Beaver Street-O
at
Beaver Library (6 Oct)



Street-O is an activity in which you use a map and a compass and go around the streets of Beaver looking for orange and white control flags.  The maps will be topographic maps which show the terrain and permanent features such as buildings, streams, roads, trees, etc. of Beaver.  However, there are no street names included on the maps.  Each person or group chooses which control flags to visit and in what order.  Participants may run, jog, or take a leisurely stroll while searching for the control flags marked on the map and by using the descriptions provided.  Each control flag is an orange and white triangular nylon bag which will be tied to things like trees, fence posts, or statues.  You will know which control flag you have reached by looking at its number.  Beside each flag will be a blue plastic box with a small hole.  You will record that you have located a control flag by placing the finger stick into the plastic box until it beeps and flashes.  Then you may go to another location.  Control flags will be located on both public and private property in town.  Either way, you need to be courteous and follow all pedestrian safety rules.  Only navigation by foot is permitted.  No driving!  No bicycles!  (There will be several people out there watching the event!)  However, baby strollers or wheelchairs are permitted.  A few control flags may be difficult to reach by wheelchair.  


There will likely be 25 or 30 control flags placed around the town of Beaver.  Each control flag is worth varying numbers of points.  Participants need to return to the start/finish with their whole group by noon in order to avoid a point penalty.  After checking in at the finish, participants may enjoy the refreshments in the library while waiting for the results to be announced.

This event will take place rain or shine, so dress accordingly.  The maps will be in plastic bags to keep them dry.

Scout groups, Youth groups, and other groups are welcome.  However, for the most enjoyment and maximum navigational learning, it's best to break up into smaller groups of 2-4 participants each.  In these cases, the minors will receive a map for free, but an adult who follows along may like to purchase a map for him/herself.  On the pre-registration, you need to register each group separately, but it's easy enough to make changes when you arrive.  For minors at the event without a parent or guardian, go to www.wpoc.org/waivers.htm to handle waivers of liability.   If you have any questions, call Jennifer Livingston at 412 908-0156.

To preregister, go to www.wpoc.org and click on Preregistration in the Orienteering Events menu.   Preregistration for this event will end on October 3.  Payment will be collected at the event; the fee is $5 per map.    There is one exception - for any minor registering individually or as part of a group, one map-fee is waived.  This exception is to encourage kids to become involved in orienteering.  Preregistration is preferred so that we are sure we have enough maps.

Schedule for the day

9:30-10:30 am
Check in:  pay for maps, sign waivers, turn in waivers for minors, limited compasses available to borrow (a compass with a flat baseplate works best with the map).  You will also receive an electronic device to wear on your finger (a finger stick) which will record your visit to each control flag and allow you to have a printout of your results to take home at the end.  (A lost finger stick costs you a $40 replacement fee.) (A lost compass costs you a $12 replacement fee.)

10:15-10:45am
Instruction on how to use the map and compass.  Instruction on how to use the Electronic finger stick.  

11:00am
Mass Start for Everyone.  You will have 60 minutes to find as many points as you can.  You must obey all pedestrian rules and you do not have permission to be on private property except where a control is located.  Please respect the homeowner's property where you find control flags.  The course closes promptly at Noon.  You MUST return to the start/finish by 12:15 because we will be taking down the course at that time and we need to confirm you are safely returned.  You also will return your finger stick and receive a printout of your own results.

Noon-12:30 Refreshments in the library

12:30-  Results announced.