Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
About Adventure Running
What is SOGO Adventure Running?
SOGO develops and runs a highly motivating curriculum that develops youth skills ranging from problem-solving to commitment, based on the Canadian Sport for Life Long Term Athlete Development model (LTAD) and anchored by four core running fundamentals:
We offer four levels of skill-based programs, each with a distinct age bracket and new Adventure Runners may join our programs at any age. Previous experience is not required – our curriculum and approach to coaching ensures that every participant is set up for success upon joining.
- Endurance
- Speed/Power
- Strength/Agility
- Navigation
We offer four levels of skill-based programs, each with a distinct age bracket and new Adventure Runners may join our programs at any age. Previous experience is not required – our curriculum and approach to coaching ensures that every participant is set up for success upon joining.
- SOGO Squirts (Ages 3-5) – Getting Little Athletes Going
- SOGO Level One (Ages 6-12) – The Basics Start Anytime
- SOGO Level Two (Ages 10-16) – Serious About Running and Route Finding
- SOGO Level Three (Ages 13-18) – Performance Training
ARE THERE ANY REGISTRATION SUBSIDIES AVAILABLE?
Lower income SOGO families may be eligible for subsidies through Canadian Tire's JumpStart program or the KidSport program. Please contact us to discuss.
When do SOGO programs run?
Our weekly programs run for 8 weeks from early May to late June.
The specific dates and times for each program are available on our website Locations/Times page.
The specific dates and times for each program are available on our website Locations/Times page.
Where do programs take place?
SOGO’s programs are strategically located throughout Calgary to ensure that no parent has to drive for more than 20 minutes to participate in our programs. Programs take place in multiple locations to provide kids with the opportunity to run in different terrain and environments.
My child is new to running. Will they be able to keep up?
Yes! SOGO activities are designed in such a way that kids of all running abilities can have fun together. Kids do lots of activities that involve short loops, or ‘star exercises’, where kids run a short distance from a central location and return.
My child has no navigation experience. Can they join?
Yes! Just like running speed, we accommodate all levels of navigation skills. Youth can begin our program with no map reading experience.
What do I need to participate?
Not much, just a good pair of running shoes, running clothing for fall/spring temperatures (synthetic shirt, running pants/tights, wind & fleece jacket, toque/gloves), a whistle, and a headlamp for the fall programs.
Safety
Will my child get lost?
No! Participants stay very close to the start of an exercise location and have clear boundaries. There is a high volunteer coach: participant ratio to keep a watchful eye over runners. We also use brightly coloured pinnies and it is VERY easy to spot our SOGO runners even while in the forested areas.
Isn’t going off trail bad for the environment?
We feel that it is important to encourage children to be out in nature and teaching them to respect the environment is one of our goals.
Scientific studies have shown that runners have no significant long term impact on vegetation. The problem arises when people take the same off-trail routes on a daily basis, effectively creating new trails over time and wearing out the vegetation on the ground. By its very nature of allowing participants to choose their own routes adventure running actively avoids this problem.
Scientific studies have shown that runners have no significant long term impact on vegetation. The problem arises when people take the same off-trail routes on a daily basis, effectively creating new trails over time and wearing out the vegetation on the ground. By its very nature of allowing participants to choose their own routes adventure running actively avoids this problem.
Sounds like a recipe for twisted ankles. Do kids get hurt?
Like any athletic endeavour, there is always a risk of getting hurt. Trail and forest running actually produces fewer injuries than road or track running, due to the softer surface and lack of repetitive motion. Trail running also develops concentration, spatial awareness, and running stabilizer muscles. Our biggest complaint is scratched legs, we recommend kids wear long tights no matter how hot it is. First aid packs are kept at the meeting area and each volunteer coach has bandaids and medical cream in their vests.
Why I need to provide medical/physiological/behavioural information on registration form?
Our primary concern is for the safety of our participants and coaches. Many medical/physiological/behavioral concerns can be addressed if we understand the issues in advance of the program beginning. At SOGO we do our best to include each child and meet their needs but without specific information it makes the job difficult and potentially dangerous. Please give any and all information on your child's registration form to help us meet their needs and fit in with a group. If extra volunteers are available or aids are required we can address these situations well in advance of the program.
