing some safe, self-guided orienteering activities onour website in April.

Should the situation improve, we will consider reinstating events. We will be doing our best to communicate on a regular timely basis as the situation and our plan evolves. Follow our website and social media for updates.

Stay safe and healthy.

Other orienteering news:

April 26, 2020 - the new date for the AOA AGM via online conferencing
Albertans on the World Stage
AOA Grant for Alberta HPP Athletes
SafeSport Framework
Orienteering Events
Orienteering Fun

2020 AOA AGM

April 26, 2020
10 - 11:30am

Join us via online conferencing at the new AOA AGM. Help us plan for the future as we set the 2020 priorities for orienteering in Alberta. Please register on our website. If you have any new business to be added to the agenda, please contact the Executive Director (info@orienteeringalberta.ca) before April 16.

Albertans on the High Performance Program
of Orienteering Canada

Congratulations to the 2020 Albertan members of Orienteering Canada's High Performance Program, including new Junior members Robyn A, Andrew M and Ewan W and our senior elite athletes: Damian K, Jan Erik N, Emma S, Michael S and Michael K.

Members of Canada's HPP program are eligible to compete for Canada at world events such as the Junior World Orienteering Championships and the World Orienteering Championships. Unfortunately, most of the major events have been cancelled for 2020, but we are looking forward to next year's success stories.

AOA HPP Athlete Grant

The AOA is happy to support its HPP athletes through a financial grant. HPP members can apply for the grant every year they are a member of Orienteering Canada's HPP. Certain criteria must be met to apply. Check out the obligations so that you can fulfill them throughout the year. Apply for the grant by December 1 each year.
Information about the AOA grants can be found on our 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 SafeSport Framework. Please review it to see how it applies to your events and programs.

These resources can also be found on the AOA website:

AOA recommends carrying Bear Spray in the forest! Knowing how to avoid an encounter with a bear (and other wildlife) is the best way to enjoy the Alberta forests, safely. Refreshing your understanding is always a great choice: visit the Safety in Orienteering web page (above) before heading out.

Postponement of Upcoming Events

Postponement of the 2020 CROF until 2021

With all the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 and, in line with other sporting events, the 2020 Canadian Rockies Orienteering Festival (CROF), including

the 2020 Canadian Orienteering Championships (COCs),
the 2020 Western Canadian Orienteering Championships (WCOCs),
Crowsnest Barebones events, and
the 2020 Sass Peepre National Training Junior Camp,

have been postponed until 2021.

Read the full ANNOUNCEMENT here.

Orienteering Events

All scheduled events are suspended until May 31st. (This date will be revised according to any new government recommendations).
We are optimistic that some low key summer events may be able to proceed
Tentative Alberta Orienteering Championship: September 19-20, 2020 organized by EOOC.
The second annual Alberta Compass Series will be revised or postponed after we establish a new events schedule for the summer and fall. Details on the AOA website.

Arm-Chair Orienteering Events!

Orienteering Canada has been posting orienteering activities you can do while safely staying home! Armchair O is a great way to keep your orienteering brain working:) Check out the daily ideas at https://www.facebook.com/orienteeringcanada/.

The current one is a tough logic puzzle from Scottish Orienteering. Here is the link to SO puzzles page: https://www.scottish-orienteering.org/resources/puzzles-and-challenges/?fbclid=IwAR18SbrRIr-hQFg422--wvAJSpm723rxr-WnffiMGuwLXiQa9oE0YSrW5Zw

Orienteering fun memories:

EOOC Skate-O The Goat Winners

White Earth fun WCOCs pre-race relaxation

AOCs Saturday singalong

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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June 2019 newsletter

5/30/2019

AOA Newsletter and Upcoming Events

F A C E B O O K

T W I T T E R

WEBSITE

Instagram

EARLY BIRD gets the......best deal!
The best price sign up is ending May 31st, Friday night!

IT IS TIME to sign up for the next ADVENTURE. The Long weekend camping is coming up so add some great Orienteering to it and come on out to Sandy McNabb PP. Enjoy orienteering on terrific terrain and some fun socializing with your orienteering friends new and old. All levels are welcome from brand new to advanced. Did I mention the FREE BBQ and camping subsidy?
Register here.

Junior Programs- Summer Camps

Kids Run Wild in Edmonton offers Summer Camps again this year: Camp dates are July 15 - 19 & August 12 - 16 Registration for July & August is open already.

