SC-ORE is a participation-focused, team-based activity, with some competitive energy for children in years 3-6. Students from all Primary Schools and home-schooled students are welcome.

Teams consist of four students (two girls and two boys) in years 3 to 6 (preferably from the same school). Students in classes below Year 3 may enter if they are regular orienteers.

SC-ORE is held over four Thursday mornings before school 7.45am to approx. 8.45am. The Autumn 2026 Series starts on 7 May and continues for four consecutive weeks:

• 7 May: Weston Park, Yarralumla
• 14 May: Lennox Gardens, Yarralumla
• 21 May: Telopea Park, Kingston
• 28 May: Eddison Park, Phillip

Students will need to be on-site by 7:45 am for an 8.00 am start each week. Events finish in time for students to get to school.

Visit the SC-ORE page for more information or go straight here to enter.
Entries close Friday 1 May.

The post Autumn SC-ORE Rescheduled appeared first on Orienteering ACT.

SC-ORE is a participation-focused, team-based activity, with some competitive energy for children in years 3-6. Students from all Primary Schools and home-schooled students are welcome.

Teams consist of four students (two girls and two boys) in years 3 to 6 (preferably from the same school). Students in classes below Year 3 may enter if they are regular orienteers.

SC-ORE is held over four Thursday mornings before school 7.45am to approx. 8.45am. The Autumn 2026 Series starts on 5 March and continues for four consecutive weeks:

• 5 March: Weston Park, Yarralumla
• 12 March: Lennox Gardens, Yarralumla
• 19 March: Telopea Park, Kingston
• 26 March: Eddison Park, Phillip

Students will need to be on-site by 7:45 am for an 8.00 am start each week. Events finish in time for students to get to school.

Visit the SC-ORE page for more information or go straight here to enter.
Entries close Friday 27 February.

The post Autumn SC-ORE Entries Close 27 February appeared first on Orienteering ACT.

• 5 March: Weston Park, Yarralumla
• 12 March: Lennox Gardens, Yarralumla
• 19 March: Telopea Park, Kingston
• 26 March: Eddison Park, Phillip

Students will need to be on-site by 7:45 am for an 8.00 am start each week. Events finish in time for students to get to school.

Visit the SC-ORE page for more information or go straight here to enter.
Entries close Friday 27 February.

The post Entries Now Open for Autumn SC-ORE appeared first on Orienteering ACT.

After challenging selection trials earlier this year, students were selected to compete in one of four Schools Championship classes: junior (12-15 yrs) and senior (16-19 yrs), boys and girls. Other teams represented each state and territory (except NT), and two New Zealand teams also competed against the Australian teams in the Southern Cross Junior Challenge.

Always a highlight of the orienteering calendar, preparations and planning for ASOC began early. Map-geeking and lots of relevant training in the preceding months gave the students plenty of time to create ambitious goals both individually and for the team.

The ACT Team delivered upon these ambitions with a very successful 2025 Australian Championships campaign, winning the ASOC trophy (convincingly over TAS, and NSW who have wielded it for the past 6 years), and becoming the only Australian team ever to get their name etched on the Southern Cross Junior Challenge Trophy (in a tie with NZ Harua).

In addition, an astounding 7 of 16 Australian Schools Honour Team members were ACT Team members: congratulations to Hayden Dent, Matty Maundrell, Elye Dent, Mica Walter, Ella Hogg, Katherine Maundrell and Layla Dent.

Layla Dent also received the prestigious Rob Simson Memorial Shield for Best Newcomer.

Saturday 27 September, Australian Championships Sprint – UQ Saint Lucia

The carnival opened with a technical university campus sprint on the banks of the Brisbane river. Winter ACT sprint series events did their job, as the students seemed unfazed by any of the many challenges thrown at them in this race.

Ariadna Iskhakova – who was initially selected for the team but was unable to compete due to injury – was each day an invaluable part of the group. She had many roles but shone most as Manager in Charge of Team Morale, celebrating and consoling teammates through inevitable highs and lows through the week.

As a Brisvegas bonus, a mass start race was held for the top 8 runners in each of men’s and women’s elite. A short ‘Dash for Cash’ lasting only 8min would award $1000 to the fastest athlete. All aspects of the race were specially designed for spectator viewing, with pre-race interviews, mid-race battles for position and photo finishes on full display.

