$20.00 for the 3-park series

Register online with Newton Parks and Recreation at https://newtonma.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30125

Beginner Skills Development Series

Each class offers approximately 30 minutes of skill development, then time to head out and complete a course that focuses on skills learned during instruction.  Participants should have a basic understanding of orienteering, including understanding the map and how to orient the map either through participating in an introduction to orienteering event or from experience participating in beginner courses. This program is for youth and adults ages 13 and older. Children ages 8 – 12 may register and participate with a registered adult.

• April 1, 10:00 - 12:00: Map Scale, Pace Counting and Compass Use at Cold Spring Park in Newton - teaches how different map scales will affect distance traveled, how to figure out your pace count and using that to better find your next control, and how to use a compass to measure distances, orient your map, and find the direction of the next control.
• April 8, 10:00 - 12:00: Control Features, Descriptions and Map Skills at Kennard Park in Newton - focuses on paying closer attention to the colors and features on a map, learning control symbols, visually seeing what control symbols and features on the map represent in person, and using control descriptions to more accurately find the orienteering control.
• April 22, 10:00 - 12:00: Route Choices and Developing Off Trail Skills at Nahanton Park in Newton - will challenge you to visualize the course and determine which route is the best choice for you, whether it be on or off trail.  Use your skills from previous trainings and learn about handrails, catching features, and other tools you can use to keep you on track.