Due to the rising popularity of outdoor activities, hiking and camping clubs are becoming extremely common, especially in areas that are surrounded by wilderness. However, such clubs can even pop up in urban areas, since many excursions are planned with the intent of getting outside of one’s immediate locality and exploring new places.
One of the first things to consider is any applicable membership fees. Most outdoor enthusiast clubs will require a membership fee, which may be paid monthly, or yearly. In addition, there is usually a fee to participate in any outings that are planned through the organization. If you are already on a tight budget and just in the beginning stages of participating in outdoor activities, you may want to wait a few months to make sure that you intend to stick with the activity for the long haul. Although outdoor activities tend to be very rewarding, they often require a great deal of preparation and require strenuous activities, so it is best to engage in a short trial period before investing a great deal of money and effort into a new outdoor hobby.
Once you have determined any specific membership dues, find out if your chosen club has regular meetings, and if members must engage in a certain amount of participation in order to be considered on active status. If your free time is very restricted due to family or workplace commitments, speak frankly about these limitations before agreeing to become a full member. Also, it may be wise to inquire about any welcome sessions or trial meetings that prospective members can attend before giving a complete commitment.
If you only like to participate in certain outdoor activities, make sure that the club will allow you to do what you most enjoy on a consistent basis. However, as with all group activities, it is best to keep an open mind and adopt an adventurous spirit whenever possible. By striving towards this sort of attitude, you may find yourself enjoying a new activity that you hadn’t previously considered!
One thing to keep in mind is that many outdoor activities are solitary by nature. Therefore, a hiking or camping club can be a fantastic option for anyone who is looking to enjoy such activities within the company of others. If you are a beginner, you will likely find that the knowledge you can glean from seasoned members of the club will be invaluable for years to come. Additionally, especially for potentially high risk activities such a rock climbing, it can be a comforting experience to participate along with others, not only to receive their advice and guidance, but also to know that you can rely on them for help or encouragement in difficult or uncertain situations.
The scope of your chosen hiking or camping club is also an important consideration. While some clubs endeavor to only participate in activities within the immediate locale, others will plan long distance trips that may involve several days of constant activity, and even overnight camping trips or hotel stays. If you are the sort of person who enjoys extensive outdoor trips, you may find that the resources of the club are well worth the membership fee. For example, many clubs will take care of the administrative tasks of booking accommodations and activities, leaving you to merely pay a reasonable fee, and show up at the correct time and place. So, it is easy to see how this can be a great advantage for people who love to embark on adventures without having to do a lot of advanced planning. However, if you have a family or workplace who would be concerned by your prolonged absence during a trip, make sure to consider all aspects before committing to anything.
Finally, these sorts of social gatherings can be a way to meet people who have diverse goals and interests without searching too hard. Whether you are looking for a romantic partner or simply a buddy to go hiking with, the welcoming and friendly atmosphere that is so often present in these clubs can encourage even the most timid people to branch out of their current social circles and make new friends who have similar mindsets.