The Newton Conservators and the Newton Parks, Recreation & Culture Department will host a free Introduction to Orienteering Clinic on Saturday, April 6 with different start times: Session 1: 10AM-11:30AM, Session 2: 10:45AM-12:15PM. Meet at the picnic area in Auburndale Park (aka “the Cove”) on West Pine Street, Auburndale. Each session will include about 30 minutes of instruction on basic skills for completing a beginner orienteering course. Register is required. Register for your choice of session and if it is full, please register for the other. You can register up to 3 people together to make a team to share a map.
Orienteering is like a hike and scavenger hunt mixed into one. Participants use a detailed map to navigate through the trails looking for specific orienteering controls. Participants will learn about symbols on the map, how to orient the map, tips for planning a better route, thumbing the map to keep from getting lost, and how to be sure you found the correct control on your course. After instruction, participants will head out on their own or in small groups to complete a course in Auburndale Park and Flowed Meadow Conservation area.
This program is best for children ages 7 and older. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Bring your own compass if you have one. The course can be completed without a compass, but it can be helpful when orienting the map. Dress for the weather and bring a water bottle. The course is approximately 1.8 km long, with mostly level trails and a few small hills. Controls on this course are all very close or adjacent to existing trails.
The clinics will be led by Channon Ames, Recreation Manager in the Newton Parks, Recreation and Culture Department. Channon is a an orienteering enthusiast and has taught many people the necessary skills to have fun in this sport. To learn more about orienteering in Newton, please check out Channon’s article, Find Yourself in Orienteering, in the Newton Conservators Spring 2024 Newsletter. For more information, email Channon at cames@newtonma.gov. To learn more about other free Newton Conservators spring walks, webinars and events, please visit our Events Page.
