What we’re about
Hi.
Thanks for checking out our group.
Scroll down for intro & info about our group.
Upcoming events:
May (maybe) @ Sedona – https://www.meetup.com/oc_camping/events/291625263
May (Memorial Day weekend) @ Sequoia – https://www.meetup.com/oc_camping/events/291160355
May (maybe) @ Kings Canyon – https://www.meetup.com/oc_camping/events/291627098
June @ Santa Monica – https://www.meetup.com/oc_camping/events/291976590
June (maybe) @ Eastern Sierra / Kearsarge Pass – https://www.meetup.com/oc_camping/events/291628001
July @ Rocky Mountain – https://www.meetup.com/oc_camping/events/290759499
July @ Denver, Colorado – https://www.meetup.com/oc_camping/events/291625668
August @ Glacier & Yellowstone – https://www.meetup.com/oc_camping/events/290447743
August @ Huntington Beach – https://www.meetup.com/oc_camping/events/291976775
September @ La Jolla – https://www.meetup.com/oc_camping/events/291976775
October @ Santa Barbara – https://www.meetup.com/oc_camping/events/291976982
October @ Washington DC & Toronto, Canada – https://www.meetup.com/oc_camping/events/291625721
April 2024 @ Austin, TX or Buffalo, NY – https://www.meetup.com/oc_camping/events/292764684
April 2024 @ Orlando, FL – https://www.meetup.com/oc_camping/events/293456343
–
Our group has kind, caring, and open-minded people, so some volunteer opportunities and Native American pow wow events might also be added:
https://www.meetup.com/oc_camping/events/calendar
For more volunteer opportunities, check out our other group:
https://www.meetup.com/SoCalVolunteers/events/calendar
–
A quick note to any who message(d) me – Meetup has a weird bug where anyone can email (me) an organizer, but if you're not a member of this group or another group we're mutually both in, then Meetup won't allow me to respond. It might be an anti-spam feature. So if anyone messaged me in the past, I'm sorry for not replying. I honestly tried, but Meetup's messaging system is strict. If anyone doesn't want to join this group, but has a question, try emailing me at wisejunkemail@gmail.com and I check that email account once a week.
–
Do you love being outside in nature, going on adventures, discovering new places, making new friends, and creating new memories?
Do you spend more time on social media than being social with real humans?
Do your friends prefer staying indoors with the virtual world (phone, tv, movies, video games, internet, etc.) ?
Or are your outdoorsy friends always busy?
Is there a fun destination you want to go to, but haven't yet because nobody was available to join you?
Are you bored of doing the same things and going to the same places every weekend?
–
Well then, good news.
Our group has many cool, friendly, and like-minded individuals.
I plan a few events/trips throughout the year, and everyone is encouraged to host their own event.
If there is a hike you want to do, a place you want to visit, or a trip/activity you want to plan...then share your idea so others can join you.
–
More info - www.meetup.com/OC_Camping/events/239368574
–
FYI: Many people ask, so I'll mention it here. Wiseman sounds like a fake name, internet moniker, or nickname, but it's my real name. Ironically, I'm pretty dumb. ;)
And if what I look like matters, use a web browser and go to https://www.meetup.com/OC_Camping/members/69743242
and under my main photo, click on "Tagged photos" and you can judge me...and decide if you want to join our group/events/trips. :)
***
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oZBIfqGvNM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UaHljP1ar4
***
If anyone is brand new to camping, some of our trips are good for first-timers.
***
For any dog-owners - as you know, many national & state parks prohibit dogs on hiking trails.
However, our Eastern Sierra & Mammoth trips are dog friendly.
Mammoth & Eastern Sierra are beautiful. Many trails allow dogs to run around and even jump/swim in lakes.
So your dogs don't have to be sad or jealous when you go to national parks without them.
Bring them on a fun camping trip!
And let them chase squirrels!
***
–
***
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Beach Day (Huntington)Huntington Beach All Inclusive Playground, Huntington Beach, CA
Preface:
I missed last year (scheduling conflicts), so I'm hoping to attend this year.
This is one of my favorite events.
If this date/location in Huntington Beach is inconvenient, similar events are happening in Santa Monica, La Jolla, and Santa Barbara.
I'm out of town this wknd and can't attend, but I still want to share about this.
If any group members want to hang out at the beach, this can be a possible meetup.
If any group members want to plan a beach day get-together and hang out together, use the comments section or event chat to coordinate (e.g. discuss carpooling, when & where to meet, etc.). If attending this as a beach day -- then this flexible, so arrive and leave whenever you want.
If volunteering, try to arrive by 7 or 7:30 am.
If not volunteering, i.e. hanging out, then feel free to arrive later, like 9 or 10 am.
The following is for those interested in volunteering. If not volunteering, and just interested in hanging out at the beach, then you can ignore the text below.
