Fall Score-O Series

Looking for a fun way to get outside, explore Ottawa’s urban greenspaces, and learn a new sport?

This fall, Orienteering Ottawa is offering a four-week Youth Learn-to Orienteer series built around one of the most enjoyable formats in the sport: Score-O.

Each Tuesday evening, participants will receive a map, a timing chip, and 45 minutes to find as many checkpoints — called “controls” — as they can. Along the way, they will use their newly learned map-reading and navigation skills to choose their own route, make decisions, and explore the park at their own pace.

Parents are encouraged to join in the fun by following along with their kids. No orienteering experience is required.

What is Score-O?

In a Score-O event, controls are spread throughout the park. Instead of following a set course in a fixed order, participants decide which controls to visit and in what order. The goal is to find as many as possible within the time limit.

It is a great format for beginners because participants can move at their own pace, build confidence, and make route choices that match their comfort level.

How Each Evening Works

Each session will begin with a short 15-minute instructional lesson led by our volunteer coaches. Participants will learn and practise skills such as:

• Reading an orienteering map
• Understanding map symbols
• Planning a simple route
• Keeping the map oriented
• Making safe decisions in the park
• Using a timing chip to record controls

After the lesson, the Score-O begins. Participants will have 45 minutes to find as many controls as they can.

Volunteer coaches will be on hand throughout the course to teach, encourage, and help guide participants as needed.

Who Can Participate?

This program is designed for youth aged 6 to 16.

It is suitable for complete beginners as well as youth who have tried orienteering before. Younger participants should be accompanied by a parent or guardian on the course.

Please note: because these are evening sessions and daylight fades quickly in the fall, parents are expected to remain onsite during the program. Parents are encouraged to follow along on the course, particularly with younger or newer participants.

Schedule

The fall Score-O series will run on Tuesday evenings for four weeks.

Each session will take place in one of Ottawa’s urban greenspaces.

Time: 6:30pm  Please arrive 15 min. early (6:15) to sign-in.
Format: 15-minute instruction + 45-minute Score-O
Locations: The links to the final meeting points will be shared and updated before the program begins.

Coming Prepared

Please plan to bring the following with you each week:

• Running shoes or trail shoes with good tread

• Clothes that can get dirty

• Long pants, especially for long grass or wooded areas

• A water bottle

• A safety whistle

• A headlamp if daylight conditions require it

• A sense of adventure

Sessions will run outdoors, so please dress for the weather.

Registration

Registration information for the fall Youth Learn-to Orienteer Score-O series:  Sign in to your website account and complete the form here.

The cost for the 4 week program is $50.

All participants must be members of Orienteering Ottawa before registering. Membership information is available through the club website.  Note: our new members who join after August 1 will have their membership extended by a year.

Program details, including final locations and any pre-session instructions, will be sent by email before the first evening.

Questions? Contact our programs team at programs@ottawaoc.ca.

Registration will be open in early July.

Program Policies

Weather and Cancellations

Orienteering is a rain-or-shine sport. Sessions will only be cancelled in the event of dangerous conditions, such as lightning or other safety concerns.

If a session must be cancelled, participants will be notified by email.

Natural Hazards

Ticks, poison ivy, wild parsnip, uneven ground, and other natural hazards may be present in Ottawa parks and greenspaces. We will discuss basic safety precautions during the program, and participants are encouraged to review Orienteering Ottawa’s safety information before attending.

Communication

All official communication for this program will be done by email.  

Participants will receive registration confirmation and additional pre-session details before the first evening, including final locations, meeting points, and any important updates.