Wheaton Regional Park - Intro to Orienteering

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July 14
Saturday

Orienteering

Quantico Orienteering Club invites all newcomers to join us for an "INTRODUCTION TO ORIENTEERING” as we gear up for our 2018-2019 season starting in September. As we have for the past few years, we are hosting two purely beginner-oriented events: this one at Wheaton Regional Park (MD) and another in Virginia taking place on Saturday, Sept. 8 at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton, VA.

These will be FREE beginner-only orienteering events for all ages - from children to adults. For anyone who has ever wanted to try orienteering, or just wondered what it is, here's the chance to come out and give it a go. Those of you who are already seasoned orienteers, please feel free to invite your co-workers and friends out to experience that activity you're always telling them you do.

Participants will learn the basics of orienteering from experienced instructors and then apply their newly acquired skills on a beginner level orienteering course (either a White or Yellow course) that same day. Registration opens at 10:00 AM and instruction will be offered approximately every 20 minutes beginning at 10:20 AM and running through 12:00 PM. Participants can either orienteer solo, or in small groups of their own choosing. All participants will have until 1:30 PM to complete their courses.

The only equipment you'll need to bring is your brain, some active clothing/sportswear, a comfortable pair of athletic shoes, and a watch. Compasses will be available, but please bring your own if you have one. Participants may also want to bring along extra water or beverages, though there will be plenty of water on the course and at the start/finish/instructional area.

Pre-registration is now open here and is encouraged due to park permit limitations.

Orienteering

Location

Wheaton Regional Park, Shorefield Area, Shelter H, Wheaton, MD (Beginner)
RegistrationPre-registration is now open here and is encouraged to ensure your spot and to speed up check-in. On-site registration will also be open from 10:00 am to 12:00pm, pending space availability.
Start TimesYou may start your course at any time during the start window listed below for your event.
ScheduleSaturday, July 14
10:20 am - 1:30 pmBeginner:
Volunteers
Event Director:Heidi Onkst
Course Setter:David Onkst
Location Details

Beginner
Wheaton Regional Park
Shorefield Area, Shelter H
Wheaton, MD
Google Map

From I-495 take Exit 31 for Georgia Avenue/MD 97 North. Follow Georgia Avenue north for almost 3 miles, then turn right onto Shorefield Road. Continue on Shorefield Road until you reach the parking area. Registration/check-in will be near Pavilion H.
Google Maps Link
Apple/iPhone Link
Course DetailsBeginner
Course NameLength (km)Climb (m)No. Controls
White 2.55012
Yellow 3.66515
Short
Course NotesBeginner

White Course: All on trails. Best option for adults and families with no or limited orienteering/navigational experience.

Yellow Course: Longer, some off-trail controls but with linear features to follow. Good option for adults with older children and some navigation/orienteering experience, adventure racers and hikers.

Entry Fees
  • This event will be free of charge.
  • Electronic timing will be used. We will provide you with an electronic timing chip (aka e-stick, finger dibber, or SI-card) for free if you don't own one. Loaned e-sticks that are lost incur a $40 replacement fee.
  • Compasses are available at no charge, but if lost incur a $15 replacement fee.
  • Please provide collateral (driver's license or car keys) when borrowing a compass.
  • For additional safety, whistles are available for sale at $1/each.