February KHChirps
Some short news items:
- February 1st was the date for the end of the membership drive for 2016. By that date the club had 196 members in good standing. A small number did not fully complete requirements. No new memberships will be accepted for the year, although the new Board of Directors will review the membership cap in April.
- A cap of 200 members was set in 2015 based on the Board’s assessment of the number of events, the number of leaders and the number of spaces available in events. There is enough interest in the community to have a club of over 300, but the number of leaders and event spaces is not there yet.
- There has been a bit of a shortage of event spaces over the winter because a few of our regular leaders have been out of commission due to surgery, travel, sickness, winter layoffs, and injury. Most of these will be back at leading events by spring.
- All events are filling up this winter, although there are almost always cancellations over the last 48 hours. Long-term members know that they should check the website often for new events and book early. Their names appear more frequently on events but this is because they are more active with checking. All members have an equal opportunity to book into events.
- All of the most active members continue to hike, snowshoe, bike, paddle, and backpack all year and participation in club events is just part of their fitness and outdoor programs. KHC events are not a complete fitness program; they complement a personal fitness program.
- In 2015, KHC scheduled about 170 events and will do the same for 2016. Any member who can participate in 10% of these has done well and the cost will be about $2 per outing. Hiring a hiking guide costs about $300 per day (a minimum of $150 per person). Golf or skiing is about $75 per day. Some of our members who are diligent with booking, scheduling and managing their time do over 40 KHC events!
- Over time, most KHC leaders have moved to smaller groups for a number of reasons. Hike leaders are volunteers, and based on their experiences, the leaders may go this way since smaller groups are easier to manage, they have fewer problems with group dynamics, there can be less overall difference in fitness levels, fewer logistics, and a stronger sense of a cohesive “group” while out for the day. The commitment to lead an event is a big personal responsibility and KHC wants to honor and support the individual leader’s style of leadership.
- More leaders are always needed and the Board is always open to more volunteers who may be willing to lead, co-lead, apprentice, etc. Anyone wanting to start that process should contact a Director (link).
- Each year, Hike Leaders meet twice to talk about and review relevant topics. The next meeting is set for Friday, February 6th. If any members have an interest in leading or have suggestions, contact a Director (link).
- Can the Club do things a different way? It has gradually evolved to where it is right now. Any other changes will come from current and future Volunteer Leaders. Anyone wishing to take a role in change can do so at the Annual General Meeting on March 8th. More details forthcoming.
Latest posts by Doug Smith (see all)
- Kamloops Hiking Club - September 5, 2021
- March 2021 KHChronicles - March 20, 2021
- February 2021 KHChronicles - February 20, 2021