Update 4/28: Training plan added. Cancellation info added. Volunteer signups are now open on the COC registration site.
4/24: New package options are now available.

Join us for an exciting training weekend at the scenic Brooks Memorial State Park Retreat Center (directions below) near Goldendale, WA, from Friday evening May 9 through Sunday May 11, 2025!

Lodging

Stay in cozy, cabin-style bunkhouses with shared bathrooms and showers—rustic charm included! Accommodations will be family, gender-specific or mixed-gender based on demand. Families will be paired together, ensuring at least one parent and child share a cabin.

Bedding

Bedding is NOT provided, so make sure you bring your own. Bring a towel, too!

Meals

Enjoy shared meals at the retreat center, where we can swap stories from the day. We’ll accommodate basic dietary preferences (vegetarian and meat options) and do our best to support gluten-free needs. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accommodate other dietary restrictions or allergies. You’re welcome to opt out of the meal plan and bring your own food; however, kitchen facilities won’t be available for personal cooking. Goldendale, just 30 minutes away, offers a few restaurant options.

Social Events

While the full schedule is still in the works, we’re planning some fun, low-key activities outside of training. The focus is on skill-building, but you can count on a campfire to unwind, laugh, and share stories from the day.

Training

Whether you’re attending Sun Lakes the weekend before or just looking to sharpen your skills, this is your chance to grow. From refining your navigation to avoiding common control placement errors, we offer sessions for beginner, intermediate, and advanced skill levels. Explore various formats, improve map reading, and work alongside experts to prepare for upcoming events like the Teanaway Races or the final two Ultimate Series weekends.

Led by Cascade’s Training Coordinator, Caroline Sandbo, our team of experienced instructors (Ross Burnett, Jessica Colleran, and Dave Tallent) is ready to share their expertise with you, whether you’re a beginner or a veteran.

(Tentative) Training Plan (there may be changes)

Schedule		Beginner	Intermediate	Advanced
Friday	7 pm – 8 pm	Rootbeer relay
Saturday	9:30 am – 11:30 am	Map reading and visualization	Distance estimation, compass, and contours
	1 pm – 3 pm	FOOT and compass work	Vegetation and handrails
	3 pm – 4 pm	Downhill course	Memory – O’	Sardines
	8:30 pm – 10:00 pm	Night – O’
Sunday	9:30 am – 10:30 am	Vegetation and handrails	Sardines	Window – O’
	10:30 am – 11:30 am	Sardines	Window – O’	Control Pick
	1 pm – 3 pm	Relay – teams of 3 (beg, int, adv)
	3 pm	Control pick-up

Register

eventreg.orienteeringusa.org/eventregister/register/start/foresttraining202

Registration will close May 5. Early registrations will really help our planning.

Packages

Choose from the following package options:

• Full Package – includes lodging, meals, and training
  — Adults (21+) – $120
  — Juniors – $100
• Training and Lodging Package (No Meals)
  — Adults (21+) – $100
  — Juniors – $80
• Training and Meals Package (No Lodging)
  — Adults (21+) – $80
  — Juniors – $70
• Training (No Lodging or Meals)
  — Adults (21+) – $60
  — Juniors – $50
• Lodging and Meals Package (No Training)
  — Adults (21+) – $90
  — Juniors – $80

Children under 8 years old who are not participating in the training, with participating parent / guardian – Please email the Registrar for a discount coupon.

Cancellations

We understand that plans sometimes change.
100% refund if cancelled before the end of May 5
50% refund if cancelled before the end of May 8.
Registrations are final after the end of May 8.
Please email the Registrar if you need to cancel.

Volunteer

To keep it affordable, we ask everyone to volunteer for one task. We’ll follow up with a sign up sheet along with a few pre-training questions soon!

When great people come together with a map and a compass, magic happens.

Register now — the forest is calling.

Directions

The Retreat Center at Brooks Memorial State Park is located on the east side of Highway 97, approximately 20 miles north of Goldendale, WA.

Parking

Parking is available on site. If you are staying overnight, you do NOT need a Discover Pass.

Day users DO need a Discover Pass. You can purchase a Discover Pass (annual or one-day) online or in person at many hunting/fishing license vendors or at several retail locations. Check the Discover Pass website for details.