Participant Information
Level 2
General Info:
Welcome to SOGO Adventure Running!
We want you to enjoy adventure running as much as we do so we have developed a program that will suit all ages and abilities and be tons of fun!
All of our activities are based on Orienteering Canada's Long Term Athlete Development Plan and have been put together by a group of experienced orienteers and adventure runners to provide your kids with the best possible program that we can offer.
Welcome to SOGO Adventure Running!
We want you to enjoy adventure running as much as we do so we have developed a program that will suit all ages and abilities and be tons of fun!
All of our activities are based on Orienteering Canada's Long Term Athlete Development Plan and have been put together by a group of experienced orienteers and adventure runners to provide your kids with the best possible program that we can offer.
First Night and Session Layout:
On your first night at SOGO make your way to the big white tent. You will receive your pinnie which you will wear for the remainder of the season and any SOGO swag you ordered so just tell us your name and we’ll get it sorted for you.
All the level 2 pinnies are black and there will be a black bucket by the central meeting spot where you can leave your water bottles/jackets etc. Level 2 is different from level 1 in that they don’t rotate through stations; the coach will have one or two longer exercises for the kids to do that incorporates all the elements of level 1 with an emphasis on navigation.
There will be a sign in sheet that the kids must punch in and out of (we will explain this to them on the first night). It’s especially important that kids punch out so we know they came back to the meeting area with the group.
On your first night at SOGO make your way to the big white tent. You will receive your pinnie which you will wear for the remainder of the season and any SOGO swag you ordered so just tell us your name and we’ll get it sorted for you.
All the level 2 pinnies are black and there will be a black bucket by the central meeting spot where you can leave your water bottles/jackets etc. Level 2 is different from level 1 in that they don’t rotate through stations; the coach will have one or two longer exercises for the kids to do that incorporates all the elements of level 1 with an emphasis on navigation.
There will be a sign in sheet that the kids must punch in and out of (we will explain this to them on the first night). It’s especially important that kids punch out so we know they came back to the meeting area with the group.
Weekly Schedule:
At the end of this info package, we have provided the weekly schedule for the spring season. This is for you to print out and keep in a visible place to keep track of where the program is taking place from week to week and so the kids will know what they have to look forward to each week.
SOGO is unlike many other sports programs in that SOGO groups move locations from month to month so kids have a chance to run in different terrain. Details about these different locations are provided alongside the schedule.
At the end of this info package, we have provided the weekly schedule for the spring season. This is for you to print out and keep in a visible place to keep track of where the program is taking place from week to week and so the kids will know what they have to look forward to each week.
SOGO is unlike many other sports programs in that SOGO groups move locations from month to month so kids have a chance to run in different terrain. Details about these different locations are provided alongside the schedule.
Equipment:
At SOGO most of our activities run the kids through trees and long grass so it’s important to be wearing the appropriate clothing
We will explain how to use the whistles appropriately should someone get lost.
Lost and found note:
We keep a lost and found throughout the season where we collect items that have been left behind so if you are missing something please check the lost and found bin the following week. We will periodically post an image with all the lost and found items to our facebook page which you should check to see if anything of your child's is in. We do not keep lost and found items past the end of the season so make sure to pick them up by the last night.
How to wear layers
Trail Running Shoes
If you don’t already have a decent pair of running shoes for SOGO here are someplace you can buy some:
The following is a list of shoes that we recommend.
At SOGO most of our activities run the kids through trees and long grass so it’s important to be wearing the appropriate clothing
- A whistle - this is very important as the level 2s will be running further away from the central meeting area than the level 1s
- Long pants are recommended all season to avoid scratches
- Water bottle, labelled with name
- Trail running shoes – it can be muddy at SOGO so shoes with a good tread are necessary
- SOGO pinnie
- Warm jacket – at the beginning of the season it may still be cold so bring a light wind shell or fleece jacket with a short or long sleeved layer underneath so you can layer up or down depending on the activity or weather
- Toques, gloves or buffs which can be stored in the coloured bins at the meeting area
We will explain how to use the whistles appropriately should someone get lost.
Lost and found note:
We keep a lost and found throughout the season where we collect items that have been left behind so if you are missing something please check the lost and found bin the following week. We will periodically post an image with all the lost and found items to our facebook page which you should check to see if anything of your child's is in. We do not keep lost and found items past the end of the season so make sure to pick them up by the last night.
How to wear layers
- Start with a base layer to wear close to your skin such as polyester or merino wool. Try to stay away from cotton-based clothing; it retains moisture and makes for cold kids.
