PARENTS GUIDE TO THE
USOF LITTLE TROLL
PROGRAM
The USOF Youth Committee has developed a
program for our youngsters. The "Little Troll" program is designed so
a child of any age can start orienteering at a level just right for him/her and
progress in a safe, easy manner until he/she is ready to solo. As parents, you
may be assured that your child is learning to orienteer in a program especially
designed with his/her needs in mind.
The program is in 4 levels. The first level
is the only one requiring a separate map and course, usually a String course.
The string course consists of a short circuit only a few hundred meters long.
The child (and accompanying adult) follows a string for the entire length,
visiting controls along the way. Upon
completion of each different course, the child gets a sticker for his Little
Troll card. After completing 5 courses and receiving 5 stickers, the card is
sent to USOF for a Little Troll patch.
Levels 2, 3 and 4 are done on the White
course. They are, in ascending order of difficulty, Chipmunk, Rabbit, and
Roadrunner. An adult accompanies the child on the White course and the amount
of help the child receives from the adult is determined by the level the child
is completing.
Chipmunk -- A lot of adult help. The child
is learning to:
1. Be comfortable in the forest.
2. Read the basic symbols on the map.
3. Check control codes.
4. Become familiar with meet procedures.
After 5 different courses, the child's card
is sent in for a Chipmunk patch.
Rabbit -- Some adult help. The child is
learning to:
1. Know common map symbols and colors.
2. Orient the map by identifying surrounding
terrain.
3. Keep thumb on the map near current
location.
4. Begins to consider route choices.
5. Orienteer along a single path.
6. Be aware of basic safety rules.
After 7 different courses, the child's card
is sent in for a Rabbit patch.
Roadrunner -- Unassisted, adult follows for
safety. The child is should:
1. Keep map oriented during the course.
2. Make your own route choice decisions.
3. Orienteer from path to path.
4. Know safety rules.
After 7 different courses, the child's card
is sent in for a Roadrunner patch.
Once a child has completed the Roadrunner
level, he/she should be able to begin to orienteer on his own. Age is not
critical, children can start at any age on any level and progress at any rate.
It is perfectly okay to remain at any level for as long as the child need to
learn the skills of that level. Cards and stickers will be available at club
events. All youngsters are welcome to participate.
Bring your child to the next event and let
him/her experience the joys of orienteering!
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