Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
About Adventure Running
What is SOGO Adventure Running?
The SOGO Adventure Running program 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 2-5) – 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?
Each year we have two main seasons of SOGO, Spring and Fall. The Spring weekly program runs for 8 weeks from early May to late June. The Fall weekly program runs for 5-6 weeks from September to October.
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?
Programs take place in multiple locations to provide kids with the opportunity to run in different terrain and environments. Strategically the programs are located in various quadrants of the City to ensure flexibility for families to attend.
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?
A good pair of running shoes with tread (not rubber boots), running clothing for spring/fall temperatures (synthetic shirt, running pants/tights, wind & fleece jacket, toque/gloves), a whistle, a water bottle and a headlamp for the fall programs. A small backpack is a great item to have to carry with extra layers or a little snack.
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.
Is 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.
Do kids get hurt?
Our biggest complaint is scratched legs, we recommend kids wear long tights no matter how hot it is. But, 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. First aid packs are kept at the meeting area and with each group. We also have walkie talkies to keep in contact with other coaches.
Why DO 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 (Between Friends are always welcome to join in) 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 Uplifter.
A reminder that SOGO Adventure Running is the youth program of Foothills Orienteering Club (FWOC) which is affiliated with the Provincial organization, Alberta Orienteering Association (AOA), which is affiliated with the National organization, Orienteering Canada (OC).
All this to say when you register you will see information from AOA, ie. a membership fee from AOA will be zero but a membership from Foothills Orienteering Club will be $15 for youth > 6 years old and will receive 40% when purchased with an Adult Foothills Orienteering Club membership ($20). Adult registration should be completed before youth membership.
Why buy an adult membership? An adult membership allows you to attend free events with the club and the ability to purchase adult programs. Here is the Foothills Orienteering Club website for more information.
A reminder that SOGO Adventure Running is the youth program of Foothills Orienteering Club (FWOC) which is affiliated with the Provincial organization, Alberta Orienteering Association (AOA), which is affiliated with the National organization, Orienteering Canada (OC).
All this to say when you register you will see information from AOA, ie. a membership fee from AOA will be zero but a membership from Foothills Orienteering Club will be $15 for youth > 6 years old and will receive 40% when purchased with an Adult Foothills Orienteering Club membership ($20). Adult registration should be completed before youth membership.
Why buy an adult membership? An adult membership allows you to attend free events with the club and the ability to purchase adult programs. Here is the Foothills Orienteering Club website for more information.
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 and it has been approved by the Club Manager. Please email to discuss at [email protected]
My child is 12 but would like to join Intro to Level 2?
It is helpful if your child completes one year of SOGO level 1 before moving up to Level 2. If your 12 year old wants to take their training more seriously and is most interested in navigation then please email the Club Manager to discuss.
Program Preparation and Participation
How will I know where to go?
Our website is the best place for all our up to date information. Please refer to the Seasonal Programs tab for all your park location and updated info. All of the meeting spot locations will be parking lots, ie. West Bragg Creek will be at the West Bragg Recreation Parking lot. As well, weekly you will receive a newsletter with meeting sport locations for that week. If in doubt please email us.
When should we arrive?
Please ensure that the participants are dropped off promptly. We suggest that you arrive ten to fifteen minutes early to have a quick bathroom break (especially for the younger participants), check in with the coach and get ready to 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. On the first night you will receive your coloured pinnie, which you will keep for the remainder of the season. Your pinni tells you which group you are in for the season, please come prepared each day wearing your pinnie.
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). The session then begins with a group warm up once everyone arrives. Next, teams will move between two stations, each 30-35 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). The session then begins with a group warm up once everyone arrives. Next, teams will move between two stations, each 30-35 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 based clothing is the warmest material.
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 second session. 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 important for the second session for the first few weeks of Spring and is mandatory for the fall sessions.
Remember to stay away from cotton-based clothing, especially socks and T-Shirts. Cotton retains moisture and will make for cold kids. Wool based clothing is the warmest material.
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 socks and clothes
- Towels: To make a layer between muddy kids and car seats :)
bad weather, will programs be cancelled?
Our Policies In 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 and social media.
Please see our policy page for our complete policy on weather related cancellations.
Cancellations will be announced by email and social media.
Please see our policy page for our complete policy on weather related cancellations.
