About CHC 2012

This group’s intent is to bring residents of the Charleston area who love outdoor activities together for adventures and day trips. Meetups will not only be made up of climbing and hiking activities, but will encompass a wide range of outdoor activities including paddling, camping, hiking, climbing, as well as many other outdoor activities. Monthly planning get togethers, local day hikes and longer ranging weekend trips will make up the majority of our gatherings, but I would also like to plan longer trips occasionally. All the outings will be based on 3 principles:

1) Enjoying what the natural world has to offer while making new friendships and connections.
2) Keeping the cost of each outing minimal.
3) Respecting the outdoors and leaving them the same or better off than when we arrived.

That said, this will also be an open site. You can plan appropriate trips, e-mail me, and I'll post them with you as the host. I will do my best to keep the trips planned otherwise, but any ideas or help is always appreciated.

As my Climbing background is very limited, I’m also looking for a Co-Organizer who would like to organize climbing based outings to Climbing Gyms, Climbing Walls and Climbing Areas. Please let me know if you are interested in this role with the group! 


NEW MEMBERS: please read this section all the way to the bottom before you join our group.

DOES THIS MEETUP COST MONEY?
No. The organizer pays the fees to Meetup.com and this cost is not passed to the members. All organizers are volunteers and there are no membership fees or dues to attend any event. We work really hard to look for no-cost activities; occasionally however, some events have fees that are passed on at cost. See each meeting detail for information on any fees. Members can make donations to the group to cover costs and time; if you'd like to make a donation, please talk with an organizer at a Meet and Greet! All money will be used to help off-set costs for the web site and for costs of reserving campsites.

HOW TO CHOOSE AN EVENT
Our events are posted on the event board (on the "Welcome" page) and also on the calendar (use the link on the left side of your screen). There will always be a description of the trail given for every hike posted. Please READ each hike description to see if it's a good fit for you. This keeps you safe and keeps your fellow hikers happy. If you are a beloved newbie, please start out with one of our EASY hikes to see "where you are." Please do NOT come out on a hike that's too difficult for your condition on hike day or if you've had a really late night. Please be aware of your own physical condition and limitations. Also, do your homework about the event, read about the trail in as many places that you can; almost all can be found through Google. If you are new to hiking, read as much as you can so as not to be surprised when you get out onto the trails. We will always describe each trip and put up some links to other sources of information to better inform you. If you are just beginning to hike, then the 13 mile hike with the 3800 foot elevation change may not be the one for you, wait for the 4 or 6 mile hike, be smart...be prepared.

BEFORE YOU RSVP
While we care a great deal about the safety of EVERYONE (not just you), it is YOUR responsibility to be safe while you are at any event with us. This means that if you would like to join us, it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to read the event description and come prepared. This keeps all of us safe and happy. Always read all the way to the bottom of each event page. New information is always at the bottom as it is added for the event. The event organizer is fully empowered to turn folks away or to ask folks to turn back part-way through any event for any reason. Organizers are also fully empowered to bump anyone who regularly shows up unprepared or RSVPs "Yes" for an event that's outside their ability. Organizers can edit the RSVP list.

HOW TO RSVP
If you want to attend, RSVP "Yes." Feel free to RSVP if you’re not quite sure yet, but would like to come. If you are unable to attend or do not wish to attend, simply RSVP "NO." A 'no' is as good as a 'yes' in helping us to plan future events. Please un-RSVP as soon as you know you will not be able to attend, as others may like to come if there is an opening. There is a comment section should you want to leave any notes for the event organizer or other hikers.

WHY SOME EVENT ARE RSVPS LIMITED
Occasionally we will plan a trip that has a Limited number of spots available for participants. This is generally due to campsite space, permit availability and overall usage space of the area we will be hiking in. Some campsites, unfortunately, are just too small to support a pack of 30 campers! Not all events will have an RSVP limit, but please understand that it is NOT OKAY to come to a limited event unless you have a "Yes" RSVP. Event limits are done to ensure that everyone has a good outdoor experience (not just us, but other hikers and visitors too). If you just show up for an event without a "Yes" RSVP, then the organizer will ask you to leave. Repeated occurrences will result in you being removed from the members list. No matter how many people sign up for a particular event, we typically split up into smaller groups with different speeds. We naturally have fast hikers, moderate hikers, and casual hikers; don't let the group you fall into lessen your enjoyment of the hike! The scenery is what's important, not how fast you walk past it. More than anything, it allows us to have a smaller "footprint" at the park. This makes a big difference to other hikers on the trail. We will always have check points and breaks, allowing everyone to group back up and arrive safely at the end of any section of a hike.