- Add a second layer for warmth; a wool, polyester or nylon long sleeved shirt
- The third layer will be the insulating one such as a warm fleece or a down jacket. Down jackets are a good thing to wear when you arrive at SOGO but running in them may lead to overheating
- The last layer is an outer shell such as a thin rain jacket
- Layers are important, especially for running outside
Trail Running Shoes
If you don’t already have a decent pair of running shoes for SOGO here are someplace you can buy some:
- MEC
- Sport Check
- Strides Running Store (locations in Marda Loop and Fish Creek)
- Gord's Running Store on Centre St just north of downtown
The following is a list of shoes that we recommend.
| Name | Photo | Where to Buy Them | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salomon XA Pro 3D CSWP Shoes |  | MEC | $69 |
| Keen Chandler CNX | 
 | MEC | $59 |
| Merrell Chameleon Low Lace Waterproof | 
 | MEC | $69 |
| Columbia Redmond Explore Waterproof |   | MEC | $69 |
| Saucony Zealot Kid's Grade-School Running Shoes |  | Sport Check | $56 |
| Asics Gel Noosa Tri 9 Athletic Shoes Grade School Girls |  | Sport Check | $100 |
Volunteering:
Our program runs on volunteers and we couldn’t do it without you so thank you! If you haven’t signed up to volunteer yet, and you would like to, we would love to hear from you! You can contact Bridie Pryce (head coach) or Deanne Stephen (program coordinator) at the following email addresses:
bridie@sogoadventurerunning.com
deanne@sogoadventurerunning.com
We have two volunteer training sessions: one on March 14th at Baker Park and one on March 16th at Carburn Park. Both sessions start at 6:30pm and end at 8:00pm, they will both be the same so you need only attend one. If you have been a SOGO volunteer before you may not want to attend either session. That is fine. These sessions will give a quick overview of how a usual SOGO night runs and what is expected of you as a volunteer.
As always we really appreciate the work that you all put in as volunteers!
Our program runs on volunteers and we couldn’t do it without you so thank you! If you haven’t signed up to volunteer yet, and you would like to, we would love to hear from you! You can contact Bridie Pryce (head coach) or Deanne Stephen (program coordinator) at the following email addresses:
bridie@sogoadventurerunning.com
deanne@sogoadventurerunning.com
We have two volunteer training sessions: one on March 14th at Baker Park and one on March 16th at Carburn Park. Both sessions start at 6:30pm and end at 8:00pm, they will both be the same so you need only attend one. If you have been a SOGO volunteer before you may not want to attend either session. That is fine. These sessions will give a quick overview of how a usual SOGO night runs and what is expected of you as a volunteer.
As always we really appreciate the work that you all put in as volunteers!
SOGO Code and Behaviour Policy
In adventure running, as in life, it is important to be respectful of everyone around us and to follow some simple common sense rules to get the most out of what we are doing. With that in mind we have created the following SOGO Code for all our adventure runners to follow. Play smart, play safe!
SOGO Code
SOGO kids have too much fun to misbehave at our sessions and by following the SOGO code above everyone will be able to enjoy the program as much as possible. If, however, a child does misbehave we will follow our behaviour policy - which you were required to agree to when registering - to take the appropriate steps.
You can review the behaviour policy on our policy page. Remember that ongoing failure to follow the rules outlined in the policy will result in being asked to leave the SOGO program.
In adventure running, as in life, it is important to be respectful of everyone around us and to follow some simple common sense rules to get the most out of what we are doing. With that in mind we have created the following SOGO Code for all our adventure runners to follow. Play smart, play safe!
SOGO Code
- If anyone sees a hurt runner they will stay with them and send someone to get help
- Be wary of dogs: if a dog doesn't look safe, wait for a coach or find another way to go around the dog
- Follow all instructions given by coaches
- Treat other athletes, coaches and parents with respect
- Include everybody in the group equally
- Be kind to everyone - no matter the age, race, gender or religion
- Once you are at a control, step away so you don't hide it from other kids
- Be aware of out-of-bounds areas marked on the map: they are there to keep runners, vegetation and wildlife safe
- Do not damage the environment (including leaving sticks and plants in their place) and do not leave any litter behind.
- Always look where you're going when running over rough terrain
- Thank the coaches
- Have fun!
SOGO kids have too much fun to misbehave at our sessions and by following the SOGO code above everyone will be able to enjoy the program as much as possible. If, however, a child does misbehave we will follow our behaviour policy - which you were required to agree to when registering - to take the appropriate steps.
You can review the behaviour policy on our policy page. Remember that ongoing failure to follow the rules outlined in the policy will result in being asked to leave the SOGO program.
First Aid:
There will be several first aid kits at every session for any accidents that may occur. One will always be located at the meeting area and coaches that take their group away from the station will carry one. Coaches also have bandaids and cream in their vest pockets for small scrapes. Coaches will be aware of any medical needs of the kids in their groups, based on any issues you may have indicated during registration. If you forgot to mention something on your registration that may help your child enjoy SOGO more safely please email Deanne@sogoadventurerunning.com and she can update your registration.
