Introduction of Orienteering – Free Clinics

Join Newton Conservators and the Newton Parks. Recreation, & Culture Department for a free “Introduction to Orienteering Clinic.” What is orienteering? It’s like a hike and scavenger hunt mixed into one. Participants use a detailed map to navigate through the trails looking for specific orienteering controls.

There will be two FREE introductory sessions on Saturday, April 6 with different start times. Session 1 will run from 10 am to 11:30 am and Session 2 will run from 10:45 am to 12:15 pm. Each session will include approximately 30 minutes of instruction to learn the basic skills needed to complete a beginner orienteering course. Registration for these sessions can be found below.

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. Feel free to bring your own compass if you have one. This course can be completed without a compass, but it can be helpful when orienting the map. Please dress for the weather and bring your own water bottle.

Auburndale Park is the first and easiest course, designed to build confidence in orienteering. It allows users to become familiar with reading a map and following trails to find control markers throughout the park. This is a great course to practice orienting and thumbing the map. The course is approximately 1.8 km long, features mostly level trails with a few small hills. Note that controls on this course are all very close or adjacent to existing trails. We will meet at the picnic area in Auburndale Park (aka “the Cove”) on West Pine Street, Auburndale with plenty of parking.

Registration is required so that we have enough maps and compasses on hand. Register for the specific session of interest. You can register up to 3 people together to make a team to share a map. If a session is full, then please try registering for a another session. If there is sufficient demand, an additional session may be added.

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. If you have questions you may contact Channon at cames@newtonma.gov.