Participant Information
Level 1
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!
One of the most common questions we get is “will my child be able to keep up?” and our answer is always “YES!”. At SOGO we want every child to have the most fun possible which is why all our activities are station-based. This way all the kids are able to run together at their own pace and rotate through the circuits. Experienced kids can run more loops and find more difficult checkpoints while those who are new to the program can start with basic skills and build upon them throughout the season. Station-based activities are a great way for new kids to learn from the more experienced SOGO participants.
All our activities are based on the Canadian Long Term Athlete Development Plan and have been put together by a group of experienced navigators 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!
One of the most common questions we get is “will my child be able to keep up?” and our answer is always “YES!”. At SOGO we want every child to have the most fun possible which is why all our activities are station-based. This way all the kids are able to run together at their own pace and rotate through the circuits. Experienced kids can run more loops and find more difficult checkpoints while those who are new to the program can start with basic skills and build upon them throughout the season. Station-based activities are a great way for new kids to learn from the more experienced SOGO participants.
All our activities are based on the Canadian Long Term Athlete Development Plan and have been put together by a group of experienced navigators 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.
There are 4 colours of groups – purple, blue, yellow and orange. Depending on your child’s age they will have been sorted into different groups. At the central meeting place there will be four coloured buckets. Your child can leave their water bottles and any extra jackets they may have in their specific bucket, matching to the colour of their pinnie.
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. They will be taken by a group coach on their warm up run for 5 minutes before heading to their first station which will be run by a station coach. After half an hour they will switch to a second station. Once the activity there has been completed the group coach will run them back to the main meeting area to pick up water bottles and punch out.
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.
There are 4 colours of groups – purple, blue, yellow and orange. Depending on your child’s age they will have been sorted into different groups. At the central meeting place there will be four coloured buckets. Your child can leave their water bottles and any extra jackets they may have in their specific bucket, matching to the colour of their pinnie.
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. They will be taken by a group coach on their warm up run for 5 minutes before heading to their first station which will be run by a station coach. After half an hour they will switch to a second station. Once the activity there has been completed the group coach will run them back to the main meeting area to pick up water bottles and punch out.
Weekly Schedule:
At the end of this info package, we have provided the weekly schedule for the fall 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.
At the end of this info package, we have provided the weekly schedule for the fall 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.
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
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
- 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
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:
[email protected]
[email protected]
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. Sessions will give a quick overview of how a usual SOGO night runs as well as what is expected 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:
[email protected]
[email protected]
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. Sessions will give a quick overview of how a usual SOGO night runs as well as what is expected as a volunteer.
As always we really appreciate the work that you all put in as volunteers!
Bring a Friend Night:
Once per season SOGO has a “bring a friend” night where kids can bring one friend with them to their SOGO night to show them what it’s about. An email will be sent out about this in late April.
Once per season SOGO has a “bring a friend” night where kids can bring one friend with them to their SOGO night to show them what it’s about. An email will be sent out about this in late April.
Behaviour Policy:
You were required to agree to our behaviour policy when you registered for SOGO.
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.
You were required to agree to our behaviour policy when you registered for SOGO.
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.
Land Use Policy:
Moving across the terrain is a fundamental part of adventure running. It is imperative that we, as adventure runners protect our environment.
SOGO Adventure Runners shall abide by the following guidelines:
Moving across the terrain is a fundamental part of adventure running. It is imperative that we, as adventure runners protect our environment.
SOGO Adventure Runners shall abide by the following guidelines:
- Will not damage any part of the environment (including leaving sticks and plants in their place) and will not leave any litter behind.
- Shall only visit areas outlined by the coach.
- Will honour the ribboning and markings on the map which indicate “Out-of-Bounds” areas.
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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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).
Temperature can be an issue during the fall 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.
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.
Cut off times are as follows:
Evening programs: 3:00PM
Cancellations will be announced by email.
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 realized 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).
Temperature can be an issue during the fall 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.
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.
Cut off times are as follows:
Evening programs: 3:00PM
Cancellations will be announced by email.
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 realized 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 SOGO item. This fall’s item is a SOGO Sauce toque made for running designed by a level 3 SOGO athlete, Darya Sepandj. Toques are $22 sizes are s/m or m/l.
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 wearing an Adult small and girl wearing 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 SOGO item. This fall’s item is a SOGO Sauce toque made for running designed by a level 3 SOGO athlete, Darya Sepandj. Toques are $22 sizes are s/m or m/l.
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 wearing an Adult small and girl wearing 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.
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.
Wednesday Night Events
Dates: May - September 2016
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.
Wednesday Night Events
Dates: May - September 2016
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.
Contact Information:
As always if you have any questions or concerns at all, don’t hesitate to email Bridie (head coach) or Deanne (program coordinator)
[email protected]
[email protected]
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)
[email protected]
[email protected]
We look forward to seeing you at SOGO this season!
Detailed Schedules:
This will be a set of downloadable pdfs so parents can print the schedule and location information and stick it on their fridge or bring it with them.
This will be a set of downloadable pdfs so parents can print the schedule and location information and stick it on their fridge or bring it with them.