***
Hi.
I try to spread the word about volunteer opportunities and raise awareness about non-profits/charities that do good work.
This event is from Life Rolls On.
"Life Rolls On is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people affected by spinal cord injury" and other disabilities.
They host "epic surf and skate events for wheelchair athletes."
Their videos show what they're about
***
2025 Schedule - https://liferollson.org/tour
June 21 @ Santa Monica - https://liferollson.org/santamonica
July 26 @ Venice - https://liferollson.org/venice
Aug 23 @ Huntington Beach - https://liferollson.org/huntingtonbeach
Sept 13 @ La Jolla - https://liferollson.org/lajolla
Oct 4 @ Santa Barbara - https://liferollson.org/santabarbara
***
Being a surfer or advanced swimmer isn't required.
Owning a wetsuit isn't required either. Renting or borrowing a wetsuit is recommended for those helping in the deep water.
For those who are just calf-high or knee-high in the shallow water, many people seemed fine with just shorts or a swimsuit.
Life Rolls On surfing events are popular and attract hundreds of volunteers, so their online registration will eventually become full and closed.
If anyone wants to help support and cheer on individuals (kids & adults) who might not otherwise have an opportunity to go in the ocean/water, this event is highly recommended.
***
FAQ & More Info: https://liferollson.org/volunteer-faq
Video about volunteering: https://vimeo.com/110543459
To help, sign up early at
https://liferollson.org/huntingtonbeach
Online registration for volunteering might get full, but from my observation, they usually allow walk-ons who show up in the morning and sign up in person.
They often accept extra volunteers to help in the water. So if their online registration closes, it should be okay to show up early and register in person.
If anyone doesn't have time to commit for the entire event, that's totally fine. Instead of volunteering for the whole day, feel free to stop by for an hour or two, hang out at the beach, and watch & cheer. Arrive and leave whenever you want.
This is a pretty heart-warming, uplifting, and inspirational event imo.
***
Photos:
https://www.meetup.com/oc_camping/photos/32876898
https://www.meetup.com/oc_camping/photos/32876759
https://www.meetup.com/oc_camping/photos/32873221
https://www.meetup.com/oc_camping/photos/32532555
https://www.meetup.com/OC_Camping/photos/32061123
https://www.meetup.com/OC_Camping/photos/31681625
https://www.meetup.com/OC_Camping/photos/31807658
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3044099849033371
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3043915855718437
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1718146218295414
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1718043311639038
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1299737523469621
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1286605771449463
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1209250355851672
https://www.facebook.com/pg/LifeRollsOnFoundation/photos/?tab=albums
https://www.six12media.com/Surfing/Life-Rolls-On
Videos:
***
So a few experienced surfers are designated to help the individuals directly with surfing.
The majority of other volunteers in the water help in a supporting role.
My conjecture is going into the water/ocean can be pretty scary and terrifying for some individuals, especially for those who cannot use their legs (lower body).
The abundance of volunteers in the water can be encouraging and offer some relief to those who might be afraid they can't swim.
The first time I went, it initially looked like "too many" or "more than enough" volunteers. One benefit of having several volunteers is because they need to be scattered throughout and positioned at different locations in case a wave knocks over a participant. If someone goes under water, then somebody nearby should be able to immediately pick him/her up.
So if a participant accidentally loses balance and falls over, or crashes into the sand/beach (since many of them can't use their legs/feet), then a volunteer can help lift him/her above water.
All in all, this is a pretty cool community event imo.
***
Recommended items to bring:
Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, comfortable clothes, flip-flops / sandals, towel, water, change of clothes, etc.
Free snacks and water are sometimes provided.
A light lunch is usually provided for volunteers.
***
If any group members want to hang out together and watch, feel free to use the discussion section or event chat to coordinate & communicate (when to arrive, where to meet, carpool, etc.).
If any group members want to volunteer on the same team (color), feel free to contact Life Rolls On, and they can try to assign you to the same team.
But if nobody else from the group registers -- fear not, because the other volunteers are friendly & welcoming imo...so you should have fun meeting new people.
.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
- Beach Day (La Jolla)La Jolla Shores Beach, La Jolla, CA
Preface:
I missed last year (scheduling conflicts), so I'm hoping to attend this year.
This might be far for some group members in/near OC, but this is a special event imo, so I want to post this in case anyone is interested, available, and willing to drive to La Jolla (north of San Diego).
This is one of my favorite events.
If this date/location in La Jolla is inconvenient, similar events are happening in Santa Monica, Huntington, and Santa Barbara.
If any group members want to hang out at the beach, this can be a possible meetup.
If any group members want to plan a beach day get-together and hang out together, use the comments section or event chat to coordinate (e.g. discuss carpooling, when & where to meet, etc.). If attending this as a beach day -- then this flexible, so arrive and leave whenever you want.
