Frequently Asked Questions
As if you don't have enough to read/digest/incorporate into your lives, here's some info from the AO office. Hopefully it will answer questions about the club and how we go about business.
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| How long has the club been around? |
We're not sure, but we know it started some time after Lewis & Clark got lost on that weekend camping trip. |
| How many members are there? |
Roughly 80 at present. That number varies especialily whether you count multiple personalities. Presently there are 6 women listed in the roster. |
| Are there regular meetings? |
Not really. We're a very informal networking group. As long as someone volunteers to hold a potluck or any other function, then we get together. |
| How do we decide what activities to do? |
Any member of the club can sponsor (lead or coordinate) an outing/trip/activity and is encouraged to do so. Member sponsorship works well for several reasons. Each person has their own idea of what is fun or interesting. Some ideas overlap, but the diversity adds a range of differing activities and opportunities. You may never have considered spelunking but George sponsors a caving trip and you really enjoy it. These diverse activities attract a wider range of people and spread the sponsoring of trips around. |
| What do I do if I have an idea for an activity? |
You mean, you want to sponsor an event, right? Bring up the idea at the private (members only) Yahoo group. You should have the information necessary to bring the event to fruition (cost, dates, times, etc.). Post the activity in the AO Yahoo group and find out who's interested. If an emergency comes up and you cannot attend, you will need to find a replacement sponsor or call the attendees and cancel the activity. By sponsoring events, you (hopefully) feel more a part of the club. And members, friends, and family will be impressed by your awesome organizational skills. (Although actually it's pretty easy.) |
| I like certain activities but don't feel comfortable leading an outing. What then? |
No problem! Bring up your idea anyway and say you don't feel comfortable leading it but think it might be worthwhile. Someone else may be willing to sponsor it, you might cosponsor with someone, or it might just go down on the list of potential future activities. |
| I want to attend an activity. What should I do? |
Contact the sponsor. Even if you know where and when people are meeting, the sponsor will need to know you are interested so that you can be called if the event is cancelled or modified. |
| How are activities publicized? |
The AO Yahoo group is the primary means of disseminating information and allows people to plan ahead. We do not have a newsletter. |
| What gear do I need? |
It varies according to the activity. For example, you will need a tent for camping and nail polish for slumber parties (just kidding). The sponsor will be able to tell you what you need. |
| Are there liability issues? |
Yes. The sponsor is responsible for telling participants of needed skills, endurance levels, possible hazards, etc. If the sponsor has reason to believe that certain participants do not possess the requirements to safely engage in an activity, they will be asked not to participate. Furthermore, if during the course of an activity the sponsor feels a participant is being unsafe (to themselves or others), they will be asked to terminate their participation. Safety is important to us. Individuals need to exercise good judgment and common sense. Individuals participate at their own risk and with the understanding that trip leaders are not to be considered experts. Adventuring Outdoors and its individual members take no ultimate responsibility and disclaim any and all liability for personal injury or property damage associated with its activities. |
| How much does membership cost? |
There are no membership dues.
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| Interested in joining? |
Fill out the Membership Application Form (PDF or MS Word) and
it. |