HOW TO BRING YOUR FRIENDS
If you'd like to bring guests, family members, spouses and friends to our events, please make sure the RSVP limit for each event allows this. If you have any questions, contact the event leader and ask if guests are okay.

HOW TO CARPOOL TO A HIKE
We often meet at a designated spot then carpool to a hike. Always offer your driver gas money. If you don't feel comfortable carpooling then feel free to simply meet us at the trailhead.

PLEASE DO NOT volunteer to drive if you cannot read a map, follow directions, or have an unreliable vehicle.

WHAT IF I DON'T KNOW ANYONE AT THE HIKE?
We are a very friendly group. If it is your first time out with us, you may THINK that everyone at the hike knows each other (except for you). While easy to believe, this is actually not exactly accurate. Just start talking. It works every time. Our meet and greets are designed to allow members to meet each other in a safe, neutral environment.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR/PACK/BRING ON HIKE DAY?
There's a lot of information for each hike posted; so, please read full hike descriptions and do what it says. On nearly all hikes, we stop for lunch/snacks but we do not necessarily stop at a half-way point in the hike. Bring a snack for most all hikes and plan on eating it. Water is critical on all hikes, especially in hotter months. It's always better to bring too much water than to bring too little. Bottled water is perfectly fine; but as you get more serious, you might invest in one of the water reservoirs (Camelback is a popular brand) that you wear on your back or are built into backpacks. Speaking of backpacks, if you're a beginner, don't think you have to go out and spend a ton of money on a fancy designer backpack. The one you used in college or got for free at that last trade show should be fine for day hikes. Like the water reservoirs, as you get more serious, look at investing in a good backpack designed for day hikes. However, footwear is something you should not skimp on. Good walking/running shoes are okay for shorter hikes or on dirt and mulch trails but for longer hikes and especially for rocky or wet terrain, please invest in a good pair of hiking boots or shoes. We recommend that you do not wear cotton socks, invest in a pair of SmartWool socks or its equivalent, there are many brands of wool hiking socks on the market. If your feet cannot make the distance, neither will you! Finally, dress for the weather. If we've had a lot of rain, the trails will be muddy. If it's cold, dress in warm layers that can be removed if you warm up as you hike. Many hikes will still go on during rain/snow/ice but check the event description one more time before you head out the door to make sure it hasn't been canceled. If you're not comfortable with what you're seeing or feeling outside, then please change your RSVP to reflect that you won't be attending. Please also check out the discussion forum for essential items to carry on longer hikes and camping trips. If you have any questions on this, Please send me an email!

WHAT IF I'M LATE?
We generally wait a bit for folks, however we do not wait for everyone who has signed up; please be on time or you may be left.

IS ALL OF THIS SAFE?
Our organizers are volunteers and not paid professionals. While one of the group's goals is to make sure everyone has a fun and safe time on the trails (and at other events); your personal safety is your responsibility. If you have a medical condition or limitation of any type, it is your responsibility to prepare yourself for any unforeseen problems that you may have. If you are unsure if you are able to include yourself in an event please consult with your medical caretaker for their opinion of your abilities. We are not doctors. Even without a release form, be aware that Meetup.com's terms of service agreement specifically says that members join any and all meetups at their own risk and cannot hold meetup.com or its organizers and other members liable for damages.

AFTER AN EVENT
Please rate the event and type in some comments. This helps us plan future events, but realize that your comments are available for public viewing. If you have a problem during an event and don't feel comfortable talking about it then, please email an organizer to pass on the information.
Please feel free to upload photos to each event page. Please keep in mind the organizers can remove photos that are deemed inappropriate.