Safety in Orienteering

Safety in Orienteering- Check out our new Brochure
For more details visit our webpage to help you understand more about managing risks related to orienteering activities.

Be Bear Aware & Wildsmart

AOA RECOMMENDS carrying Bear Spray in the forest!
Knowing how to avoid an encounter with a bear (and other wildlife) is the best way to enjoy the Alberta forests, safely. Refreshing your understanding is always a great choice: visit the Safety in Orienteering webpage before heading out.

Upcoming Events

Please support these events by attending and don't forget to register for the Alberta Compass Series

June 29- 30 - Alberta Orienteering Championships is organized by FWOC this year at Sandy McNabb Provincial Park
July 25-28 - Canadian Championships COC in QC. If you are thinking about a great summer vacation destination don't hesitate to add this to your list.
September 6-7-8 - KOOTENAY O-FEST Westerns and BCOC in Kimberly
September 28 - EOOC B forest event Redwater Natural Area
November 9-10 - AOA AGM at Deer Valley Meadows.

For a full list of upcoming events, you can always visit our website EVENTS page.

Thank You EOOC for the great spring camp!

Thank you so much for organizing and hosting the 2019 Alberta Spring Camp. We had an excellent time.
Dorothy, Marylin and Geraint, Peter and Drew,
Thank you for being there on a 24-hour shift, doing everything to make us feel comfortable. From meal prep, cooking, activities, SI timing, etc.… I can’t imagine how you got everything lined up so well. You are super hosts for sure!
Event crew,
Thanks to Chris for delivering us food, water and packs while enduring a toasty bike ride which did not seem like a joyride. Greg, Tom and Garry thank you so much for spending extra time hanging controls.
Svoboda family,
Thank you for hosting and driving the Danish coaches to the camp. I am sure that everyone had loads of takeaways and great learning experiences with them. From the kids' comments, they sure enjoyed being coached by Jeppe and Astrid and experiencing the extended orienteering community.
Thank you for going above and beyond to provide a great camp experience and helping to form the future generation of orienteering enthusiasts.

Alberta Compass Series

You can still sign up, it's free!

Format:
The AB Compass Series will include 5 forest events per season.
Participants register in the category appropriate for them and complete the associated course at each event to collect points.
Results and Award:
After each event, the aggregate points will be calculated and posted on the AOA webpage.
The year-end athlete recognition and awards will be given out at the AOA AGM.
There will be one nice draw prize for all registered participants who completed a minimum of four races
Click on the image for details and free registration.

HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL AT THE ALBERTA CHAMPS!

Copyright © 2017 AOA. All rights reserved.

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

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March Newsletter - 2019

3/26/2019

AOA Newsletter and Upcoming Events

Welcome to the 2019 Season

F A C E B O O K

T W I T T E R

WEBSITE

Instagram

What's new? Alberta Compass Series

Goal:
To provide a framework for hosting provincial orienteering events that encourage athletes’ attendance outside of their local club.
Format:
The AB Compass Series will include 5 or 6 forest events per season.
Participants register in the category appropriate for them and complete the associated course at each event to collect points.
Results and Award:
After each event, the aggregate points will be calculated and posted on the AOA webpage.
The year-end athlete recognition and awards will be given out at the AOA AGM.
There will be one nice draw prize for all registered participants who completed a minimum of four races
Click on the image for details and free registration.

What's new? Safety in Orienteering

Two new AOA webpages have been launched:
Safety in Orienteering
On this page, you will find links and recommendations to help you understand more about managing risk related to orienteering activities. AOA and all affiliated member clubs encourage their members to review the educational materials provided.

Volunteers:
The AOA Volunteer Program Policy become available and ready to be utilized, which provides a framework for volunteer management. It helps define the role of volunteers within the organization, and how they can expect to be treated. On this page, you will find links and recommendations to help you understand more about managing risk related to volunteering in orienteering activities. Check out the webpage information.

Junior Programs

Did you know?
SOGO ACCESS  in Calgary wants to support ALL kids to get outside.
This program enables children with challenged abilities -  to access the outdoors and be a part of SOGO.
It offers two streams of programming: separate as a stand-alone group or integrated with each level/hour of regular programs.

Kids Run Wild in Edmonton has a School Race Series:
It is geared towards two-person teams. Open to all school divisions for Jr & S. High School students and runs on Saturdays from April 27 - May 18th
KRW will offer Summer Camps again this year: Camp dates are July 15 - 19 & August 12 - 16   Registration for July & August is open already.

