Try out the exciting the sport of orienteering on September 18th at an event open to the public as part of National Orienteering Day celebrations. Using a newly expanded and updated map, the non-profit Quantico Orienteering Club (QOC) is hosting an event at Lake Accotink Park, near Springfield, Virginia.

There's no need to sign up in advance; just show up anytime between noon and 2:00 pm, pay the nominal fee to cover event costs, and have a blast hiking and navigating in the woods. Come by yourself or bring friends and family, wearing a smile and the clothes you would for a hike or run. Bring a compass if you have one, or rent one at the event.

The event will feature free instructions for newcomers, a variety of courses ranging in ease from beginner through very challenging, a souvenir topographic map, and a chance to take home an orienteering compass, USGS map CD, or other sponsor prizes.

Whether your goal is to discover a healthy sport for yourself or your family, or to bring your Scout Pack to practice outdoor map-reading skills, or simply to take a pleasant walk in the woods with a friend, orienteering is a great choice. Come try it!

About Orienteering:
What is orienteering? Many say it's an easy to learn sport blending an exciting cross-county race in a wooded setting with the added challenge of navigating on the fly using a map and your mind. Other participants approach orienteering as a relaxing hike down a scenic trail. Individuals use a map and a set of clues to find a series of markers placed in the woods.

Orienteering is most popular in Europe, where the competition can get quite serious. "Locally it's enjoyed more for fun and fitness reasons," says Greg Lennon, QOC President. "Over half of our participants, especially families, like combining a bit of navigation with a good walk."

Lennon says that orienteering is spreading in North America, aided by the growing interest in adventure races which typically involve orienteering challenges.

About the Quantico Orienteering Club:
Incorporated in 1979, the non-profit Quantico Orienteering Club is one of the oldest and largest orienteering clubs in the nation. Events are held most weekends during the September - June season, and take place at local parks in Washington, DC, Maryland, or Virginia. All events are open to the public and offer free beginner instruction.

For information, see the Quantico Orienteering Club's Web site