Map Mates

Blue Sparks Orienteering ACT presents Map Mates, a thrilling adventure series designed specifically for children aged 7 to 13. Held twice a year in May and October, this action-packed event takes place on Saturday mornings for the May edition and Wednesday evenings for the October edition, alongside our prestigious Saturday Metro Series and Twilight Series.

During Map Mates, teams of 2–4 children embark on a captivating journey, navigating through easy and safe orienteering courses. Parents are also encouraged to join in on the fun and participate alongside their children. To kick off this exciting program, we organise a free welcome event where prospective Map Mates can meet one another, learn how to read a map effectively, and begin to appreciate the exhilaration of tackling an orienteering course.

But that's not all! Before each event, an optional 20-minute activity session is offered. This session aims to enhance the participants' map reading skills by teaching them a different technique each week. To ensure parents are well-equipped to support their children's progress, we send out four weekly emails filled with coaching tips, helpful hints, and optional map activities. It's all about fostering a supportive and engaging environment for our budding orienteers!

We believe in recognising and celebrating the accomplishments of every competitor. That's why we award prizes at each event to commend their dedication and passion for this thrilling sport. Not only do we acknowledge the fastest teams, but we also celebrate creativity and teamwork by presenting awards for the best team name and best team uniform. As an extra treat, we even honour the best map of your own backyard, which showcases the participants' newfound skills in an exploration closer to home.

Map Mates is all about fostering a love for orienteering, while ensuring children have a blast filled with adventure and excitement. So, come join us for an unforgettable experience that combines fun, learning, and the captivating sport of orienteering. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to spark a lifelong interest in young adventurers. Sign up now and let the journey begin!