SOA Development Fund project spotlight: Roxburgh Reivers’ ‘Learn to Navigate’

In February, SOA awarded development funding to Roxburgh Reivers to support an innovative club development project.

The project stood out as an excellent example of how relatively small amounts of targeted funding can help clubs address local challenges, trial new ideas and create long-term benefits for their members and communities.

We wanted to highlight the project, not only to showcase the work of Roxburgh Reivers, but also to encourage other clubs to think about how they could adapt similar ideas in their own areas.

The project: ‘Learn to Navigate’

RR came up with this project idea to attract local runners, especially those taking part in long hill races and adventure races who would benefit greatly from learning how to navigate. They planned a series of 4 sessions that could be adapted based on who turned up to make the learning appropriate for the individual needs of the participants.

Funding was provided to help with the hire of a local hall to allow initial introductions and discussion to take place in an indoor setting away from the unpredictable elements. This also helped provide a very important social aspect. Funds were also used to provide high quality waterproof maps, ensuring a positive newcomer experience especially in potential wet weather.

The sessions

Information provided by Ian Maxwell, RR Club Chair:

• Session 1 was 50% classroom based with a Powerpoint presentation introducing different map styles from 1:50000, 1:25000, Harveys, Custom Race Maps and Orienteering Maps. The Powerpoint also had links to Youtube videos from the Scottish Orienteering website on orientating a map and basic compass use. The outdoor part consisted of a map walk and a map orientation exercise using cones.

After session 1 we adapted the sessions for orienteering only as that was what all participants wanted to do.

• Session 2 was at Bowmont Forest and consisted of direction and distance exercises.
• Session 3 was on the Eildon Hills where we learned about contours with a map walk up onto the hill pointing out features, then loops out from a central location with kites on prominent control features.
• Session 4 was at Bowhill Estate where myself and 2 experienced orienteers took participants around 3 short courses indicating how we would tackle each leg followed by lunch in the café afterwards.

Points to consider

If your club is considering applying to the SOA Development Fund, there are several useful points to consider:

• Start with a clear problem or opportunity.
• Think about what would make the biggest difference locally.
• Design projects that have scope for long-term effect
• Keep plans achievable and proportionate to the volunteers available.
• Don’t be afraid to trial something new.

Development funding doesn’t have to support large-scale projects. Sometimes relatively small investments can have a significant impact on club development.

Could your club do something similar?

The SOA Development Fund exists to help clubs implement development ideas, build capacity and strengthen participation across the sport.

We hope this example gives some inspiration to other clubs to consider what opportunities exist within their own communities and how a development project could help bring those ideas to life.

If your club has an idea that could grow participation, develop volunteers or strengthen your local orienteering offer, we’d encourage you to explore what support may be available through the Development Fund.

The next round of funding will open in the autumn – reach out to nikki@scottish-orienteering.org if you wish to discuss an idea.