EMPO has scheduled 3 spring events:
April 1-30 – Switzkill Farm, Berne – details here
May 17-23 – Moreau State Park – course notes here
Note that the Usynligo phone app can be used for the Moreau courses. They are posted on the app database under EMPO 2021 Moreau, 5/14/21 (NOT Moreau Challenge!)
June 19-27 – Thacher Park
All events will be no-contact and will be on the UsynligO phone app.
There will be ribbons (no control flags) at the controls for the official period of each event; after the ribbons are removed the courses can still be done using Usynligo.
Remember you can try out several EMPO courses at any time using the UsynligO phone app!
Click here for more information about using UsynligO.
During this COVID era, we are adhering to OUSA guidelines by offering “no-contact” meets. These entail registering and paying online, downloading a map, doing the course at any time during the designated timeframe, self-timing and submitting your time to the meet organizer.
We strongly urge all participants to observe public health protocols, such as social distancing and using face coverings, while attending our events to protect themselves and other park users from corona virus transmission.
Tom O’Grady has written about his family’s experience at the club’s first No Contact meet at Garnsey Park in May 2020 – find the article here!
Driving Directions to Meet Venues
Entry Fees
* EMPO members: $5 or $13 maximum per family
* non-members: $10 or $25 maximum per family
* first-timer or novice course: $5 (member or non-member)
SI stick rental for timing /compass: $2
Meet Procedures
Please note that the procedures outlined below are for regular meets; due to the corona virus we are currently implementing “no contact” policies.
EMPO holds regular club meets in the Albany area during the spring and fall. These are augmented by a summer sprint series in local parks along with ski orienteering events a little further afield during the winter months.
Club meets are open to members and non-members alike. Usually 3 or 4 courses are offered, ranging from beginner to advanced. You may try a course by yourself, with a partner or with a larger group. You can walk leisurely around the course or run a competitive navigational race. A map of your chosen course is included in the registration fee, and you get to keep it after you finish to review later. You will also need a compass and an electronic timing stick to record your time, both of which can be rented on site. The Registration and Start window for EMPO events is 11 am – 1 pm (unless otherwise noted) and there is usually a 2-3 hour time limit per course, after which controls are picked up. All participants are requested to return to the start/finish area before leaving the venue, even if you don’t complete your course, for safety purposes. Click here for more details about meet procedures.