The outreach program is growing:
Thanks to the Recreation and Physical Activity Grant program AOA started to work with 3 communities to implement community programs which anticipated to raise awareness about orienteering and help to find "local champions" for sports development. Welcome Red Deer, Grande Prairie and Rocky Mountain House to the orienteering community.

If you know someone who would be interested in supporting the local outreach programs please let us know.

Help us to spread the word about the fantastic youth programs:
SOGO - Calgary, Cochrane, Bragg Creek
Kids Run Wild -Edmonton
Outdoor Adventure - Airdrie
Orange Marks the Spot -BFFL: Red Deer and Grande Prarie

Convince your friends to try your favourite activity:
A new study shows: Being surrounded by green space in childhood may improve the mental health of adults

Provincial Events

Please support these events by attending and don't forget to register for the Alberta Compass Series

May 5 - EOOC's annual Morningside which is a little north of Lacombe.
May 12 - FWOC Forest event Sandy Macnab
May 24-26 - Provincial Spring Skill Camp at Strathcona Wilderness centre::http://www.orienteer.ab.ca/orienteering-skills-camp-2019/
May 15-21 – WORLD ORIENTEERING DAY the clubs organize public engagement events.
June 29- July 1- Alberta Orienteering Championships is organized by FWOC this year. Location is still not finalized (permit dependent) but it will be in the Calgary area.
July 25-28 Canadian Championships COC in QC. If you are contemplating about great summer vacations destination don't hesitate to add this to your list.
September 28 – EOOC B forest event Redwater Natural Area
November 9-10 - AOA Retreat and AGM at Deer Valley Meadows.

For a full list of upcoming events, you can always visit our website EVENTS page.

Get ready for the season with the Danish Junior National Team coaches!
Join us for the provincial camp near Edmonton organized by EOOC!
All levels and ages are welcome!

Space is limited in the Strathcona Wilderness centre lodge so register early.
Registration opens on April 1st.

Be Bear Aware & Wildsmart

Just a reminder that the bears are waking up and their home is our playground!
Knowing how to avoid an encounter with a bear (and other wildlife) is the best way to enjoy the Alberta parks, safely.
Refreshing your understanding is always a great choice: visit the Safety in Orienteering webpage before heading out this season.

Join us to become a National Coaching Certification Program trained community coach and support the youth programs!

Enjoy a fantastic 2019 season!

NOvember newsletter 2018

11/15/2018

Campaign URL Copy

AOA Newsletter and Upcoming Events

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F O L L O W on F A C E B O O K

F O L L O W on T W I T T E R

WEBSITE

Recap: Alberta Championships & Camp
2018 AOA AGM
AOA grant applications deadline Dec.1
OFFICIALS Activity Log

Events Recap

2018 Alberta Championships - Edmonton & Redwater Natural Area

It was a true “Summer Farewell ” with white-out snowy periods and cold temperatures but still lots of smiles and great orienteering at the 2018 AOC near Edmonton.
Not even the awful, snowy, cold weather could break the spirit of the Alberta Orienteering Championships. Over 70 participants signed up to have fun regardless of the scary weather forecast.
Thanks to the Edmonton Overlanders Orienteering Club for the great organization, excellent courses and dealing with the difficult conditions (and the soul-warming hot chocolate and warm soup). Three excellent events were put on by the meet director, Dorothy Penner and the course planners - Greg Yarkie (sprint), Robert Gilchrist (middle & long) -with the support of the very friendly and enthusiastic EOOC volunteer team: Angela Pearson, Anton Goulko, Charmaine Berestovy, Cheryl Atchison, Chris Sigvaldason, Don Riddle, Einar Vidal, Garry Atchison, Geraint Edmunds, Jim MacDonald, June Crowthers, Kim Kasperski, Kristin Blades, Mary-Lou Hogg, Matt Hryciuk, Peter Gwinner, Roman Gushchin, Suzanne Quilley & Tom De Vries. The team of volunteers were involved in setting controls, vetting, registration, starts, timing, refreshments, site set-up/take-down, and much more!
Of course, we all enjoyed the AOA BBQ and the Junior participants draw prizes.
This year a new AOA initiative to support the provincial championships through a subsidized AOC camp attracted 23 people including many juniors and four HPP elite athletes. The weekend was an inspiring opportunity to create an atmosphere where all ages/genders and levels of orienteerers got together to not only race but learn from each other and socialize to create a team environment.
We hope to repeat it next year again.

