Deeside 2024
The Deeside training camp is normally based at Templars’ Park, Maryculter on the banks of the River Dee near Aberdeen. The camp is for around 16 athletes, the final number being determined by the Selectors and the Team Manager.
The camp will run from Saturday 3 August – Saturday 10 August.
Selection policy now available
Generic information about Deeside
Location
The Deeside training camp is based at the Templar’s Park Scout Camp, Maryculter (http://www.templarspark.org.uk/ ). The site is only 8 miles from Aberdeen and is easily accessible from the A93.
The Deeside valley is rich in excellent orienteering areas such as Glen Feardar, Cambus O’May, Inchmarnoch, Creag Choinnich etc.
Accommodation
Accommodation is in two buildings, the George Smith centre and the White House. Both have a number of dormitories of various sizes and their own showers and toilets.
The tour chef prepares all the meals on site and specific dietary needs are catered for. Athletes will be expected to assist with minor chores during the camp.
The site is 45 acres in size so there is plenty of room for outdoor games.
Background
2013 was the first year that this site has been used for an extended camp, previously having been used by ScotJOS (The Scottish Junior Squad) for weekend trainings.
Although this is the first time that this location has been used for this tour similar camps have taken place since the late 1990’s based at Glenmore Lodge, Badaguish and Lagganlia.
The move to Maryculter has been largely prompted by restricted land access caused by the presence of capercaillie and WOC 2015 in the Spey valley.
Terrain
As indicated above there are many top class orienteering areas along the A93 from Braemar in the east to Aberdeen in the west. In addition to those mentioned above there are the areas of Bogendreip, Glen Dye, Scolty and Allt Cailleach all within easy reach of the centre.
These areas present different orienteering tests to the terrain in the Spey Valley and are seen as a suitable progression for the juniors.
Attendees
The camp is aimed at M/W16’s who have achieved the required standard in the nominated selection races (See Deeside Selection criteria). It is expected that up to 16 M/W16’s will attend
In support of the camp there is a Tour Manager (TM) who has responsibility for such things as travel, accommodation, food etc.
The TM is supported by a chef and a Lead Coach. The Lead Coach has a team of up to 8 coaches, providing an ample coach: athlete ratio.
Selection Policy
Eligibility
The camp is for M/W15’s born in 2009
Numbers
The camp will be for around 16 athletes, the final number being determined by the Selectors and the Team Manager.
Criteria
Athletes wishing to be selected will have achieved the standard set out below in the following races;
British Long Distance Champs 2024 (13th April)
JK Day 2 2024 (30th March)
JK Day 3 2024 (31st March)
British Middle Distance 2024 (27th April)
Northern Champs. 2024 (28th April)
Standard for selection
The best three results will be considered from the selection races. It is expected that a good silver will be achieved (winner+ 35%).
The Deeside camp selectors
The camp athletes will be selected by Susan Marsden (Chair), Pauline Olivant and Sue Roome.
Unable to compete at a selection race?
All cases of illness or injury as well as any family commitments which may affect an athlete’s ability to compete in one or more of the above selection races should be notified in writing to the athletes Regional Squad coordinator prior to the running of that race, clearly explaining the reasons for their failure to compete. The Regional Squad Coordinator will make the Selectors aware of such notifications.