Guidelines for new members

KAMLOOPS OUTDOOR CLUB
GUIDELINES FOR PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS

Welcome to the Kamloops Outdoor Club!

    This hand-out is intended to outline information about the Club, how to become a member, and guidelines for outings.

    The Kamloops Outdoor Club was founded in 1936 by Jack Gregson – now honorary president for life. The Club members share fellowship and a variety of outdoor interests, such as hiking and cross-country skiing, throughout the year, with an outing planned for most Sundays/weekends of the year. Pets are not allowed on club outings.

    The Club owns a cabin, and maintains historical records of its activities. Early records are kept at the Kamloops Museum. All Club work is done by members volunteering their time and labor. The cabin and its surrounding area is a non-smoking environment.

    The Club activities vary with the season, each having its own unique highlight. The summer features backpacking and car-camping to both remote and easy-access areas. The fall brings more day hikes, work parties, and the annual banquet. Winter is devoted to cross-country skiing, both day trips and the occasional weekend away. A traditional Christmas party is held at the cabin. Spring is celebrated with the new bloom of flowers on day hikes and a gourmet picnic above Chase. All outings are planned at regular program meetings and everyone is invited to attend and share his/her ideas.

Prospective members are initially expected to:

a)    participate in 2 to 3 outings
a)participate in one work party, or during your first 4 months as a club member, volunteer for a club activity
c)    complete a liability waiver
b)pay annual membership fee of $30.00

In addition, there is an expectation that members participate on an ongoing basis in club activities and work parties. This club is founded on the principle of fellowship in the outdoors.

Club outings are rated in the following star rating:

           CRITERIA                                          COMMENT

1 star (*)       hiking time < 4-5 hours           easy terrain/slower pace
           elevation gain < 1000 feet           shorter distance

2 star (**)       hiking time     < 5-6 hours           sturdy footwear recommended
           elevation gain < 2000 feet           no scrambling

3 star (***)       hiking time     < 6-7 hours           boots required
           elevation gain < 3000 feet           may involve scrambling

4 star (****)   hiking time over 7 hours           boots required, may involve
           elevation gain over 3000 feet           scrambling, aids may be needed

    On hikes leaders rate trips according to any one criteria. Backpacking will always be noted in the narrative. Always discuss trip with the leader ahead of time.

    On all outings where car-pooling is done, at the end of the trip, please offer the driver some compensation for gasoline and wear-and-tear on the vehicle. Consider offering what you feel would be fair if you had been driving that car and would be receiving the compensation.

    On all outings, leaders determine the number of hikers/skiers that they feel comfortable leading, or are suitable for the circumstances of the outing. If you call late or are not a member, accept that you may not be able to go on a particular trip.

SKIING:

    Rating will be based on time required to complete the ski outing, as well as trail conditions expected, using the star system. In general off – track skiing requires a little more skill than on – track skiing, e.g. intermediate on – track skills needed for 1 (*) star off – track.

GUIDLEINES FOR PARTICIPANTS:

    1) You must phone the leader ahead of any scheduled trip. It is not sufficient     to phone another hiker/skier to find out the assembly place and time.

    2) The club plans to leave the assembly place on time. Please, be there at         least 5 min. prior to the designated time.

    3) The club does not permit pets on outings and trips.

    4) Both hiking and skiing with the club are done as a group. It is a club policy that you remain behind the leader and in front of the tailender/sweeper. It is only with consent of the leader that any variation of this rule is permitted.

    5) For bathroom breaks, leave your pack on the trail so that the tailender knows you are behind a tree/rock.

    6) Splinter groups are only permitted with prior discussion and agreement of the leader. The size of the splinter group will be decided by the leader based on terrain, weather, route finding skills, etc.

1)The club practices low impact hiking e.g. all garbage including toilet paper should be packet out.

2)The club's constitution and by-laws are posted on our website for your perusal.

http://www.oocities.org/ve7sjk

THESE GUIDELINES ARE FOR YOUR PROTECTION AND SAFETY AND TO ENSURE THAT YOUR OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE WILL ALWAYS BE ENJOYABLE AND SAFE.

Revised: August 2006
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