AOA Retreat and AGM November 2-4, 2018 at Deer Valley Meadows

32 club representatives attended from both FWOC and EOOC at this year's Retreat. It was a very productive and busy weekend with sharing of ideas and forming a collective vision for next year’s goals and priorities.
All of the 2018 AGM reports, can be found on our website: AGM Meetings.
We would like to say a huge thank you to Don Riddle and Kim Kasperski, who have both stepped down from the AOA Board, for their many years (more than a decade!) of service to the Board and we would like to welcome Mary-Ann DeVries as a new AOA Board member.
2019 AOA board elected:
President is David Campden from FWOC.
Past-President: Kitty Jones - FWOC
Treasurer: Marion Owen - FWOC
Member at Large: Wayne Best - EOOC
Skill development: Clarence Kort - FWOC
Member at Large: Andrée Powers - FWOC
Secretary: Beth Cornish - EOOC
Member at Large: Mary-Ann DeVries - EOOC
VP Mapping and Technical Director: open positions

AOA will identify the next steps in the strategic plan and continue engaging members to get involved with the board work through committees. If you are interested in helping the AOA board work, please have a chat with one of our board members and please let us know if you want to become more involved.

We think that one of the best measurement indicators is that we show a steady growth in membership numbers and diversity in new outreach areas which is something to be celebrated as a result of the volunteer work everyone offers. Thanks for your continued support to make Alberta Orienteering successful.

Read the AGM reports about the 2018 accomplishments.
Here

AOA Grants for members- Application Deadline Dec 1, 2018

Just a reminder about AOA's contribution to optimize the development of Alberta orienteers as athletes and leaders in the sport, these AOA grants are open for applications:

Leadership Grant
High-Performance Grant
Pursuit of Athletic Excellence Grant

Applications must be received by December 1st.
Visit our website to find out the details and download the application forms.

It's time to submit the
OFFICIALS activity log

If you are an Official in Alberta and helped with event organization in the past 3 years please send in your activity log. This is simply naming the events and your role(s) during the past years. It’s very important for insurance and reporting purposes to keep our records up to date.
Please fill out this form and email it back to the AOA office.
If you are working on a new official level certification or just getting certified for the first time, please also fill out this form, so you can get recognition for your work.
Thank you so much for being an Official to support the orienteering events. We couldn't have fun without you.
Official’s Certification Record

Thank you, VOLUNTEERS for the fantastic season.

We hope that everyone had a fantastic year orienteering and see you back in 2019!

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

2018 August Newsletter

8/7/2018

AOA Newsletter and Upcoming Events

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What's happening this summer?
Events: highlights and upcoming
AOC CAMP - BE THERE
Be Wildsmart!

F O L L O W on F A C E B O O K

F O L L O W on T W I T T E R

WEBSITE

Be Social: Please follow us on social media to promote orienteering.

What's happening this summer?

New 2018-20 AOA Strategic Plan

As a continuation of the AOA Retreat and feedback from our members, the AOA Board of Directors created a new strategic plan which outlines the AOA goals for the next 3 years.
The strategic plan is aligned with the Alberta Sport Connection Accountability Framework and Orienteering Canada's strategic pillars to promote and deliver quality sport in Alberta.
The Strategic Plan and 2018 Roadmap
Just a quick review for all the work that the AOA Board has done since last fall:

A face to face AOA Board meeting to work on the strategic plan
A retreat presentation and member feedback collection
An analysis of member feedback
A strategic planning meeting in Red Deer
Club board meeting visits and feedback
Final draft and reviews.

New initiatives:

Team Alberta concept pilot event:

Alberta Orienteering Championships -AOC-CAMP
September 14-16, 2018

After the successful pilot to get more juniors involved that was held at the provincial spring camp (AOA subsidized club coaches to bring a group of juniors to the camp) AOA is offering the next subsidized program to promote attendance and support technical coaching at the competition for the 2018 Alberta Orienteering Championships.
The camp provides carpooling and 2 nights’ accommodation (no meals provided).
Details can be found on our website.

For whom? (First come first served; max 45 participants).
This camp will be open to everyone who participates at the 2018 AOC events

AOC camp fees:

AOA Calgary adult members: $40
AOA Calgary junior (under 18) members: $25
AOA Edmonton adult members: $30
AOA Edmonton junior (under 18) members: $15

Cost includes carpool gas subsidy and two nights of accommodation. This camp is self-catering: no meals are provided.
For more details visit the Registration link on the AOA website: Pre-Registration opens August 1st, 6 pm.

