What is Orienteering?


Welcomes you to
Ark-La-Tex Orienteering

Jim Huggins
107 Maple Leaf Lane
Haughton, LA  71037
318-949-3601
jimhug@suddenlink.net

It's a road rally on foot. It's a treasure hunt in the woods. It's finding your way from one bright colored marker (control point) to another using a map and compass. The topographical map shows trails, roads, open areas, fences, buildings, and more. They all indicate where to find a control point.

Orienteering is a special kind of sport that attracts both competitive and recreational participants. Scouts, backpackers, and those who enjoy walking find it good practice in using map and compass. Some enjoy the competitive side, trying to finish as quickly as possible, testing their endurance as well as their ingenuity. Others like the noncompetitive side of it and use it as an excellent excuse to walk in the woods, content to find all the points while enjoying the beauty of nature. 

The basics can be learned in half an hour, but you can spend a lifetime honing your skills. The equipment is simple and inexpensive, the necessary conditioning modest, the primary skill easy, and the rewards many. 

Orienteering challenges the mind and the body. The key is more the ability to make wise decisions rather than the ability to run like a deer. Hence the name, "THE THINKING SPORT". On the course you must make decisions and calculations, i.e. reading the map, recognizing the terrain, and choosing routes. For the more advanced courses, you will set your compass and occasionally count paces. This mental challenge make Orienteering consistently stimulating. 

The best part of Orienteering is sharing a common, yet individual experience. Back

The Ark-La-Tex Orienteering Society (ALTOS) is a non profit club dedicated to the promotion of Orienteering in the Ark-La-Tex Area. We attempt to accomplish this objective by sponsoring four meets each year, conducting clinics when requested, and preparing maps suitable for Orienteering. A quarterly newsletter, "The ALTOS Runner", is available. 

Membership fees are due as of 30 September annually and are $10 per year for an individual and $15 for a family.  Membership is not required in order to participate in any of our meets, but it is appreciated and helps defray the cost of postage and printing. Any profit realized is used to purchase equipment and help with map development and administrative cost. 

If you would like to join ALTOS, you will find a membership application form on the back of this brochure or you may contact Jim Huggins at the address on the front of this brochure. If you really want to check into the sport of Orienteering, you may want to look at the ALTOS Web Page, 

www.suddenlink.net/pages/jimhug/

This page has links to about anything you would ever want to know about the sport of Orienteering plus Club activities, schedules, supply support, weather, and ?? Mother Bird. 

Come join us and you will soon find out why Orienteering is called "The Thinking Sport". It challenges the best in us.

The Ark-La-Tex Orienteering Society sponsors meets from September to April. There is a beginners clinic and instruction is available at every meet. The thirty minute class starts about one hour before the meet starts. You will receive information on "how to play the game", read a map, and use a compass. 

Maps are provided at the event site. Bring a compass if you have one (a few loaners are usually available) and also a whistle. Whistles are required for all participants. Wear old cloths, preferably long pants and sleeved shirt, and comfortable outdoor shoes. Wear a watch, there is always a time limit. Normally two hours. 

Most events cost $8, unless you are a member of ALTOS, then it is $5. This cost is per map. Most people go it alone but many families and groups share a map. Too many sharing a map usually means one or two read the map and the rest just follow along with little real Orienteering being done. 

All our events are open to the public but you should try to register early so we can make sure you have access to the meet site. When you arrive, go directly to the registration area. Someone will meet you and make sure you are registered, have a start time assigned, and direct you to the beginners clinic. You can also corner an old timer and pump him or her for more information. Have a fun run!

1. Problem solving. 
2. Self control. 
3. Navigation skills. 
4. Decision making skills. 
5. Respect for the environment. 
6. Being comfortable out of doors. 
7. Feeling of accomplishment. 
8. Physical fitness. 
9. Enjoyment.

Orienteering is for... 

Family: Enjoy a day in the outdoors with courses set at the right level for all. 
Hikers: Improve your map and compass skills and gain confidence in finding your way. 
Runners and Walkers: Get off the pavement and away from traffic in a sport that challenges your mind as well as your body. 
Skiers, Cyclists, and Canoeists: Orienteering isn't only on foot. 
Youth Groups: A great activity for any age with beginner courses where everyone is a winner.

Membership Application Form

Click here for an application form you can 
print out.