I am constantly amazed by the number of interesting groups and clubs that I come across in WNY. I’m talking about outfits that specialize in distinct skills and practices, whether it’s pigeon fanciers or camera fanatics.
Just today I learned that there is an orienting club in Buffalo, which hosts member events, including outings in tandem with like-minded entities throughout WNY.
On Sunday, May 1, The Buffalo Orienteering Club will be hosting an event in Delaware Park (near the History Museum) in conjunction with the 9th Annual Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival. Not only will the experience offer a look into the world of orienteering, it will also act as an introduction to the club itself.
Orienteering is an organized sport for people of all ages that involves navigating a course by hiking or running through forests and fields from one checkpoint to another. It can be a competitive race of navigational skills and physical speed, or simply a hike through the countryside with the added fun of finding the checkpoints, which are known as control points in orienteering. The basics can be learned easily, but you can spend a lifetime honing your skills.
“It’s a great activity for families as well as individuals,” said Rob Reeves, the Buffalo Orienteering Club President. “For the event on May 1, two courses will be available. One is 3 miles long and the other is 2 miles in length. Participants can expect to take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to complete their course, depending on whether they walk or run.”
Everyone is welcome to attend the event and instruction will be provided for newcomers.
The event starts at 11 AM near the History Museum. Online pre-registration is required. The fee to participate is only $10 per person and there are additional discounts for kids and teenagers.
More information and a link to registration is available at the Buffalo Orienteering Club website: www.buffalo-orienteering.org.
Lead image courtesy Buffalo Orienteering Club