Outreach:

We have been very busy with our Outdoor Adventure Program pilot and implementation projects:
Watch our short Video: Orange Marks the Spot- Outdoor Adventure Program.
AOA and the Be Fit for Life Network have partnered to create a new resource for outreach.
The first year pilot programs were a big success with positive feedback and interest that far exceeded our expectations.
The AOA also partnered with the organizations shown below to implement orienteering grassroots programs. Over 30 activity leaders were trained and more than 1000 kids experienced a fun outdoor adventure program this year.

Westmount Charter School, Calgary
Calgary Community Sports Hub
Vivo Rec Center, Calgary
Elevation Place, Canmore
HeLa Ventures, Rocky Mountain House

Outdoor Adventure Cochrane – Community Program
A partnership was established with Sport 4 Life Cochrane to start the first Outdoor Adventure Program. The first program filled up with 35 participants and received great feedback from parents, volunteers and community leaders. There is a great potential for a permanent program in Cochrane which would fill one of the requirements from Alberta Sport Connect to deliver programs in different zones in the province; AOA will continue with the program in the fall. We also presented the program to the Town of Cochrane council and they are very supportive and would like to see seniors/adults get involved as well.
Be Fit For Life partnership: We receive continuous support and will be working together on the next lesson plans for older age groups.

If you know someone who would be interested in developing a community program please let us know:

Officials and Coaches:

Officials: Thanks to Marion Owen, two officials training courses were held. O200 was held in Calgary and O300 was held in Cranbrook in collaboration with Orienteering BC.

Coaches: A community coach course was held in Calgary with 11 people attending.
For the Introduction to Competition level, the most important next steps will be to complete the multisport module courses and apply for evaluation to complete certification.

For officials and coaches in training: make sure to make note of all related activity you do this season and then report your accomplishments at the end of the year. Please visit ourwebsite for details.

Check out our new Concussion in Sports page to learn about how AOA helps participants to stay safe.

If you are interested in becoming an official or coach to support your local club don't hesitate to reach out to info@orinteeringalberta.ca.

Join us for the AOC Camp at the Elk Island retreat! Registration opens
August 1st.
First come first served!

Events in 2018

Highlights of past events:

The local Wednesday night events and Forest B events had strong attendance from both clubs. Thank you to our awesome volunteers, and keep up the good work.
Junior World Orienteering Championships - JWOC
Outstanding performance from Team Canada at the Junior World Championships in Hungary!
Best place in Canadian history for Jaan Erik Naes for long distance, 13th place, and Emma Waddington in 6th place at the sprint final. Canada’s sprint relay team was 18th. Alberta athlete Michael Svoboda started with a great preparation in Europe but unfortunately injured his knee and so couldn’t perform at his best. Michael managed to participate and had a satisfying result at the Middle distance: M20B (60) - 30 Michael Svoboda.
To read more about the details at the OC BLOG site:
.........“The terrain was a mix of planted forests in nice blocks and very open grasslands somewhat like Kamloops if it were squished so that the highest hills were only around 10 meters high. It made for orienteering where there was very limited route choice as going straight was almost always not only very possible but also the fastest option by far. The trails were also very sandy so did not make for fast running as one might expect based on Canadian orienteering.”........
The Canadian team had a great time at the World University Games that were held in Finland. Emma Waddington earned a respective 8th place and the team was 18th in the sprint relay with Michael Kondro from FWOC running the 3rd leg.
Masters World Championships:
Congratulations to EOOC coaches on their strong finishes in the World Masters Orienteering Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark. Notable finishes included: Geraint Edmunds placing 34 out of 81 athletes in the A final for Sprint, Marilyn Edmunds placing 18 out of 57 athletes in the C final for the Middle, Geraint placing 8 out of 84 in the B final for the Middle, Marilyn placing 20 out of 57 athletes in the C final for Long distance and injured Greg Yarkie placing 22 out of 84 athletes in the D final for Long Distance.
Here is a cool video link about World Masters long final.
Westerns Championships:
Small but mighty representation with many medals from FWOC this year:
F11-12 1st place (long & sprint) Kylie Astridge
M 10 1st place (long & middle) Justin Astridge
F21 Elite: two bronze medals (middle and long) for Tori Owen
F65 1st (sprint) and 3rd (middle) Christin Lundgren and two 5th places for Lennart Lundgren
Congrats to all!

