Orienteering facts for kids
Orienteering is an exciting sport where people use a map and a compass to find their way through different places. The goal is to visit several special points, called "controls," as fast as possible. It's like a treasure hunt, but you're racing against the clock!
The word "Orienteering" comes from a Swedish word, "orientering." This sport helps you learn how to read maps and find your way around.
There are many types of orienteering. The most common one is called Foot Orienteering. Other types include:
- Ski-orienteering (on skis)
- MTB-orienteering (on mountain bikes)
- Trail-orienteering (for people with disabilities, focusing on map reading accuracy)
Contents
History of Orienteering
Orienteering first started in Sweden. It was originally a way to help soldiers practice finding their way in the wilderness. This helped them get ready for war.
The first big orienteering event happened near Stockholm. About 220 people took part.
Around 60 years ago, orienteering became popular in many parts of the world. People started doing it in Europe, Asia, North America, Australia, and New Zealand. In 1967, the first orienteering club in the United States was formed.
Today, there are orienteering groups in 67 countries around the world!
Foot Orienteering Explained
Foot Orienteering is the most popular type of orienteering. In this sport, participants can only use their own feet to move from one control point to the next.
The International Orienteering Federation (IOF) helps organize orienteering worldwide. They hold the World Orienteering Championships (WOC) every year. The first WOC was held in 1966 in Finland. Only 10 countries competed in that first championship.
Orienteering and the Olympics
Since 1996, some people have been trying to make orienteering an official sport in the Olympic Games. It is not an Olympic sport yet, but many hope it will be one day.
Orienteering as a Skill
Orienteering is more than just a sport; it's also a useful life skill. Many countries' armed forces use orienteering as part of their training. Soldiers often practice finding their way at night or in bad weather.
Orienteering is also a key part of Scoutcraft for many Scouting groups. Learning how to navigate with a map and compass is often required for Scouts to earn higher ranks. It teaches important skills like problem-solving and self-reliance.
Images for kids
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A SportIdent station with an electronic puncher.
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A Foot-O relay race, with the winner crossing the finish line.
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An orienteering control marker.
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A setting for indoor ultrasprint orienteering.
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Studying the map at the start of a night orienteering competition.
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An ARDF (Amateur Radio Direction Finding) orienteer with a map board.
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A Ski orienteer wearing a map board on their chest.
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A Mountain bike orienteer with a map board on their handlebars.
See also
In Spanish: Orientación (deporte) para niños
