New to orienteering? You’re in the right place. Orienteering is a sport that combines running (or walking) with navigation using a detailed map. It’s open to all ages and fitness levels — and it’s incredibly fun.
What to Expect at Your First Event
Arrive 30–45 minutes before the start window opens. Look for the registration table — our volunteers will get you set up with a map and explain how to navigate between the orange-and-white control flags.
Beginners always get a course orientation before starting. Loaner compasses are available at no extra charge.
What to Bring
- Comfortable outdoor shoes (trail runners or sneakers work fine)
- Clothing appropriate for the weather
- Water bottle
- A pen or pencil (for signing control cards)
- Cash or check for entry fee (credit cards not always available)
Course Difficulty Levels
| Level | Description | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| White | Short, uses trails only | Beginners, young children |
| Yellow | Slightly longer, near trails | Beginners with some map reading |
| Orange | Moderate length, off-trail | Intermediate navigators |
| Brown / Green / Red / Blue | Longer, technical off-trail | Experienced / advanced |
MVOC hosts two main event formats:
Score-O (Score Event) Everyone navigates the same set of controls within a time limit — you choose the order. Points are deducted for finishing overtime. The best orienteers may just have enough time to visit all controls, so visit what you can and get back before the clock runs out.
Cross-Country (Normal Event) Multiple courses are offered at different difficulty levels (see table above). You follow your course in sequence, finding each control in order.
Compass & Navigation
Orienteering uses a baseplate compass with an orienteering-specific map (much more detailed than a USGS topo). New to using a compass?
- 🧭 Illustrated Compass Guide by Kjetil Kjernsmo — An internationally acclaimed guide by a Norwegian orienteering expert. Don’t worry, it’s in English.
- 🧭 Using a Map & Compass — Good secondary reference (primarily for USGS maps, but fundamentals apply)
Map Symbols & Controls
- 📄 MVOC/IOF Map Symbols — Reference card for orienteering map features
- 📄 Control Descriptions (Clue Sheet) — How to read the symbols on your control card
- 🗺️ Test Your Knowledge — MapRunner Quiz — Interactive quiz to practice control descriptions
What to Wear
Dress for the outdoor conditions — orienteering takes you off-trail through wooded terrain.
- Long sleeves and long pants are strongly recommended — protection from branches, thorns, and poison ivy/sumac
- Layer in cold weather — you’ll warm up quickly once moving
- Comfortable, broken-in footwear — trail runners or boots; avoid brand-new shoes
- Wool or synthetic socks — wool performs when wet and reduces blisters
- Carry water when it’s hot or the course is long
More Training
🗺️ MapRunner Quizzes — Practice any timembership information.
🌐 Orienteering USA Training Resources — Videos, articles, and training plans from the national federation
See the Costs & Fees page for current entry fees and meTypes of Events