Upcoming events:

August 15-16 the 2018 Sass Peepre Junior Training Camp will be held before the NAOC events.
August 17-24 - North American and Canadian championships 2018 NAOC and COC in Whitehorse, Yukon. Registration is now closed, but you can follow your fellow orienteers on line during the competition.
September 14-16 – Alberta Orienteering Championships hosted by EOOC.
AOC Camp subsidized and organized by AOA
AOA Retreat and AGM November 2-4 at Deer Valley Meadows.

For a full list of upcoming events, you can always visit our website EVENTS page.

Canadians at JWOC

Be Bear Aware & Wildsmart

CARRY A BEAR SPRAY it's your BEST defence!

Just a reminder that bears are busy and it's berry season!
You can run into a wild animal anywhere, whether it being on a busy trail close to town or in the remote backcountry.
Knowing how to avoid an encounter with a bear (and other wildlife) is the best way to enjoy the Alberta parks safely. In the event you do come across wildlife, it is important to know a bit about their behaviour. How we respond in an encounter with them really depends on the type of interaction that is taking place.
Refreshing your understanding is always a great choice: visit the WILDSMART site before heading out this season.

2018 April Newsletter

4/24/2018

AOA Newsletter and Upcoming Events

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About AOA & new initiatives
Remembering Adriann Zissos
Provincial Events: for all levels & Spring Training Camp
Message from the President
Athletes and Junior programs
Be Wildsmart!

F O L L O W on F A C E B O O K

F O L L O W on T W I T T E R

WEBSITE

Be Social: Please follow us on social media to promote orienteering.

Welcome to the new season of 2018

Remembering Adrian Zissos

As many of you have heard, Alberta’s orienteering community lost a wonderful member last week when Adrian Zissos died suddenly of a heart attack while doing what he loved - being outdoors and skiing at the Canmore Nordic Centre.

We wish Adrian's Family our most sincere condolences in their tragic loss.

For those of you who didn't know Adrian, he was a major presence in orienteering, in addition to just being a wonderful friend to many. He was a driving force behind all things orienteering in Calgary, Alberta and Canada over the past decades.
Sometime in May or June, there will be a celebration of Adrian’s life, to which orienteers from across Canada and all Adrian’s other circles of friends etc will be welcome. This will be planned later and no date is set yet.

To share memories of Adrian, a Facebook group has been set up: Remembering Adrian Zissos if you would like to join to read and express memories and stories.

He will be deeply missed in our community.

What's happening in 2018 ?

AOA Strategic planning and club collaboration

As a continuum from the AOA Retreat and feedback from our members, the AOA Board of Directors has been busy creating a new Strategic Plan, which will outline the AOA goals for the next 3 years.
The strategic plan is based on Alberta Sport Connection Accountability Framework for funded Provincial Organizations to deliver Quality Sport in Alberta.

New initiatives:

Team Alberta:

After the initial excitement and positive respond from the members, AOA and the Clubs representatives established the Team Alberta Committee to initiate and guide this new program development.
Thank you for Clarence Kort, Dorothy Penner, Peter Mckenzie, Magali Robert, Michael Svoboda, Danielle Nadeau-McMillan for their commitment.
AOA Board is in the process of finalizing the committee Program Design and hoping to start finding interested participants, coaches, and resources to start with some program delivery soon. Stay tuned with our communication channels to receive more information.The focus will be on supporting the competitive orienteering experience for all levels.

Outreach:

AOA and the Be Fit For Life Network have partnered to create a new resource for outreach.There are lesson plans that are designed for use in a variety of settings, including school, recreation, sport and community programs. AOA has started to work with communities to raise interest and implement this program which anticipated to raise awareness about orienteering and helping to find "local champions" for O program development. Let us know if you know someone who would be interested creating or supporting outreach programs.Check out the details on our website: Orange Marks the Spot- Outdoor Adventure Program. The first Outdoor Adventure program is on the way to start in May with Sport for Life Cochrane partnership.

