SMILE events are informal events which are designed to develop new or inexperienced orienteers.

These events are very popular with schools, as orienteering ties into the national curriculum, and with families who either just want a walk in the woods, or are looking for something to do as a family. A range of courses are planned to enable, at one end of the spectrum, the complete novice to 'have a go' with confidence, to those which will take the slightly more experienced orienteer off the path and into the forest for the first time.

There are plenty of experienced adults and juniors on hand to introduce newcomers (both young and old) to the sport. You will be able to get plenty of friendly advice about mapreading, using a compass, what to wear etc (initially long trousers and stout shoes or trainers - you may get muddy!).

Our neighbour club, Octavian Droobers, holds a similar series of Saturday Morning Events in Coventry and Greater Warwickshire - find details here

The British Schools Orienteering Championships are to be held in the Wyre Forest on 19th November 2006,

As a prelude this year’s Smile events have been organized in and around the Kidderminster area.

The courses and areas will be suitable for the novice and improving orienteer. All events will follow the same pattern with one white, two yellow, one orange and an all controls (score) courses.

Competitors may run more than one course per event.

Progression through the events is from park to forest terrain.

Cost will be £1 per map juniors, £2 seniors.

Registration and starts will run from 10 am - 12 am.

Participation in these events, along with competing at a local orienteering event. To gain experience of a larger event. Will fulfill the rules of entry for BSOC.

These events are open to novice-improving adults and any age children.

All are welcome, but groups of more than three please inform organizer before hand to enable pre printed maps to be available.

Organiser George Chambers 01215324781 (6-10pm) gechambers@blueyonder.co.uk