CLEVER CHILDRENS PAMPHLET?

[johnno]

Hi

Some years ago I remember seeing a very well produced orienteering pamphlet.

It started out as words from a parent describing the activity their child had participated in the previous weekend. It was an individual activity but with group spirit, progressive challenge, problem solving, self reliance, physically health, risk assessment in a safe environment, appreciation of nature, whole famility could do it, etc.

The wording was very well crafted unlike the above clumsy comments. It made one read through the comments to find out what such a wonderful activity could be. But this wasnt revealed to be orienteering until the page was turned.

Can anyone point me in the direction of where I could find a picture or file of the pamphlet, or the wording in particular? I am trying to do something similar.

[Mrs H]

you're not thinking of the much derided letter I wrote to the Daily Mail are you?

Dear Editor
In the face of yet more articles about overweight children and “cotton wool culture” might I offer parents my own solution to the dilemma. We all want our children to grow up healthy, happy, capable and self-reliant, but in this day and age its getting harder to find the opportunities to develop these life-enhancing qualities. I have, however, found a way which tackles all these area – and even a few more besides.

Every weekend, my three children, aged 12-15 years, my husband and myself have our own private adventures. In the holidays – these could last a week. We might do it locally, we might go abroad, we might do it in the dark, the rain, the sun, by the sea, in the mountains – even in town parks on weekday evenings. We do it on our own, and yet are surrounded by friends to share the experience and enjoy the social side. We can run it, or walk it or anything in between. We might line up or cross the finish line with a world champion, a child of eight or a veteran of 80 – all of us will have solved problems and used skills to complete our course to the best of our ability.

When I tell you what we do, you may feel a little disappointed – but think again. My children are athletic, adept at problem solving and risk assessment – they know thrills and achievements that no computer game can generate – they also know disappointment and defeat and how to deal with it. They know that success is relative and not always about winning. They socialise freely with their own age group but also interact comfortably with everyone. They recognise the beauty of the changing seasons and our indigenous wildlife. They already have friends all over the country (and abroad), and are not afraid of the world.

And as for us, we get the chance to compete against people our own age (and compete we do – although that is not obligatory). We get to see some of the finest countryside in Britain and abroad – much of which is not open to the public. We get to enjoy the barbecues, the picnics, the pubs and the old fashioned socials with like-minded families all over the place, all year. And at the end of the day, even though our children maybe some of the most independent and capable young people on the planet – we still get to see them (usually from a distance). It really is the answer to every thinking parent’s prayer.

The name of this panacea is Orienteering and it’s happening somewhere near you – check it out!

[graeme]

It's a super letter! Surely you mean

the letter I wrote to the much derided Daily Mail

[Mrs H]

Ha ha thanks Graeme - six years down the line and children now aged 18-21 - I stand by every word

[johnno]

Thanks Mrs H. A very good letter!

[MikeWinter]

Mrs H., did the Daily Mail publish your letter and what was the response? I did wonder, seeing as you described it as 'much derided' if it wasn't positively received? In my view an excellent, well written description of our sport.... (You could try the Guardian instead.. )

[Mrs H]

Yes it was in fact the letter of the day published with two photos - I'll see if I can find a link to it. Graeme was right - the derision was all from fellow orienteers because I sent it to the Daily Mail - ah well I make no apologies for being neither intellectual, serious nor trendy.

The positive thing that did come out of it was the Malvern Initiative which led to the formation of MADO (Malvern and District Orienteers) which could be viewed as an early prototype satellite club. I mareketted in the early days very much on the principles laid out in the letter and it was very successful at getting families along to try orienteering. the club recruited 50 new members in the first year as a result. sadly the compulsory BOF membership which came into force at the end of the year caused all but about a dozen not to rejoin. but ironically a lot of them still come along to MADO events as independents - many of them being involved in other sports in the area.

[ryeland of doom]

Brilliant! Says it all, and good choice of paper as well.
Makes me proud to be an orienteer.

Perhaps you should have sent it to a certain local rag in Kent!

[MikeWinter]

Thanks for the detail and scan Mrs H, that was a great article.. I assume from your comments that the local BOF rather than national BOF membership was still a step too far for the newcomers? I wonder if some kind of stepped entry system for membership would be of benefit? Many social and sports clubs and even some political parties offer reduced price membership for the first year, so people can see what they get for their money...

[EddieH]

Have you done a pamphlrt for the more mentally challenged children