HOW TO SUGGEST A FUTURE EVENT
Any member with an idea for a hike can suggest plans with an organizer by clicking any one of the organizers' names in the left hand column of the page. Please include preferred dates, times and directions to the hike. We would be happy to organize the event for the group.

RULES OF CONDUCT

This is a fun group, and we’re having more and more fun every day. I sincerely hope that this group grows and becomes even more fun for even more people. I have been amazed at the diversity of our members and how well everyone has gotten along. I would also like this group to be as “open” as possible, with members suggesting and leading events (when possible), and not putting limits on things. Unfortunately, I need to mention a few things, and limit a few things. And yes, they are common sense to most people, but I need to be clear on where this group stands.
We have as current members, at least 6 different religions that I know of represented, and of course the full spectrum of political views. As I said before, I am amazed at how many conversations I have witnessed and been a part of on these controversial topics where everybody showed mutual respect and got along. Good for us! We don’t, and shouldn’t in my opinion, all believe the same things. It’s what makes the world go around!
For the most part however, controversial topics are best left alone while at a meetup. But as we get to know one another, these topics will naturally arise and I do not want to say “Off Limits” to anyone. I think it is healthy for people to discuss whatever they want, and get to know one another. This group however is not a place for anyone to push their views on others, so here are this meetup’s rules of conduct:

*If anyone asks for a topic to be dropped or not started (especially religion and politics), drop it immediately!

*Do not push your views on anyone for any reason!

*Do not cause a scene of any kind for any reason!

*Do not deliberately insult any other member for any reason!

*Do not bring up personal situations that will cause or are controversial!

*Be respectful of others privacy, especially when it comes to sexual preference, race, religion, culture, ethnicity, economic level and food choice (vegan, carnivore, vegetarian, etc)

*If someone breaks these rules, please be tolerant and respectful, and see the group organizer. He will do his best to deal with the situation is a calm, private manner.

*If you feel the need to discuss anything mentioned above in a less than kind manner, please do it in private, not in the public setting where those who do not wish to be involved will be forced to endure the situation!

*If an Event Organizer, Assistant Organizer, or Host thinks that you will not abide by these rules, it is up to their discretion as to allow you on a particular hike or event. If they ask you kindly to remove yourself from an RSVP list, please do so. If you feel you have been wronged or are being discriminated against, please contact the group organizer immediately. Event organizers and hosts please let me know if you plan on doing this, and do so in an unbiased way.

*This is a hiking group not a singles or dating group. You will not hassle, stalk, or bother our members with unwanted advances or comments or email. Any offenders will be deleted from the group and reported to Meetup. But if you do happen to meet someone here and there is a mutual attraction, good for the both of you! Just don't be creepy!

*Children are welcome if you feel they can handle the activity. Keep in mind this is a hiking group not a daycare service. Parents are responsible for their children at all times. When it comes to rafting trips, kayaking, swimming etc, we will use the guide posted by the company we are using or the organizer of the event. I recommend that anyone participating in a water sport know the basics about swimming.

*Pets are not allowed unless posted on the event. Please understand that pets are not to be on trips. Many of the sites we will be going to allow pets in the campgrounds but not on trails and pets cannot be left unattended at the campsite. Also a lot of places we hike pets are not allowed on trails. Bear in mind also that there are wild animals out there that can hurt your pet. So love your pet but keep it safe at home. No dogs (pets) are to be on hikes or activities unless noted or approved by organizer. If pets are allowed on events and hikes they must be on a leash at all times both on the trials and in camp to protect both other members and your pet.

*Outdoor activities to include hiking, camping, rafting, kayaking, swimming, etc., involve inherent risks. It is your responsibility as a member, guests of a member or family of member to observe appropriate safety measures during any and all activities concerning the group. By participating in this voluntary group you expressly waive any and all claims that could arise from any of the activities planned to include travel to and from and during the trip and to understand the organizer and assistant organizer or event host do not assume liability for personal injuries, death, destruction or loss of personal property. By participating in the group you expressly waive any and all such claims against each every other member in the group, including without limitation any and all claims against the group organizer or assistant organizers or event hosts.

Failure to abide by the above rules will result in you being removed from this group.

We are really looking forward to seeing YOU out on the trail!