Standout runs of the day included:

• Elye Dent, second in M20E and second in the Dash for Cash, winning $500!
• Tessa Radajewski, first in W12A
• Ben Mansell, third in M14A
• Josh Mansell second Australian in M18A

Sunday 28 September, Australian Championships Long – Platypus Cliffs

“Hot!” was probably the most used word in the long-distance arena. The heat was a shock for runners, leading to a plethora of initiatives for cooling and rehydration at events: ice from the servo, misting spray bottles, wet towels and LOTS of electrolyte powder! The steep, physical terrain lent itself to competitors who focused on contours and took efficient routes to minimise climb.

The day concluded with the start of the ASOC scavenger hunt, where teams complete various challenges to score points. Josh and Sarah took one for the team to see who could eat an entire pie the fastest! Others enjoyed pastry and protein at a more relaxed pace.

Highlights of the day included:

• Naomi Penton, second in W14A
• Hayden Dent, first in M16A
• Layla Dent, second in W12A

Monday 29 September, Rest Day

It was just the third day of the carnival, but everyone was glad to have a day off from racing. It wasn’t strictly a day of rest however, as the team got further stuck into the official scavenger hunt and exploring Brisbane. There were acts of goodwill on the Goodwill Bridge, imitations of sculptures, and catching of a ‘cat’ (but which kind…?) on the river.

Tuesday 30 September, Schools Championship Sprint – Forest Lake

Tuesday marked the start of the ASOC carnival. Queensland is known for its tricky urban maps, and the ASOC sprint courses did not disappoint. 12 separate areas of confusing multilevel terrain (where it was possible to run over a balcony, underneath, or a mix of both by taking a flight of stairs) and dozens of temporary barriers covered the map, putting athletes through their paces as they tried to find the fastest route through the labyrinth.

It was a successful day for ACT, with no mis punches despite many opportunities, and consistent performances by all members of the team giving ACT an early lead in the ASOC point score.

ACT’s own ASOC alumnus Owen Radajewski provided well-researched and exciting commentary to cover all the action across the ASOC events.
Runs of the day included:

• Elye Dent, first in Senior Boys
• Hayden Dent, first in Junior Boys
• Katherine Maundrell, third Australian in Senior Girls
• Matty Maundrell, third Australian in Senior Boys

Wednesday 1 October, Schools Championship Long – Old Hidden Vale

Starts were moved an hour earlier to beat the heat for the long. It was tough to be thankful when waking up before 5am, but the excitement and adrenaline on the bus provided enough energy to get in the zone. The terrain felt familiar, with the steeper slopes reminiscent of Black Mountain and Mt Jerrabomberra. Longer route choice legs with flat tracks or challenging straight-line options allowed competitors to play to their strengths. Once again, the ACT Team delivered strong performances, continuing to avoid mis punches (not without close calls!) or large-scale navigational errors.

Highlights included:

• Three ACT Senior Boys in top four Australians (Matty, Elye, Oli)
• Katherine Maundrell, third in Senior Girls
• Layla Dent, second in Junior Girls
• Hayden Dent, first in Junior Boys
• Mica Walter, third Australian in Junior Boys (despite sickness)

Thursday 2 October, Schools Championship Relay – Deebing Creek

We must thank the illegal 4-wheel drive hoons for this event; A sandy creek bed gouged away by off-road vehicles, creating significant erosion features similar to complex gold-mining terrain. Relays are the pinnacle of the ASOC carnival, with braided hair, ribbons, nail polish, zinc and hairspray to make state allegiances clear. Relays also bring with them the most pressure, as each member of the 3-person team relying on the others to avoid errors and run their best.

Oliver Gladwin and Veronika Iskhakova were welcome additions to round out two strong teams in each junior class.

Once again, the ACT Team rose to the occasion, finishing the ASOC carnival with no mis punches. ACT was the only team to have placed on the podium in all 4 classes. This sealed a decisive win in the overall ASOC competition, and coupled with some close finishes, brought the team to a historic tied victory in the Southern Cross Junior Challenge.

Final ASOC points: ACT 75, Tasmania 63, NSW 58, Queensland 46, SA 36, Victoria 30, WA 16.

Final SCJC points: Harua 87, ACT 87, Tasmania 72, Karahiwi 68, NSW 65, Queensland 48, SA 38, Victoria 33, WA 19.

To finish an enjoyable day, the coaches relay was contested by David and Peter, with the team taking delight in providing ‘questionable’ refreshments at the spectator run-through.