If volunteering, try to arrive by 7 or 7:30 am.
If not volunteering, i.e. hanging out, then feel free to arrive later, like 9 or 10 am.
The following is for those interested in volunteering. If not volunteering, and just interested in hanging out at the beach, then you can ignore the text below.
***
Hi.
I try to spread the word about volunteer opportunities and raise awareness about non-profits/charities that do good work.
This event is from Life Rolls On.
"Life Rolls On is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people affected by spinal cord injury" and other disabilities.
They host "epic surf and skate events for wheelchair athletes."
Their videos show what they're about
***
2025 Schedule - https://liferollson.org/tour
June 21 @ Santa Monica - https://liferollson.org/santamonica
July 26 @ Venice - https://liferollson.org/venice
Aug 23 @ Huntington Beach - https://liferollson.org/huntingtonbeach
Sept 13 @ La Jolla - https://liferollson.org/lajolla
Oct 4 @ Santa Barbara - https://liferollson.org/santabarbara
***
Being a surfer or advanced swimmer isn't required.
Owning a wetsuit isn't required either. Renting or borrowing a wetsuit is recommended for those helping in the deep water.
For those who are just calf-high or knee-high in the shallow water, many people seemed fine with just shorts or a swimsuit.
Life Rolls On surfing events are popular and attract hundreds of volunteers, so their online registration will eventually become full and closed.
If anyone wants to help support and cheer on individuals (kids & adults) who might not otherwise have an opportunity to go in the ocean/water, this event is highly recommended.
***
FAQ & More Info: https://liferollson.org/volunteer-faq
Video about volunteering: https://vimeo.com/110543459
To help, sign up early at
https://liferollson.org/lajolla
Online registration for volunteering might get full, but from my observation, they usually allow walk-ons who show up in the morning and sign up in person.
They often accept extra volunteers to help in the water. So if their online registration closes, it should be okay to show up early and register in person.
If anyone doesn't have time to commit for the entire event, that's totally fine. Instead of volunteering for the whole day, feel free to stop by for an hour or two, hang out at the beach, and watch & cheer. Arrive and leave whenever you want.
This is a pretty heart-warming, uplifting, and inspirational event imo.
***
Photos:
https://www.meetup.com/oc_camping/photos/32876898
https://www.meetup.com/oc_camping/photos/32876759
https://www.meetup.com/oc_camping/photos/32873221
https://www.meetup.com/oc_camping/photos/32532555
https://www.meetup.com/OC_Camping/photos/32061123
https://www.meetup.com/OC_Camping/photos/31681625
https://www.meetup.com/OC_Camping/photos/31807658
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3044099849033371
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3043915855718437
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1718146218295414
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1718043311639038
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1299737523469621
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1286605771449463
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1209250355851672
https://www.facebook.com/pg/LifeRollsOnFoundation/photos/?tab=albums
https://www.six12media.com/Surfing/Life-Rolls-On
Videos:
***
So a few experienced surfers are designated to help the individuals directly with surfing.
The majority of other volunteers in the water help in a supporting role.
My conjecture is going into the water/ocean can be pretty scary and terrifying for some individuals, especially for those who cannot use their legs (lower body).
The abundance of volunteers in the water can be encouraging and offer some relief to those who might be afraid they can't swim.
The first time I went, it initially looked like "too many" or "more than enough" volunteers. One benefit of having several volunteers is because they need to be scattered throughout and positioned at different locations in case a wave knocks over a participant. If someone goes under water, then somebody nearby should be able to immediately pick him/her up.
So if a participant accidentally loses balance and falls over, or crashes into the sand/beach (since many of them can't use their legs/feet), then a volunteer can help lift him/her above water.
All in all, this is a pretty cool community event imo.
***
Recommended items to bring:
Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, comfortable clothes, flip-flops / sandals, towel, water, change of clothes, etc.
Free snacks and water are sometimes provided.
A light lunch is usually provided for volunteers.
***
If any group members want to hang out together and watch, feel free to use the discussion section or event chat to coordinate & communicate (when to arrive, where to meet, carpool, etc.).
If any group members want to volunteer on the same team (color), feel free to contact Life Rolls On, and they can try to assign you to the same team.
But if nobody else from the group registers -- fear not, because the other volunteers are friendly & welcoming imo...so you should have fun meeting new people.
.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
- Beach Day (Santa Barbara)Rincon Beach County Park, Carpinteria, CA
Preface:
I missed last year (scheduling conflicts), so I'm hoping to attend this year.
This might be far for some group members in/near OC, but this is a special event imo, so I want to post this in case anyone is interested, available, and willing to drive to Carpinteria (near Santa Barbara).
This is one of my favorite events.
