Group Guidelines

-       Outdoor Connection events are women only, age 21 and above. No children. No pets. Please see our general group info on the Welcome and Frequently Asked Questions pages.

-       Please read the complete event info before attending. We have different types of events, and you want to be sure the ones you sign up for meet your needs. We provide thorough information in the event description, including details about our meeting location, expected distance, pace, how to find us, etc. Please read all the information so that you know what to expect. Feel free to post a comment or message the event host if you have questions, but please read the information provided in the event details and any provided links first - chances are your question is already answered there.

-       If you indicate “attending”, we expect to see you at the event. Our organizers and event hosts volunteer their time and effort to make our events a success, including a lot of behind the scenes work (trail recon, planning routes, checking for conflicting events at the park, monitoring trail status, monitoring weather, answering questions, arriving early, etc.) Please respect that by taking the time to update your RSVP if you're no longer planning to attend. See our Attendance Policy page for details.

-       The event start time is the time that we start moving! We do not wait for late arrivals. This means that you should be at our meeting point ready to go a couple of minutes before the start time. Arrive early enough to find the exact location, stop at the bathroom if needed, have your gear ready, and be prepared to head out at the designated time. If you're late, you will miss us.

-       Pay attention to the start location info posted in the event details. Even if we are going to a park you have been to previously, we may be meeting at a different location within the park. Sometimes the starting point is a long drive from the park entrance, and the park location on your GPS and map pin in the event may not get you all the way there. You may be late or lost if you haven't taken the time to familiarize yourself with where you are going. We recommend looking up the start location in advance using Google maps. The satellite version and street view can be very helpful. Understand exactly where you are going rather than relying strictly on your car GPS.

-       Your membership profile for our Meetup group must include your name and a recognizable profile photo of yourself that clearly shows your face. This makes it much easier for us to recognize you at events. This is a requirement to join and must be maintained to remain a member. Last names are not mandatory, but it’s helpful to include an initial or some other identifier if you have a common name.

-       Our events are for our Meetup group members only (no guests). We need to be sure that all participants have met our membership requirements, have agreed to our waiver, and have access to accurate information about our group and events.

-       We follow Leave No Trace Principles. Don't litter (this includes fruit peels). Don't take anything from the park (this includes rocks, pinecones, etc.). Respect wildlife (maintain a safe distance and don't feed / approach animals). Be considerate of other trails users (move over for bikes, don't play music, etc.).

-       Our organizers and event hosts are volunteers and fellow participants, not guides. You need to come fully prepared with all your own gear, maps, etc. as if you are going out alone. Don’t forget to bring water for all outdoor events. You might need extra if it's hot or we're covering a longer distance. Be sure to bring safety supplies and a trail map.

-       You are responsible for your own costs related to any Meetup event. This includes meals, travel, park entry fees, launch fees, campsite reservations, etc.

-       You are responsible for travel to and from our Meetup events. The group organizer and event hosts do not coordinate carpools. Members are welcome to arrange carpooling on their own if desired.

-       Participation is always at your own risk. No member of this group, group organizer, or event host accepts responsibility for your physical safety or your property.

-       If you have any medical conditions or limitations, choose events that suit your abilities. Please ensure you have your physician’s clearance to participate in outdoor fitness activities.

-       Always have I.D. and emergency contact info available. This should be on your person (in your pocket, in your pack, or on your wrist) during all activities.

-       Meetup events may be canceled due to inclement weather, closed trails, poor trail conditions, insufficient participation, and a variety of additional circumstances. Please sign up if you plan to attend, and always check for updates before leaving home.

-       Do not attempt to promote your own events, other groups, or sell any type of product or service through our group events or online resources. Our Meetup group, Facebook group, and additional web resources are available strictly to disseminate information about our group and our scheduled events.

-       Group members may be removed from this group for the following: * repeat no shows or last minute cancellations * unkind, discriminatory, or inappropriate behavior towards other members * not adhering to our profile photo policy * littering or acting in a manner destructive to trails and public (or private) property * not following trail rules or being discourteous to other trail users * any unsafe behavior that puts you or others at risk * solicitation/sales of supplements, health products, or ANY other products or services * illegal activity * copying of group content (event details, webpage content, etc.) for use by other groups * non-participation * any other reason deemed necessary by the group organizers