Runs of the day included:

• Max Walter, gained 11 places on leg 2 in Senior Boys
• Ella Hogg, anchoring to second place in Senior Girls after an exciting sprint finish
• Sanda Halpin, fifth on leg 1 in Senior Girls.
• Rajeev Tamhane, fourth on leg 1 in Junior Boys
• Ben Mansell, bringing his team into second position after leg 2 in Junior Boys
• Naomi Penton, taking third for ACT on leg 3 in Junior Girls

Friday 3 October, Rest Day

Again, not a real rest day as the team took a full day excursion to Wet n’ Wild! It was a popular decision with busy crowds and long lines, but still reported to be a fun day.

Saturday 4 October, Australian Championships Relay – Logan Inlet

The Australian relays were held near the long-distance terrain from the previous weekend, but this time the flatter slopes and a recent bushfire made for incredibly fast running, with careful attention to compass direction a key to success. ACT athletes would have felt at home amongst the unmapped, undersize termite mounds sprinkled across the entire area.

For something different, the elite classes had a later start, getting a rare chance to enjoy night orienteering! Cooler air and trains of headtorches dancing through the trees made it an enjoyable evening for spectators.

Top results included:

• Layla, Banjo, Tessa, first in W12
• Naomi, Isobel, Alma, third Australian team in W14
• Katherine, Aoife, Ella, second in W20E at night!
• Sanda, Mira, Julie, third Australian team in W20E at night!
• Pat, Ben, Zaf, second in M14
• Matty, Mica, Rajeev, second Australian team in M16
• Elye, Hayden, Owen, third in M20E at night!

Sunday 5 October, Australian Championships Middle – White Rock

The final day of the carnival had competitors facing detailed sandstone terrain. The forest was thicker and hills steeper, so success lay less in running speed and more in careful, precise navigation. The heat was again a factor for runners, particularly by the end of a long and tiring week.

It was very difficult to have a clean run, but competitors who remained composed and avoided large time losses were rewarded.

Top results of the day included:

• Layla Dent, first in W12A
• Tessa Radajewski, third in W12A
• Naomi Penton, third in W14A
• Mira Walter, second Australian in W16A
• Hayden Dent, first in M16A and unbeaten in his own age class the entire week
• Matty Maundrell, third in M16A
• Josh Mansell, third Australian in M18A

ASOC 2025 was another highly successful and enjoyable championship campaign for the ACT schools team. As coach, it was particularly satisfying to witness the development of the team’s orienteering skills, not just over the nine days of the carnival, but in the months of training and preparation leading up to it. All team members demonstrated they have the potential to compete at the highest level of national competition. They also continually displayed resilience and comradery through all the highs and lows, representing ACT with pride.

Thank you to the students’ parents for their support of the team, to the coaches and officials who have guided the students over many years, and to the team captains, Ella Hogg and Max Walter, whose mature leadership greatly contributed to the team’s enjoyment and success.

Thoughts now turn to ASOC 2026, which will be hosted in Canberra alongside the Oceania Carnival. I am confident that many members look forward to reuniting with friends found at ASOC 2025, and perhaps creating more interstate and international bonds in the years to come.

David Stocks
2025 ACT ASOC Team Coach

Photos sourced from Peta Lovell, Sarah Bruce, Zoe Carter, Kathie Dent, Auschamps facebook and others.

The post 2025 Australian Schools Championships – ACT Team Report appeared first on Orienteering ACT.

SC-ORE is a participation-focused, team-based activity, with some competitive energy for children in years 3-6. Students from all Primary Schools and home-schooled students are welcome.

Teams consist of four students (two girls and two boys) in years 3 to 6 (preferably from the same school). Students in classes below Year 3 may enter if they are regular orienteers.

SC-ORE is held over four Thursday mornings before school 7.45am to approx. 8.45am. The Spring 2025 Series starts on 30 October and continues for four consecutive weeks:

• 30 October: Blue Gum School, Hackett
• 6 November: Turner Primary School, Turner
• 13 November: North Ainslie Primary School, Ainslie
• 20 November: Campbell Primary School, Campbell

Students will need to be on-site by 7:45 am for an 8.00 am start each week. Events finish in time for students to get to school.

Visit the SC-ORE page for more information or go straight here to enter.
Entries close Friday 24 October.

The post Spring SC-ORE Entries Close 24 October appeared first on Orienteering ACT.

What Is Orienteering?

Orienteering is an exciting outdoor adventure where you’ll use a map to navigate your way to checkpoints. Whether you run, jog, or walk, it’s all up to you! It’s a great way to challenge yourself, learn, have fun, and make new friends—all while getting active and exploring the world around you!
At this Come & Try event, your child will be introduced to maps and navigation while explore the school grounds looking for check points. They will learn as they go (or run!) in a fun and safe way together with peers.

