Orienteering is an activity involving navigation using a map and compass. You are given a topographical map which has control points marked on it. Your goal is to find the control points as quickly as possible. When you reach the control point, you will find a control marker, which is a white and orange triangular bag. The control marker has a punch on it, which you use to punch your control sheet, to prove that you reached the control point. There are two standard types of events: cross country event and a score event.

Back to Top

Select the Schedule link on the left to see the up to date schedule.

Back to Top

Our club charges a nominal fee for events.  The fees mainly cover the cost of printing the maps and upkeep of the club supplies, and for developing new maps. Special events may have additional fees.

Note:  Each orienteer is required to have a whistle with them for safety reasons.  Bring one with you, or purchase one at the event for $1.

Fees listed are for a single person orienteering alone, or a group orienteering together using a single map. Additional maps can be purchased if desired.

Cleveland Metroparks and Canoe-O

Members: $5
Nonmembers: $8

Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Virginia Kendall Lake Events)

Members: $5
Nonmembers: $8

Orienteering for Beginners Events

Members: $5
Nonmembers: $5

Back to Top

Clothing for orienteering is a very personal decision. You want to be comfortable, so plan for the weather. Also, on the higher level courses, you will go off trail, so you should be prepared to fight through bushes and thickets (and thorns!).

Back to Top

You should bring a compass or whistle if you have them.  The club does have a limited number of loaner compasses, and $1 whistles at each event.  You should bring a small waist pack to carry anything you would want with you on a 2 hour hike.

Back to Top

There is a clock running during the events, and you will get a finish time when you finish, however, many participants simply enjoy the event, without racing them. It is up to you how you want to treat the event. At every event there are participants across the spectrum.

Back to Top

In a cross country event, the competitor must visit the controls in a specified order (starting with #1 and going up), usually with a 3 hour time limit. We typically offer 4 or 5 different skill level courses at our meets, and a beginner level course is always available.

Back to Top

A score event is an event where there is no specified order for the controls. Each control has a point value, and the competitors can visit them in any order. There is a time limit, and penalties for going over time. The time limit is typically 90 minutes at our events. A beginner cross country event is also available at our score events.

Back to Top

Night orienteering is ... ... orienteering at night!  The course may be a score or cross country type, and the controls will have reflective tape on them.  Bring a working flashlight (and fresh batteries!), and mosquito repellent can be handy as well.

Back to Top

A Billygoat event is similar to a cross country event, with an interesting twist.

You are allowed to skip either one or two controls (a course designer decision).  This makes for some very interesting strategy.  Because there is a mass start, "following" is not only possible, it is encouraged.  We may offer a short recreational version and a long competitive version of this event.

Back to Top

An O For Beginners event is an introductory event for beginners or intermediate level orienteerers.

Instruction is given in small groups, and then an instructor leads the group through part of a course. 

Back to Top