Staff members on site each week have basic first-aid training and certification.
There will be several first aid kits at every session for any accidents that may occur. One will always be located at the meeting area and coaches that take their group away from the station will carry one. Coaches also have bandaids and cream in their vest pockets for small scrapes. Coaches will be aware of any medical needs of the kids in their groups, based on any issues you may have indicated during registration. If you forgot to mention something on your registration that may help your child enjoy SOGO more safely please email Deanne@sogoadventurerunning.com and she can update your registration.
Staff members on site each week have basic first-aid training and certification.
Weather Policy:
In general, SOGO kids and their coaches are tough! We run in the rain, snow, wind, or sunshine. If Environment Canada issues a Weather Warning for extreme wind or lightning we MAY cancel a session. The head coach will assess how the warning affects the specific SOGO location and decide if the session will be cancelled (we all know how localized weather systems can be in Calgary).
SOGO takes place in City and Provincial Parks and operates with permits. As such, Calgary or Alberta Parks may revoke a permit if a specific park is closed or unsafe for us to run in.
If we do cancel a session we will let you know via email at least 2 hours prior to the start of your program. On days where the weather is questionable please check your e-mail before leaving the house to see if the session is still on.
Please see our policy page for our complete policy on weather related cancellations.
Temperature can be an issue during the early spring sessions, please always dress for the changing weather conditions, particularly for 6:30 programs which can be cool. It is always a good idea to have something warm to put on after the session.
Dressing for the changing Calgary climate can be tricky. We will do our best to give helpful suggestions via email and Facebook. Dressing to be comfortable outside can take time and often can mean a few small, carefully chosen, purchases. We ask that you do your best to have kids dress appropriately for SOGO but we realize it takes time. Ask your kids, “How did that choice work for you tonight? What could you do differently next time?” If you are at all unsure about clothing choices, please don’t hesitate to ask
In general, SOGO kids and their coaches are tough! We run in the rain, snow, wind, or sunshine. If Environment Canada issues a Weather Warning for extreme wind or lightning we MAY cancel a session. The head coach will assess how the warning affects the specific SOGO location and decide if the session will be cancelled (we all know how localized weather systems can be in Calgary).
SOGO takes place in City and Provincial Parks and operates with permits. As such, Calgary or Alberta Parks may revoke a permit if a specific park is closed or unsafe for us to run in.
If we do cancel a session we will let you know via email at least 2 hours prior to the start of your program. On days where the weather is questionable please check your e-mail before leaving the house to see if the session is still on.
Please see our policy page for our complete policy on weather related cancellations.
Temperature can be an issue during the early spring sessions, please always dress for the changing weather conditions, particularly for 6:30 programs which can be cool. It is always a good idea to have something warm to put on after the session.
Dressing for the changing Calgary climate can be tricky. We will do our best to give helpful suggestions via email and Facebook. Dressing to be comfortable outside can take time and often can mean a few small, carefully chosen, purchases. We ask that you do your best to have kids dress appropriately for SOGO but we realize it takes time. Ask your kids, “How did that choice work for you tonight? What could you do differently next time?” If you are at all unsure about clothing choices, please don’t hesitate to ask
SOGO Swag:
Each Season we offer a different branded SOGO item. This spring's item is t-shirts!
We also have cozy SOGO hoodies that are sold in sizes junior small to adult extra large. Sweatshirts fit short so please consider buying one size up from what you expect. Boy below is wearing an adult small and the girl is wearing a youth large. Cost of all sweatshirts is $35
If you did not purchase these items during registration and would like to, items will be available only the first and last nights of SOGO. We can take cheque or cash on these nights. Toques are limited and we will not reorder.
All SOGO SWAG items are optional.
Each Season we offer a different branded SOGO item. This spring's item is t-shirts!
We also have cozy SOGO hoodies that are sold in sizes junior small to adult extra large. Sweatshirts fit short so please consider buying one size up from what you expect. Boy below is wearing an adult small and the girl is wearing a youth large. Cost of all sweatshirts is $35
If you did not purchase these items during registration and would like to, items will be available only the first and last nights of SOGO. We can take cheque or cash on these nights. Toques are limited and we will not reorder.
All SOGO SWAG items are optional.
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Late Registration:
For those programs that have available spaces late registration will be accepted until April 8th at midnight.
For those programs that have available spaces late registration will be accepted until April 8th at midnight.
Races this Season:
SOGO Fun Run
A new race! This race will be an annual SOGO spring event.
Date: Saturday, June 4th 2016
Location: Edworthy Park South
What it is: The SOGO Fun Run is an event that incorporates all the four elements of a normal SOGO evening – navigation, endurance, strength and agility, and speed. It will be an individual or partner race with fun prizes to be won at the end such as muddiest team, best team name etc. There will be a bonfire at the end with s’mores and games.