Event Details

• When: 10:00am – 11:30am, Sunday 14 September 2025
• Where: Aranda Primary School, Aranda
• Cost: $7 per child
• Who: Primary school children in year 3-6
• Level: Beginner – No previous experience needed, just bring your energy!
• Why Come?
  • Get active and explore the outdoors—away from screens!
  • Have fun while learning new skills!
  • Meet new friends and enjoy friendly competition!
  • A perfect introduction to SC-ORE School Orienteering!
• Any questions? Contact learn@act.orienteering.asn.au

Don’t miss out on the chance to get moving, get outside, and have fun with your peers! Sign up now and join us for an awesome adventure!

SC-ORE School Orienteering

If your child enjoys orienteering they can sign up for Spring SC-ORE School Orienteering in term 4 as well!
SC-ORE is a 4-week Challenge for Primary School children in teams of four. A before-school body-and-brain workout held in term 4.

The post Come & Try School Orienteering – 14 September appeared first on Orienteering ACT.

The following courses will be available:

• Moderate 1 (4.6km)
• Moderate 2 (3.7km)
• Easy (2.5km)
• Very Easy (1.5km)

Participants should note that parking is not available at the assembly area, please park considerately and be mindful of local residents.

This event will include the ninth race of the 2025 ACT Junior League, progress scores from the first 8 of 12 races are available here.

The event details are available here.
Eventor entries are available until 9am on Saturday.

The post Metro Series Resumes This Saturday at New Mt Painter Map appeared first on Orienteering ACT.

What Is Orienteering?

Orienteering is an exciting outdoor adventure where you’ll use a map to navigate your way to checkpoints. Whether you run, jog, or walk, it’s all up to you! It’s a great way to challenge yourself, learn, have fun, and make new friends—all while getting active and exploring the world around you!
At this Come & Try event, your child will be introduced to maps and navigation while explore the school grounds looking for check points. They will learn as they go (or run!) in a fun and safe way together with peers.

Event Details

• When: 10:00am – 11:30am, Sunday 14 September 2025
• Where: Aranda Primary School, Aranda
• Cost: $7 per child
• Who: Primary school children in year 3-6
• Level: Beginner – No previous experience needed, just bring your energy!
• Why Come?
  • Get active and explore the outdoors—away from screens!
  • Have fun while learning new skills!
  • Meet new friends and enjoy friendly competition!
  • A perfect introduction to SC-ORE School Orienteering!
• Any questions? Contact learn@act.orienteering.asn.au

Don’t miss out on the chance to get moving, get outside, and have fun with your peers! Sign up now and join us for an awesome adventure!

SC-ORE School Orienteering

If your child enjoys orienteering they can sign up for Spring SC-ORE School Orienteering in term 4 as well!
SC-ORE is a 4-week Challenge for Primary School children in teams of four. A before-school body-and-brain workout held in term 4.

The post Try School Orienteering – A Fun Adventure for Kids! appeared first on Orienteering ACT.

Australian and New Zealand school students will contest the championships which will be part of the 2025 Australian Orienteering Championships Carnival, being held in Brisbane over nine days in September-October. Each Australian state and territory can send a team of up to 20 students, along with two New Zealand teams of 20 students.

Congratulations to the following students on their selection.

Team officials are Sarah Bruce and Peter Miller (managers), and David Stocks (coach).

The post ACT Schools Team for ASOC 2025 appeared first on Orienteering ACT.

A series of selection trials will be held within the March-June period. Further details of eligibility criteria, team selection commitments, other relevant information, and the team nomination form are available in the ACT ASOC trials information document.

Selection Trials

• Selection Trial 1: ACT Sprint Championships, National Botanic Gardens, Sunday 16 March
• Selection Trial 2: ACT Classic Series: ACT League #4, Tidbinbilla, Sunday 18 May
• Selection Trial 3: ACT Classic Series: Jim Sawkins Handicap AL#5, Saturday 31 May
• Selection Trial 4: ACT Classic Series: ACT League #6: Picaree Hill, Sunday 22 June

Nominations

Nominate for selection by completing the attached form and email it to the Orienteering ACT Office (office@act.orienteering.asn.au).

Nominations should be submitted by Thursday 27 February, however late nominations may still be accepted after this date.

The post Nominations Called for 2025 ACT Schools Team appeared first on Orienteering ACT.