Organizer: Jackie Bonn (Event Director)

Map: Dufferin Elementary

Cost:

$50 includes membership to Sage Orienteering Club

Program Goal:

Kids developing competence, confidence and motivation to be active outside for life. We use orienteering as a tool to teach navigation, we play games to have fun and develop basic running skills, agility & endurance. We want to foster a family-oriented outdoor program to engage not only the kids but youth leaders and parents as well. Our program is based on the goals and principles of the Canadian Physical Literacy & Long-Term Athlete Development model. Each session will try to include a: physical literacy games, agility/endurance skills and/or navigation stations.

Locations:

  • lesson 1 - Sept 30 -Pacific Way Elementary
  • lesson 2 - Oct 7 - Marion Shilling School
  • lesson 3 - Oct 14 - Albert McGowan
  • lesson 4 - Oct 21 - McArthur Island
  • lesson 5 - Oct 28 - Centennial Park
  • lesson 6 - Nov 4 - Dufferin School
  • lesson 7 - Nov 11 - Valleyview Nature Park
  • lesson 8 - Nov 18 - Riverside Park

The 7 - 10 years old group will have 45 min instructional time. Outdoor free-play is essential for kids' development. We find that after class the kids just want to play in the park, so we encourage the parents to let them play for 15 minutes after their sessions, to build confidence and have fun with other kids.

Volunteering:

Parents are encouraged to assist and play alongside their children. Depending on numbers of registrants, I may need help from each parent for one session. There may be a sign up sheet on the first day if we have lots of interest this spring.

What to wear:

Please dress your children for the weather and come prepared for a change in weather as well.

What to Bring:

  • Water bottle – labelled with name
  • Outdoor footwear: athletic shoes with good tread
  • A base layer (pants, long sleeve) that can get muddy! Not time for your Sunday best
  • Pack or wear –a waterproof or water-resistant jacket (maybe splash pants are great for younger participants if it is wet.)
  • Weather dependent accessories such as hat or gloves.

What if it rains:

Experiencing the outdoor elements is part of our program. If it is raining (and it is not a downpour or lighting), we will still go ahead with the sessions. Bring a rain jacket and dress warm. If the weather turns unsafe for participation, an email will be sent to cancel.

Will my child ever be out of sight of the coach?

Probably yes. Due to the nature of the sport, and the number of children, it is very likely that your child will be out of sight of a coach at some point during the program. The early sessions are designed to keep the children contained in small areas, but the distances covered increase over time. In the later sessions, the exercises are designed so that children cross paths with others during their run. A coach roams the course checking on how the children are doing, and sometimes “shadow” them, providing one-on-one coaching.


Location

Photos

Photos are from Flickr. To add your photos to this section, tag your Flickr photos with: whyjustrun4863 (all one word)