Orienteering provides its own getaway

By now most of us have our spring break plans set. But for those of you who don’t there’s no need to worry.

The Columbia River Orienteering Club (CROC) is just one way for students to enjoy the nice weather and the outdoors during spring break.

So just what can students get out of this orienteering club?

Well, club officials say this is an opportunity to learn more, faster, about the map-and-compass sport of orienteering. If you’re not one who’s interested in fitness and sports, don’t worry, the organization says this event is open to those who are interested in hiking and other activities like cross-country skiing.

“One of the benefits is fitness,” said CROC president John Bartholomew.

“Orienteering isn’t only a physical sport, but it’s an intellectual challenge. You’re not only hunting or reading. We do one event a month. In fact, the sport itself is 100 years old and originated in Scandinavia. It came to the U.S. in the 1950s and CROC has been around Portland for the last 11 years.”

The well-established CROC is joining with Vancouver-Clark Parks & Recreation. They’ll team up to hold several orienteering classes this month and throughout the year.

CROC says these different events are designed to introduce students to the sport of orienteering. They feel the information and lessons will be beneficial to students wherever navigation with map and compass is necessary.

The club will host a portion of their 2001 orienteering odyssey throughout the month. However, on Saturday, March 17, CROC will host an event called the “Foot-O” at Battle Ground Lake State Park in Washington. The field session will begin at 9 a.m.

Officials say preregistration is required for upcoming events. You can send a $20 check made out to CROC, c/o 15005 N.E. 48th St., Vancouver, Wash. 98682. Include your name, address, telephone and e-mail address.

For more information or questions contact CROC president, John Bartholomew, at (503) 691-9936 or visit their Web site at www.croc.org.