The children at Sarum Orienteers Junior Club’s first training session all agreed that orienteering is great fun. Club development Officer Phil Conway took six young enthusiasts, aged from 6 -13, through some fitness exercises before getting down to some basic map reading and navigation skills. After familiarising themselves with the electronic punching system they got down to some real navigation round short courses set out in Churchill Gardens, finishing off with some competitive races. Several Mums and Dads came along to watch, and enjoy, their children having a great time.
Orienteering is a great sport for developing fitness, confidence and independence and offers a good alternative to conventional team sports.The Junior Club will teach basic orienteering skills, to navigate around a mapped area safely and confidently and in a fun and informative way.The junior development programme will also include exercises to develop decision making and spatial awareness, as well as increasing the physical fitness of the participants.
For children from 5-8 years the emphasis will be fun and enjoyment and all will run accompanied. Those aged 9-11 will learn basic orienteering skills and independence and 10-14 year olds will learn more advanced skills. Age ranges are a guide only; children will be grouped according to numbers, skills and experience.
The Junior Club meets every Monday from 5 – 6 pm weekly during school terms and will run sessions in different open areas in and around Salisbury. The Club is suitable for children of all ages and newcomers are welcome at any time; it doesn’t matter if they have missed some sessions or can’t attend them all.
Training shoes, jogging bottoms and running top are all that is needed – map and compass will be provided. Mums and Dads can be brought along as well.
The next sessions will take place each Monday until October half-term. For further details click here.