How To Register
How do I sign up?
Visit our website times and locations page, find the best hour and location for your family, switch to the home page where you will find a registration button, select the program then the hour/day/location. Our registration is managed through zone4.ca.
My child is almost 6 can they participants in Level 1?
SOGO Level 1 program is generally for kids 6 - 12 years of age. Five year olds may join Level 1 if they have done a season of SOGO Squirts. Five year olds may not get all the learning outcomes from the navigation stations, but we review learning objectives throughout the season and in their second season.
My child is 12 but would like to join Intro to Level 2?
It is helpful if your child does one year of SOGO level 1 but if you have a 12 year old that isn't playful and wants to take their training more seriously and is most interested in navigation, Level 2 Intro might be the right choice. Please ask to make sure your 12 year old isn't in a group with only older kids. We like kids to be running with kids of the same age.
Program Preparation and Participation
How will I know where to go?
Our team will email all parents a schedule for the season that you can to print out and keep in a visible place to keep track of where the program is taking place from week to week. This email will also include maps for each location identifying our meeting point, parking options and indicating whether there are washrooms onsite.
Please call us if you have not received this email within two weeks of your program start date to ensure we have your accurate email address on file.
Please call us if you have not received this email within two weeks of your program start date to ensure we have your accurate email address on file.
When should we arrive?
Please ensure that the participants are dropped off promptly. We suggest that you arrive ten minutes early to check in and gear up.
What happens on the first day?
Please allow a bit of extra time for drop-off on the first day as collecting and confirming information can take a bit of time. When you arrive on the first night, make your way over to the registration table to find out what group you are in. You will receive your pinnie, which you will keep for the remainder of the season.
Each week, kids are dropped off at a central meeting area where they join their team and coaches. Here they will ‘punch in’ (sign in/out system), and can leave their water bottle in the colour related bin. The session then begins with a group warm up. Next, teams will move between two stations, each 15-20 minutes in length where activities will vary each week. The session ends with an easy cool-down run and participants will ‘punch-out’ before heading home.
Each week, kids are dropped off at a central meeting area where they join their team and coaches. Here they will ‘punch in’ (sign in/out system), and can leave their water bottle in the colour related bin. The session then begins with a group warm up. Next, teams will move between two stations, each 15-20 minutes in length where activities will vary each week. The session ends with an easy cool-down run and participants will ‘punch-out’ before heading home.
What should my child bring/wear?
You should bring the following to each training night practice:
Remember to stay away from cotton-based clothing, especially socks and T-Shirts. Cotton retains moisture and will make for cold kids. Wool and polyester based clothing is the material to go for.
On rainy days (and sometimes non-rainy days), the kids will get muddy. If you are concerned about a clean car, please bring the following:
- Weather appropriate clothing. Long pants are recommended all season to protect legs from scratches.
- Full water bottle, labelled with name.
- Shoes: Trail running shoes are preferable. SOGO is sometimes muddy or snowy and a shoe with a good tread is preferred.
- Warm jacket: The first weeks may be cool, particularly for the 6:30 hour. A light wind shell or fleece jacket is always a good idea.
- Toques, gloves etc – as above, always dress for the conditions
- Whistle – recommended but not mandatory due to program in full daylight during the spring.
- Headlamp - is mandatory for the fall sessions, head coach will let you know the date it is required.
Remember to stay away from cotton-based clothing, especially socks and T-Shirts. Cotton retains moisture and will make for cold kids. Wool and polyester based clothing is the material to go for.
On rainy days (and sometimes non-rainy days), the kids will get muddy. If you are concerned about a clean car, please bring the following:
- Full change of clothes
- Plastic Bags: For muddy shoes and socks
- Towels: To make a layer between muddy kids and car seats
If it’s bad weather, will programs be cancelled?
Our PoliciesIn general, SOGO runs rain, hail, snow or shine. If Environment Canada issues a Weather Warning – storm, winds, lightning, etc we MAY cancel a session. The head coach will assess how the warning effects the specific SOGO location and decide if the session will be cancelled (we all know how localized weather systems can be in Calgary!). Cancellations will be announced by email.
Please see our policy page for our complete policy on weather related cancellations.
Please see our policy page for our complete policy on weather related cancellations.
