For all families wanting to learn how to orienteer, there are some free workshops offered by the Gray Recreation Department this summer to learn how to do it. The workshop dates are: June 17, July 8, 22 and 29.

Orienteering is a sport that uses a detailed map to find check points along a course. Once a check point is found, each player marks their course card with the paper punch attached to the control station. Naturally the paper punch - and their various patterns - are what my kids really enjoy. And although orienteering is traditionally organized as a race, my family has never been interested in that aspect. It's finding the control stations that feel like a treasure hunt that we all love.

The free workshops being offered are geared toward families wanting to learn the sport. Pineland Farms has monthly courses set up so for a small fee, families can orienteer anytime they want from spring through fall. Libby Hill also has plans in the works for offering a monthly course as well in the fall.

The free workshops are open to families (for all ages with parents supervising young children) to learn the sport together and will begin at the base of Libby Hill Trails, adjacent to the Gray-NG Middle School, at the end of Libby Hill Road in Gray, off Rt 26.

All classes begin at 9 a.m. and are expected to run about 60-90 minutes. The coordinator of the workshops suggests families bring water, a snack, bug stuff and wear good shoes. For more info contact Tracy Ross at 657-7213, inbox1803@yahoo.com