LOC family project year 3 report
Lakeland Orienteering Club (LOC) received grant funding from us for a three year family project with a paid club development officer. Those 3 years have now come to an end, and we bring you a report on that third year.
The LOC Family Project has concluded its third year, with Kath Savage as the club development officer doing a huge amount across the three years to make the project a success. Her efforts were acknowledged as the British Orienteering Development & Innovation Award for 2024 (see news article).
In year three the project has focused on making the developments from previous years sustainable going forwards, while continuing to engage new families in orienteering. Despite some challenges, the project achieved notable successes in events, membership growth, and community engagement.
Key achievements include
- hosting family-friendly events like "Come and Try It" sessions, workshops
- launching a Permanent Orienteering Course at National Trust Fell Foot Park
- attracting 100 families to two February half-term workshops and 45 families to each March Saturday workshop
- bimonthly Saturday Series to maintain momentum
- offering beginner-friendly courses at all events.
Membership trends remained steady, with 70 new members recruited this year. Junior memberships doubled compared to pre-project figures, though uptake of free junior memberships declined due to fewer introductory events. The Explorer Awards continued to incentivize junior participation, with 50 juniors registered and 23 completing three or more events.
Social media proved vital for publicity, leading to the appointment of a paid Publicity Officer. However, volunteer recruitment remains a challenge, and the absence of a Lead Coach has limited coaching opportunities.
Looking ahead, LOC aims to sustain family-friendly events, enhance junior incentives, and address volunteer shortages. The club will also review membership fees (like currently free junior membership) to ensure continued growth and accessibility.
You can read the full report here.