What we’re about
We host a wide variety of outdoor and indoor/social activities.
· Outdoor/fitness events range from walking/hiking to fishing, camping, kayaking, snowshoeing, biking.
· Indoor/social events include bowling, stand-up comedy, dining out, movies, performing arts, barbeques/picnics, game nights and anything else healthy and safe.
1. Many of our outdoor events require safety awareness, personal fitness, and a range of good outdoor gear that anticipates changing weather. Our participants range in age from twenties to nineties. Some are new at outdoor adventures and others have a lot of experience. Some of our events are suitable for children and families (like car camping) and some are suitable for dogs (see below). Children under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.
2. Most of our events are in or around the Olympia/Lacey area but could be anywhere in Washington or Oregon, depending upon the organizer who plans the event.
3. Our volunteer event organizers are not guides or tour leaders. These events are like private outings with your friends, so please do your own research, contribute ideas, expect the same risks, and take all necessary precautions. For your own safety, you should familiarize yourself with the local trailheads, trip routes, terrain, weather, and hazards (see the research books and websites mentioned below). You are responsible for yourself!
EXPECTATIONS of MEMBERS
Congratulations for joining this meetup group! We are a group of fun people having fun adventures together. Aside from fun, there’s serious aspects of participation.
We expect you to attend an event within 60 days of joining, so consider carefully whether this group is right for you. Inactive members may be removed. There’s a $5 annual fee for membership which helps cover the cost of our membership on meetup.com.
· Your member name should include a real first name or nickname that people actually use for you. This helps our event hosts take attendance and makes it easier for us to get to know you. Your last name is optional, but it helps if you include a last-name-initial.
· We ask that you include a recognizable photo of yourself on your member profile. This lets us put a face with a name at events and helps in case a search effort is needed.
· Always read the full description before signing up for an event. If you invite guests, verify that they have the appropriate gear, skills, and level of fitness.
· If you RSVP 'Yes', we expect you to attend and to be on time to the event. If your plans change, please switch your RSVP to 'No' in a timely manner. Be considerate: don't RSVP 'Yes' for size-limited events if you are unlikely to attend.
· Any member can be an event organizer so that you can organize an activity that you’d like to do with others. Anyone on the leadership team can help you plan and post an event.
· Events involving sales to members are not allowed.
· This is not a dating site. If you engage in unwanted advances to our members, you will be removed.
· If you like to include your well socialized dog, please research the trail site to ensure dogs are allowed and have a leash and proper clean up supplies.
· Carpool riders are expected to be generous with cash towards gas, passes, wear and tear on driver’s car and pay at least what the driver says is owed by each rider.
· Carpool riders should be prepared with a change of shoes/outerwear and a bag for dirty boots or gear for the ride home. Please help driver pack and unpack gear.
· Helmets are required on all bicycle rides.
· Personal Flotation devices/well fitted life jackets or paddle leashes are required during water sports. Fellow adventurers may try to assist you, but you must be able to self-rescue.
· Firearms are expressly FORBIDDEN on any Adventurers outing. Anyone carrying a firearm at an Olympia Outdoor & Fun Time Adventurer event will be banned from the group.
* Vehicle break-ins can happen at any trailhead, so take precautions.
EXPECTATIONS OF ORGANIZERS
· For hikes organizers should post distance, elevation gain and approximate duration of activity. The more details the better so people can decide if the event is aligned with their schedule and fitness or interest level.
· An event that involves carpooling can be handled as the organizer wishes with either posting drivers/riders on COMMENTS or waiting until people arrive and organizing carpools at the start of the event.
· Carpool driver decides the amount owed by each rider. Carpool driver sets expectations for masks or other health measures. Riders should be generous with cash towards gas, passes, wear and tear on driver’s car.
· Organizers convene the meetup with introductions and especially welcome “first-timers.”
· If the organizer feels that a participant may be a risk to themselves or others due to lack of appropriate preparedness or gear, the Organizer may suggest the person will not help make a successful or safe event and for them to not participate. This very rarely happens.
USEFUL REFERENCE BOOKS, WEBSITES, AND APPS
*Books you can buy to do your own research and trip planning:
· Day Hiking Olympic Peninsula by Romano
· Rails-Trails Washington & Oregon by Wilderness Press
· Urban Trails Olympia by Romano
· Kayaking Puget Sound by Bob Casey
*Useful websites for trip planning; both have smart phone Apps you can use:
· Washington Trails Association (WTA): Descriptions of trails, how to get there directions, and recent trip reports of trail conditions
· AllTrails: Useful trail maps for navigation and to assess current conditions. You can also follow your progress on the map using the app, but don’t forget to download it before you go.
· Use google maps to find your way to the meetup point.
RISKS AND DISCLAIMERS
Outdoor recreation activities are inherently dangerous. By signing up for Meetup.com, you agree to the Meetup Terms of Service (https://4142298.xyz/terms/). Section 6.2 of this agreement releases the organizers and event organizer from any liability related to incidents that occur at MeetUp gatherings.
Waiver of Liability: BY JOINING AS A MEMBER OF THE Olympia Outdoor & Fun Time Adventure Meetup, OR JOINING IN AN EVENT, YOU ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURSELF.
MEETUP HELP
· Message an organizer anytime you have a question OR post it as a comment
• Help Center overview (https://help.meetup.com/hc/en-us)
• How to change account name (https://help.meetup.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002862292-How-do-I-change-my-account-name-)
• How to change profile photo (https://help.meetup.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002878591-How-do-I-change-my-profile-photo-)
• How to reset password (https://help.meetup.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002876991-How-do-I-reset-my-password-)