Fall for Score-O

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 Adult 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, you will use your newly learned map-reading and navigation skills to choose your own route, make decisions, and explore the park at your own pace.

No orienteering experience is required. You may walk, jog, or run — the focus is on learning navigation skills, not physical fitness.

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 you can move at your own pace, build confidence, and make route choices that match your comfort level. It also gives returning participants a fun opportunity to practise navigation in a more open-ended format.

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 common map symbols

• Keeping the map oriented

• Planning a simple route

• Making route choices

• Relocating if you are unsure where you are

• 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 adults and older youth over 16 years of age.

It is suitable for complete beginners as well as participants who have tried orienteering before and would like more practice with map-reading, route choice, and navigation.

You do not need to be a runner. Participants are welcome to walk, jog, or run at whatever pace they choose.

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.

Week	Date	Location
Week 1	[Insert date]	[Insert location]
Week 2	[Insert date]	[Insert location]
Week 3	[Insert date]	[Insert location]
Week 4	[Insert date]	[Insert location]

Time: [Insert time]
Format: 15-minute instruction + 45-minute Score-O
Locations: Final locations and meeting points will be shared 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 Adult Learn-to Orienteer Score-O series:  Sign in to your website account and complete the form here.

All participants must be members of Orienteering Ottawa before registering. Membership information is available through the club website.

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.

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.