Now that we've had time to recover after a massive April, we thought we'd provide some terrific feedback on the junior camp held at Orange during the Easter holidays.
It coincided with the national Easter carnival and the 2020 NSW Champs the following weekend, both in the state's central west.
Each afternoon we had a different presenter talking on different aspects of orienteering from training plans, running, debrief techniques, sprint orienteering, attack points, big rocks and the transferability of skills to mountain bike orienteering.
In addition to the competitions on the weekends and mid-week we had a night relay run by Oscar Woolford which was extremely fun, went ten pin bowling in Orange, did some running 'tackling terrains' and did a walk on a contour only map.
First-timers Ruby Dowdell and mum Tara are with the Goldseekers club based in Orange and came from the Blue Mountains.
"The junior camp was really fun. It helped my orienteering skills. And it was just awesome. My favourite part of the camp was hanging out with friends," said Ruby, pictured left after the opening Easter Sprint at CSU Orange.
"I also learnt how to accurately aim off, and that it’s good to keep a training diary, and that night relays are hard – and I need a brighter headlamp.
"Orange was good, with lots of attractions. We had a great camp set-up at Lake Canobolas Scout Camp. And we loved swimming in the lake too.
"I’m super keen to go to future orienteering events and junior camps. Go Goldseekers!
Tara added: "The Easter events and junior camp made for a terrific family holiday. We all made new friends and learnt loads. All events were so well organised. After taking us to numerous events, Ruby and I might have finally got Graham (Ruby’s Dad) over the line. Bonus! He’ll be the next orienteer in our family."
ONSW says a big thank you to camp organisers Helen O'Callaghan (Bush n Beach) and Toni Brown (OACT), along with all the coaches/presenters who helped.
