What is orienteering?
 
Orienteering is a sport involving the use of a detailed map and a compass to find your way through wooded terrain. Participants follow the map to find different controls that have been marked on the map. It is known as the "thinking sport" since it involves concentration, three-dimensional thinking and running.
A standard orienteering course consists of a start, a series of control sites that are marked by circles, connected by lines and numbered in the order they are to be reached, and a finish. To show that you have been to the control site, you must use a punch that is at the site to mark a control card. Different punches make different patterns of holes in the paper, verifying the different sites visited.
The route to get from one control site to the next is not specified, so it is entirely up to you as to what route you choose.
People of all ages and abilities can participate in this sport, as it is a very individual sport where you determine your own pace. It is truly a sport for all!		  
     
A brief history of orienteering:  

Orienteering originated in Scandinavia around the turn of the century. First done on cross-country skis, orienteering was soon adapted to foot, which is now the most popular variety. There are 61 countries registered with the International Orienteering Federation (IOF).

 

  
Orienteering was introduced to Canada in 1966-67, in Quebec and Ontario areas. There is a National Canadian Orienteering Federation with a membership of approx. 2500 orienteers. The following territories and provinces are member associations: Yukon, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
 

The Yukon Orienteering Association was founded in 1985, and has been growing steadily in popularity (what better way to see the country!). The YOA has from 70 -120 participants attending its regular Wednesday evening events.
The Victoria Orienteering Club was founded in 1982. There are currently approx. 40 full and 40 recreational members of all ages.