Spring 2023 here we go! See the Coming Events page for details and updates. In the next few weeks, we have:
March 24-26: BYOM Event at Auburndale Park (Newton, MA). New Gear pick-up during the March 25 training event window (10 AM-1 PM). If you want to collect your gear at the Newton event, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 6 AM, March 25.
March 25:Beginner Training Event (Newton, MA): Pre-registration Required. Bring a friend, child or sign up yourself. A few slots still available.
April 2: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Training Event (Baldwin Hill, Ashburnham, MA). This event is for everyone, not just folks training for elite orienteering. It is a chance to try a training course and focus on a particular skill. New Gear pick-up available during the start window.
Join/Renew your NEOC membership for 2023. Membership gives you free entry to NEOC standard events and allows you to skip the queue at registration. It also gives you access to the 5 courses included in the 2023 Winter Challenge (runs through April 1).
April 2: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Training Event (Baldwin Hill, Ashburnham, MA). Gear pick-up available.
April 15: Spring Scout-O at Hale Education
April 16-30: BYOM Hale Education (Westford, MA)
April 24: Beaver Brook North (Waltham, MA) - Updated Map
May 13-14: The 43rd Billygoat and Camping/Training Weekend at Pearl Hill (Ashby, MA). Beginner and intermediate courses also available on May 14. Registration info coming soon.
May 21: Mary Cummings Park (Burlington, MA)
May 28: Forest Park Sprints (Springfield, MA)
June 11: Houghton's Pond (Milton, MA)
In addition, here are a few additional regional Spring activities to keep you busy!
Spring Park-O Thursday Series (SPOTS): CSU and NEOC are organizing a series of 8 Thursday evening spring park orienteering events in the Greater Boston Area. Pre-registration will be live soon. Register for the series or for just one of the events. Series runs April 20-June 8: 6:00 pm. Tentative Schedule listed here.
April 20: Boston Common - Boston
April 27: Nahanton Park - Newton
May 4: Horn Pond - Woburn
May 11: Herter Park - Boston
May 18: Jamaica Pond - Boston
May 25: Menotomy Rocks - Arlington
June 1: Historic Beaver Brook - Belmont/Waltham
June 8: Pine Banks - Malden
May 6-7 - Boulder Dash in NH: Up North Orienteers are hosting a 2-day National Ranking Event near Hollis, NH. Early Bird Registration ends on March 19.
Newton Recreation Spring Development Series:Register for this exciting beginning training 3-event series in Newton Parks. Learn the basics of navigation and then try out your skills at the 2023 events.
CHECK OUT this segment from the NBC Nightly News w/Lester Holt: 'Orienteering Keeps your Brain Healthy'.. See you in the Woods soon!
Join/Renew your NEOC membership for 2023. Membership gives you free entry to NEOC standard events and allows you to skip the queue at registration. It also gives you access to the 5 courses included in the 2023 Winter Challenge (runs through April 1).
Volunteer Meet directors: We are looking for meet directors for the following 2023 event locations and dates. These events will help fill in our 2023 schedule. The NEOC events team supports meet directors or individuals who haven't directed meets in a few years when taking on this volunteer role. We also support with obtaining permits and other tasks associated with putting on an event. Come give it a try—contact the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Mary Cummings (Burlington, MA) - May 20 or 21: The map for this location is relatively new and the event would support beginner, intermediate and a short advanced course (brown).
Houghton's Pond (Milton, MA) - June 4: This event is run side-by-side with the Annual General Meeting and typically includes a Score-O and a beginner courses (white and yellow courses).
Boojum Rock (Medford, MA) - October 21: This event will be held on an updated map (currently being updated) and can support beginner/intermediate and advanced courses.
Noon Hill (Medfield, MA) - October 14- 27: This event will be a Bring-your-own-Map (BYOM) event, so easier than in-person events. We have had a lot of feedback that many folks like to have BYOM events as well as in-person events
WINTER CHALLENGE: The 2023 Winter Challenge is live and people are getting out on the 5 maps. Details are included with your member card, emailed when you join/renew for 2023. Be sure to check out the comments from members on the spreadsheet before heading out!
WINTER CHALLENGE: The 2023 Winter Challenge is live and people are getting out on the 5 maps. Details are included with your member card, emailed when you join/renew for 2023. Be sure to check out the comments from members on the spreadsheet before heading out!
Registration for the Introduction to Orienteering event on Saturday, March 25 is now open. Please create an account and then register for the time slot that works best for you. NEOC members can register for free for this training, just enter code NEOC Member to apply the discount before checking out. If you are registering multiple family members you will need to apply the code for each NEOC member.
Volunteers are needed for the Introduction to Orienteering event on March 25. Sign upto be an instructor, help with check-in, and promoting NEOC; or help hang or pick up controls. The BYOM courses will be set up all day so you can do a course (or courses) before or after volunteering.
NEOC at 2023 Junior Nationals: Check out the write-up and photos from NEOC juniors who attended the event in January! What a great showing and experience!
HVO/WCOC Winter Series: For more winter fun in the woods, check out the BYOM event at Bigelow Hollow (Union, CT). It is open until February 26.
Beginner skills training classes are being offered through Newton Parks and Recreation on Saturdays this Spring. Check out the program flyer or go online for more information and to register. [These trainings are being run through Newton Parks and Recreation and don't qualify for NEOC member discounts.]