Orienteer Kansas
Upcoming Events
What is Orienteering?
Orienteering is a navigation sport where participants use a detailed topographic (paper!) map and a compass to select the most efficient route to designated checkpoints (or "controls") while dealing with natural obstacles like hills, forests, or streams. Orienteering is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one, as participants must rely on their skills in map reading, decision-making, and physical endurance.
Events are timed, often with staggered starts, so the participant who visits the most controls in the shortest time wins. Courses can also be enjoyed as a walk in the woods, with difficulty levels from beginner to expert offered at most events. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, orienteering offers an exciting way to test your navigation skills and explore the outdoors.
Go to our resources page for more general information about orienteering, or our events page for specific details about upcoming opportunities to experience orienteering.
Who is Orienteering For?
Casual/Beginner
Casual participants are often drawn to orienteering as a fun, outdoor activity that provides an opportunity to enjoy nature while engaging in a light form of exercise. The Explorer course available at orienteering events makes it accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. It's a great way to spend time with friends or family, as it combines leisurely walking with the thrill of navigating through unfamiliar terrain.
For these participants, orienteering offers a low-pressure experience to explore the outdoors, practice basic map reading skills, and enjoy the challenge of finding checkpoints with the support of experienced orienteers.
Competitor
Competitive participants are attracted to orienteering for its unique blend of athleticism and strategy. The sport offers a mental and physical challenge, requiring participants to not only navigate accurately but also to choose the fastest route between checkpoints.
This group thrives on the adrenaline of competition and the satisfaction of improving their skills and achieving personal bests.
Adventure Seeker
Adventure seekers are often drawn to orienteering because it offers a thrilling, immersive experience in the outdoors. The sport taps into their desire for exploration, offering the chance to navigate through diverse and often rugged landscapes while relying on their instincts and problem-solving abilities.
For this group, orienteering is not just about finding a destination, but about embracing the journey and the adventure along the way.
Everyone
Orienteering is a sport that truly has something to offer for everyone, regardless of age, skill level, or fitness goals.
Whether you're looking for a fun and relaxed family activity, a competitive pursuit to push your limits, or a thrilling outdoor adventure, orienteering offers a unique and rewarding experience that encourages exploration, fitness, and a deeper connection with nature.