Officials and Coaches:

Most of the orienteering events and activities require a qualified Official and /or Coach support and leadership. It takes lots of time, effort and enthusiasm to make orienteering happen. Thank you for the many volunteers who engage in officiating and coaching to make this possible.
Good to know:
The Officials certification process is governed by Orienteering Canada and AOA has been working closely with the OC Officials committee to confirm the certified official's list and keep track of the activities in our province.
The Coaching certification is governed by Coaching Association Canada through NCCP and we are in the process of training and certifying many new coaches to support the growth of the junior programs.
Great website for orienteering specific information about Coaching certification is: Get Coaching!
If you are interested becoming an official or coach to support your local club and have any questions don't hesitate to reach out: info@orinteeringalberat.ca.

Risk management and policies alignment

Great progress started with the collaboration of the Clubs, AOA and Orienteering Canada aligning policies to ensure our sport and operation not only fun and safe but also ensure quality sport experience for everyone.We have a busy workgroup doing lots of groundwork so let us know if you want to join Kim Kaperski, Andree Powers & Kitty Jones with the fascinating word of document review and writing.Thanks for your continued support to make Alberta Orienteering successful.
Check out our new Concussion in Sports page to learn about how AOA helps participants to stay safe.

Provincial Events in 2018

Please support these events by attending to complement the
cross-provincial schedule.

2018 Highlights for all levels from beginners to old-timers:

April 28- FWOC's annual Prairie Opener - Join us at Rumsey for the first event of the season - a terrific run over rolling hills. Hopefully, the snow will melt, check back for updates.
May 6-EEOC's annual Morningside which is a little north of Lacombe.
May 25 - 27 - Alberta Orienteering Skills Camp at Kamp Kiwanis. Join us for some awesome orienteering on 3 different maps, planned by Raphael Ferrand and coached by FWOC's veteran orienteers. Registration is open now! The weekend will conclude with a forest event on the Elbow Bluffs map!
May 23 – WORLD ORIENTEERING DAY the clubs will organize public engagement events.
June 9 - Beaver Lake forest meet A little north of Sundre, Beaver Lake is a new map for many of us. Come check it out!
July (tentative) EOOC Forest event.
August 15-16 the 2018 Sass Peepre Junior Training Camp will be held before NAOC.
August 17-24 - North American and Canadian championships 2018 NAOC and COC in Whitehorse, Yukon. All levels are welcome, if you are contemplating about great summer vacations destination don't hesitate to add this to your list.
September 22-23 (tentative) – Alberta Orienteering Championships and Recreational Orienteering hosted by EOOC.
AOA Retreat and AGM November 2-4 at Deer Valley Meadows.

For a full list of upcoming events, you can always visit our website EVENTS page.

Join us for the provincial camp near Calgary, it will be a great one - for all levels from beginners to veterans!
Click on the picture to REGISTER before MAY 1st to get the early bird price.

Message from the President

It has been five months since I became president of the AOA and I have been very impressed with the support and engagement of all the AOA board members, as well as our outstanding Executive Director, Bogi. It is very comforting to know that there is a wealth of experience I can rely on at times when I feel a little out of my depth. If only I could access that same experience when I’m lost in the forest!
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the members that stepped up to volunteer at the AOA casino in Calgary last March. This is one of the two main sources of the AOA’s funding. The other source is from Alberta Sport Connection, which has recently changed the method it uses to assess Provincial Sport Organisations that receive provincial grant money. The main outcome of this for the AOA is that we need to concentrate on recruiting new members from outside the traditional Edmonton and Calgary areas. Which leads me on to Bogi’s outreach campaign, known as the “Outdoor Adventure Program”, aimed at introducing children between the ages of 5 and 12 to basic orienteering skills. Bogi spent the last year developing the program in cooperation with the “Be Fit For Life Network” and is now busy piloting it in Calgary with a view to getting it started up in Cochrane and maybe Canmore. And then we hope momentum will build to grow it to other parts of the province.
We also have an AOA supported training camp coming up at the end of May, organised in conjunction with FWOC and based out of Kamp Kiwanis, west of Calgary. It is designed for ages 10 and up (including adults!) and for all skill levels. Registration is open now, so sign up to improve your orienteering skills and have some fun with other orienteers. More information and the link to registration.
I’d like to finish with a little food for thought that I hope won’t get me into too much trouble: I have seen and heard that almost all the young orienteers that regularly attend “B” events and up come from families that have been involved with orienteering for many years. With the help of EOOC and FWOC, we are starting up a new concept called “Team Alberta”. Is this something that we can use as a vehicle (literally and figuratively) to get more kids and families out to larger orienteering events.
Here’s to another great season of orienteering in Alberta (and beyond). I just hope it warms up soon!
David Campden
April 2018

Congrats to the 2018 HPP athletes selected from Alberta!