Alberta Championships
Date: May 28th - May 29th 2016
Location: Elk Island National Park, Edmonton
What it is: The Alberta Orienteering Championships might sound intimidating but they're not! It's a really fun event put on by our parent organization Foothills Wanderers Orienteering Club. The Saturday will have a short sprint race and a middle distance race. On the Sunday there will be a longer course. These events are always lots of fun and everyone is very welcoming of newcomers. Bridie (the head coach) will be there to help kids with their races and show them where to go. An email will be sent out in late April/early May with more information.
Wednesday Night Events
Dates: May - September 2016
SOGO supported dates: SOGO coaches will support two Wednesday night events on May 11th 2016 and June 8th 2016. We will have a SOGO table where you can come and find some friendly faces who will help you get started on your course. We would love to see you all there! Don't feel limited to these two dates - you can show up on whichever Wednesday you want to and someone will always be kind enough to help you out.
Locations: Various parks across Calgary
Foothills Orienteering (our parent organization) has an event every Wednesday at various parks around the city (north, south and central) with four different courses for the different levels of abilities. They range from course 1 being the easiest (equivalent to a usual navigation station at a regular night of SOGO) to course 4 being the hardest. Everyone is welcome to come and we look forward to seeing you there!
Spook-O
Date: Saturday October 29th 2016
Location: TBA
SOGO annual Halloween event put on in collaboration with Foothills Orienteering Club. An easy and more difficult course with a spooky surprise at every control, a delicious dinner afterward and crafts and games for the kids.
SOGO Fun Run
A new race! This race will be an annual SOGO spring event.
Date: Saturday, June 4th 2016
Location: Edworthy Park South
What it is: The SOGO Fun Run is an event that incorporates all the four elements of a normal SOGO evening – navigation, endurance, strength and agility, and speed. It will be an individual or partner race with fun prizes to be won at the end such as muddiest team, best team name etc. There will be a bonfire at the end with s’mores and games.
Alberta Championships
Date: May 28th - May 29th 2016
Location: Elk Island National Park, Edmonton
What it is: The Alberta Orienteering Championships might sound intimidating but they're not! It's a really fun event put on by our parent organization Foothills Wanderers Orienteering Club. The Saturday will have a short sprint race and a middle distance race. On the Sunday there will be a longer course. These events are always lots of fun and everyone is very welcoming of newcomers. Bridie (the head coach) will be there to help kids with their races and show them where to go. An email will be sent out in late April/early May with more information.
Wednesday Night Events
Dates: May - September 2016
SOGO supported dates: SOGO coaches will support two Wednesday night events on May 11th 2016 and June 8th 2016. We will have a SOGO table where you can come and find some friendly faces who will help you get started on your course. We would love to see you all there! Don't feel limited to these two dates - you can show up on whichever Wednesday you want to and someone will always be kind enough to help you out.
Locations: Various parks across Calgary
Foothills Orienteering (our parent organization) has an event every Wednesday at various parks around the city (north, south and central) with four different courses for the different levels of abilities. They range from course 1 being the easiest (equivalent to a usual navigation station at a regular night of SOGO) to course 4 being the hardest. Everyone is welcome to come and we look forward to seeing you there!
Spook-O
Date: Saturday October 29th 2016
Location: TBA
SOGO annual Halloween event put on in collaboration with Foothills Orienteering Club. An easy and more difficult course with a spooky surprise at every control, a delicious dinner afterward and crafts and games for the kids.
Detailed Schedules:
The following downloadable files contain a detailed schedule of what stations each group (you will find out your children's groups on the first night) will be visiting each week along with the dates for the season's races and bring a friend a night. They also contain detailed information about where to find us in the different parks you will be visiting throughout the season.
Please do what you have to with this schedule to ensure you know where to go for SOGO each week - either store it on your phone, print it and stick it on your fridge or whatever other method you might use.
The following downloadable files contain a detailed schedule of what stations each group (you will find out your children's groups on the first night) will be visiting each week along with the dates for the season's races and bring a friend a night. They also contain detailed information about where to find us in the different parks you will be visiting throughout the season.
Please do what you have to with this schedule to ensure you know where to go for SOGO each week - either store it on your phone, print it and stick it on your fridge or whatever other method you might use.
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We look forward to seeing you at SOGO this season!
As always if you have any questions or concerns at all, don’t hesitate to email Bridie (head coach) or Deanne (program coordinator)
Contact Information:
Bridie Pryce, Head Coach
bridie@sogoadventurerunning.com
Deanne Stephen, Program Coordinator
deanne@sogoadventurerunning.com
As always if you have any questions or concerns at all, don’t hesitate to email Bridie (head coach) or Deanne (program coordinator)
Contact Information:
Bridie Pryce, Head Coach
bridie@sogoadventurerunning.com
Deanne Stephen, Program Coordinator
deanne@sogoadventurerunning.com