If this date/location in Santa Barbara is inconvenient, similar events are happening in Santa Monica, Huntington, and La Jolla.
FYI: This event is smaller (fewer people) compared to LA, OC, and SD, but I still think it's fun and worthwhile.
If any group members want to hang out at the beach, this can be a possible meetup.
If any group members want to plan a beach day get-together and hang out together, use the comments section or event chat to coordinate (e.g. discuss carpooling, when & where to meet, etc.). If attending this as a beach day -- then this flexible, so arrive and leave whenever you want.
If volunteering, try to arrive by 7:30 or 8 am.
If not volunteering, i.e. hanging out, then feel free to arrive later, like 9 or 10 am.
The following is for those interested in volunteering. If not volunteering, and just interested in hanging out at the beach, then you can ignore the text below.
***
Hi.
I try to spread the word about volunteer opportunities and raise awareness about non-profits/charities that do good work.
This event is from Life Rolls On.
"Life Rolls On is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people affected by spinal cord injury" and other disabilities.
They host "epic surf and skate events for wheelchair athletes."
Their videos show what they're about
***
2025 Schedule - https://liferollson.org/tour
June 21 @ Santa Monica - https://liferollson.org/santamonica
July 26 @ Venice - https://liferollson.org/venice
Aug 23 @ Huntington Beach - https://liferollson.org/huntingtonbeach
Sept 13 @ La Jolla - https://liferollson.org/lajolla
Oct 4 @ Santa Barbara - https://liferollson.org/santabarbara
***
Being a surfer or advanced swimmer isn't required.
Owning a wetsuit isn't required either. Renting or borrowing a wetsuit is recommended for those helping in the deep water.
For those who are just calf-high or knee-high in the shallow water, many people seemed fine with just shorts or a swimsuit.
Life Rolls On surfing events are popular and attract hundreds of volunteers, so their online registration will eventually become full and closed.
If anyone wants to help support and cheer on individuals (kids & adults) who might not otherwise have an opportunity to go in the ocean/water, this event is highly recommended.
***
FAQ & More Info: https://liferollson.org/volunteer-faq
Video about volunteering: https://vimeo.com/110543459
To help, sign up early at
https://liferollson.org/santabarbara
Online registration for volunteering might get full, but from my observation, they usually allow walk-ons who show up in the morning and sign up in person.
They often accept extra volunteers to help in the water. So if their online registration closes, it should be okay to show up early and register in person.
If anyone doesn't have time to commit for the entire event, that's totally fine. Instead of volunteering for the whole day, feel free to stop by for an hour or two, hang out at the beach, and watch & cheer. Arrive and leave whenever you want.
This is a pretty heart-warming, uplifting, and inspirational event imo.
***
Photos:
https://www.meetup.com/oc_camping/photos/32876898
https://www.meetup.com/oc_camping/photos/32876759
https://www.meetup.com/oc_camping/photos/32873221
https://www.meetup.com/oc_camping/photos/32532555
https://www.meetup.com/OC_Camping/photos/32061123
https://www.meetup.com/OC_Camping/photos/31681625
https://www.meetup.com/OC_Camping/photos/31807658
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3044099849033371
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3043915855718437
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1718146218295414
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1718043311639038
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1299737523469621
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1286605771449463
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1209250355851672
https://www.facebook.com/pg/LifeRollsOnFoundation/photos/?tab=albums
https://www.six12media.com/Surfing/Life-Rolls-On
Videos:
***
So a few experienced surfers are designated to help the individuals directly with surfing.
The majority of other volunteers in the water help in a supporting role.
My conjecture is going into the water/ocean can be pretty scary and terrifying for some individuals, especially for those who cannot use their legs (lower body).
The abundance of volunteers in the water can be encouraging and offer some relief to those who might be afraid they can't swim.
The first time I went, it initially looked like "too many" or "more than enough" volunteers. One benefit of having several volunteers is because they need to be scattered throughout and positioned at different locations in case a wave knocks over a participant. If someone goes under water, then somebody nearby should be able to immediately pick him/her up.
So if a participant accidentally loses balance and falls over, or crashes into the sand/beach (since many of them can't use their legs/feet), then a volunteer can help lift him/her above water.
All in all, this is a pretty cool community event imo.
***
Recommended items to bring:
Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, comfortable clothes, flip-flops / sandals, towel, water, change of clothes, etc.
Free snacks and water are sometimes provided.
A light lunch is usually provided for volunteers.
***
If any group members want to hang out together and watch, feel free to use the discussion section or event chat to coordinate & communicate (when to arrive, where to meet, carpool, etc.).
If any group members want to volunteer on the same team (color), feel free to contact Life Rolls On, and they can try to assign you to the same team.
But if nobody else from the group registers -- fear not, because the other volunteers are friendly & welcoming imo...so you should have fun meeting new people.
..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