Congratulation to the Alberta High-Performance athletes who have been selected to the Orienteering Canada HPP program. The High-Performance Program (HPP) is designed specifically to support athletes who wish to achieve excellence in international orienteering.The HPP athletes will represent Canada at the international events. Michael Svoboda has been selected to attend the 2018 Junior World Orienteering Championships, Hungary, and World University Orienteering Championships Finland.

Do you enjoy reading event/training blogs?
I find that there is a lot to learn from these young athletes. Their knowledge, dedication, focus, and ability to stay motivated can be contagious, so read on: all the links can be found on ourwebsite.

Do you have a blog or story to share? AOA is looking for people to submit blogs or trip /event/ training reports to post it on our website.

Junior Programs

The Spring season has started for the Junior Programs

KRW and SOGO had a quite cold but strong start of the Spring session. It was great to see that the snow and freezing temperatures didn't scare away the participants.
Great work on raising resilient and adventurous kids who know how to handle the elements of nature.

Want to convince your friends to try your favorite activity? Here is a newly released article from
Active for Life: Make orienteering your next family activity

Did you know about?
SOGO ACCESS in Calgary
SOGO wants to support ALL kids to get outside. SOGO Access enables children with challenged abilities - behavioral, mental and/or physical - to access the outdoors and be a part of SOGO.
SOGO Access offers two streams of programming: separate as a stand-alone group or integrated with each level/hour of SOGO programs. We are very proud of the SOGO supportive community and Bridie Pryce -former Sogo head coach- who spearheaded the start of this program.
SHINE Home School series in Edmonton
Kids Run Wild, under Dorthy Penner boundless leadership, have been providing valuable and fun programming for Home School families in Edmonton.Keep up the great work!

Be Bear Aware & Wildsmart

Just a reminder that the bears are waking up and their home is our playground!
You can run into a wild animal anywhere, be it on a busy trail close to town or in the remote backcountry.
Knowing how to avoid an encounter with a bear (and other wildlife) is the best way to enjoy the Alberta parks, safely. In the event you do come across wildlife, it is important to know a bit about their behavior. How we respond in an encounter with them really depends on the type of interaction that is taking place.
Refreshing your understanding is always a great choice: visit the WILDSMART site before heading out this season.

Enjoy a fantastic 2018 season starting with these events!

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Forward>>

2020 Spring Newsletter

2020 Orienteering News from the AOA Board

Other orienteering news:

2020 AOA AGM

Albertans on the High Performance Program of Orienteering Canada

AOA HPP Athlete Grant

AOA Policies

Postponement of Upcoming Events

Postponement of the 2020 CROF until 2021

Orienteering Events

Arm-Chair Orienteering Events!

Orienteering fun memories:

Take care and see you back orietneering soon!

June 2019 newsletter

Junior Programs- Summer Camps

Safety in Orienteering

Be Bear Aware & Wildsmart

Upcoming Events

Thank You EOOC for the great spring camp!

Alberta Compass Series

HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL AT THE ALBERTA CHAMPS!

March Newsletter - 2019

Welcome to the 2019 Season

What's new? Alberta Compass Series

What's new? Safety in Orienteering

Junior Programs

Provincial Events

Be Bear Aware & Wildsmart

Enjoy a fantastic 2019 season!

NOvember newsletter 2018

Recap: Alberta Championships & Camp

2018 AOA AGM

AOA grant applications deadline Dec.1

OFFICIALS Activity Log

Events Recap

Read the AGM reports about the 2018 accomplishments. Here

AOA Grants for members- Application Deadline Dec 1, 2018

It's time to submit the OFFICIALS activity log

We hope that everyone had a fantastic year orienteering and see you back in 2019!

2018 August Newsletter

What's happening this summer?

Be Bear Aware & Wildsmart

CARRY A BEAR SPRAY it's your BEST defence!

2018 April Newsletter

Welcome to the new season of 2018

Remembering Adrian Zissos

What's happening in 2018 ?

Message from the President

Congrats to the 2018 HPP athletes selected from Alberta!

Junior Programs

Be Bear Aware & Wildsmart

Enjoy a fantastic 2018 season starting with these events!

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Albertans on the High Performance Program
of Orienteering Canada

Read the AGM reports about the 2018 accomplishments.
Here

It's time to submit the
OFFICIALS activity log