Goldseekers recently hosted a primary school gala day in Orange, drawing 80 eager students to Gosling Creek Reserve.
In the morning, the children had a range of courses they could try as individuals or in pairs. The courses were relatively simple to help them develop their navigation skills and self-confidence. Most children did 2 or 3 practice courses, before trying harder courses with the SportIdent electronic timing system.
After a break for lunch the children moved across the Bargwanna Road to the eastern part of the Reserve where they took part in a 3 person team relay. The team ‘baton’ was an SI stick that was used to check which controls they had visited and record their overall time.
The fastest team was from Orange Public School who completed the 3 km course in 20 minutes. A team from Bletchington School was not far behind with a Home Schooling group and teams from Spring Terrace and Borenore schools putting in excellent performances.
The children thoroughly enjoyed the physically and mentally challenging activities of the day. As it was such a successful day, it is planned to be an annual event for primary schools that include orienteering as part of their school activities. Thanks to the Baldwins, our Finnish scholar Atte, and Goldseekers for a fun day out that has great potential to grow.
