MISSION control is calling all eight to 14-year-olds to join them in a race against the clock to explore the universe.
Space racing is an orienteering activity in which racers have a limited time to visit as many space stations as possible before they must return to mission control. Each group is given a map to help them navigate through the galaxies and unlock as many stations as possible with their space key.
Space racing was developed by orienteering clubs in Sydney and has been conducted in various parks around the city during school holidays for the last couple of years. This school holidays the local Goldseekers Orienteering Club is making it available in Orange for the first time.
Space racers need to plan ahead and manage their time carefully so they can visit as many space stations as possible in the time allowed. A visit to each station earns points but for every minute or part minute that space racers are over time, they lose points.
Space racers have a map indicating the location of space stations and in small teams they need to work together to locate them. Space racers generally cover 500 metres to three kilometres during an event. The distance and speed is set by the team and can be relaxed or intense as they wish.
At each space station racers register their personal electronic space key which can then be downloaded when they return to mission control to confirm the space stations visited and points earned.
Space racing is conducted in safe urban park areas and it well supervised. However, mums, dads, brothers, sisters and friends are all welcome to tag along or even take on the challenge themselves. Every keen young explorer is welcome, and no experience is necessary. Free introductory coaching is available.
All youngsters are welcome to join the local Goldseekers Orienteering Club during the school holidays at any of the events starting at 9.30am on Saturday and running for an hour. The locations are PCYC Anzac Park, Seymour Street (January 12), CSU Campus, Leeds Parade (January 19) and Elephant Park, Woodward Street (January 26).