What we're about

Hello! Welcome to the MeetUp page for the Western Mass (formerly Berkshire) Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club! We encourage all of our community members to engage in our activities, whether or not you are a member. Regardless of your age or experience in the outdoors, our vision is to offer a variety of activities that will educate, encourage, and make people feel welcome to our chapter. Our JDEI committee is looking at ways to connect to new communities that have been previously overlooked. Please contact us at WesternMassJDEI@gmail.com if you would like to join our Diversity Committee, or would like to share ideas. 
Only a subset of the chapter's activities are posted on Meetup. To see the entire list of current activities and opportunities in our chapter, visit our new web page at: https://www.amc-wma.org/
We look forward to meeting you!
Western Mass Chapter Executive Committee
communications@amc-wma.org

Upcoming events (4+)

Intro to Recreational Road Cycling - Sunderland, MA

Sunderland

This activity is intended for people who are new to outdoor recreational group cycling. This trip will be 14 miles in length and mostly flat. The activity difficulty level as defined by AMC will be RELAXED. The pace will be comfortable (10-12 mph average), and we will keep the group together. Before riding, we will present a group safety talk followed by basic instruction including a bike operation and helmet fit check, and a review of efficient pedaling and gear shifting techniques. This training will help build your confidence, ensure you can maintain your bicycle in good working order, and prepare you for more challenging rides later in the season. ADVANCE REGISTRATION VIA AMC'S WEBSITE REQUIRED!! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

1
Affinity Women's+ only, Flat Water Paddle on Littleville Lake

Needs a location

Ply peacefully over the waters that cover the lost villages of Dayville and Littleville. Join us for an Affinity Women's+ only, flat water paddle on Littleville Lake located on the middle branch of the Westfield River in Chester and Huntington Massachusetts. With a perimeter of 4.8 miles, this lake was created when the Littleville Dam was constructed for flood control of the Westfield and Connecticut Rivers. On this approximately 4 hour paddle along the edge, we will talk history, view wildlife and stop for lunch in the grassy meadow near the base of Littleville Dam.

This Women's+ paddle requires prior paddling experience and the ability to swim. You must bring your own boat (canoe, kayak, paddle board), paddle,and life jacket or contact leaders to borrow a club boat (limited availability).

Bring drinking water, a snack and lunch. Wear layered (non-cotton) clothing to keep you warm/cool and comfortable even if damp, and shoes that can get wet are required. Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses on a lanyard are recommended. It is a good idea to have a complete change of clothes, towel, and shoes in your car in case you are damp at the end of the trip. Lifejackets must be worn at all times while on the water and participants must stay in a group with AMC leaders. Swimming is prohibited at Littleville Lake, because it serves as a backup water supply for the city of Springfield, Massachusetts.ADVANCE REGISTRATION VIA AMC'S WEBSITE REQUIRED!! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

Possibly free: Learn to Whitewater Kayak with Zoar Outdoor

Needs a location

Waive fee: Last season we launched a needs-based scholarship program, and awarded several spots on this beginners one day instruction with Zoar Outdoor. This year we will do the same. We are now accepting scholarship applications for 2023 on a first-come first-served basis for available spots. We are looking for individuals whose outdoor experiences have been hindered by limited financial resources, lack of intergenerational or communal outdoor knowledge, or discrimination. The scholarship award is equal to 100 percent of the cost of the course. If interested please apply using this form (https://forms.gle/ioxkxwEcRKkjifzM6). You will be notified within 2 weeks if you are awarded the scholarship to waive your fee.

Learn to Whitewater Kayak

Needs a location

## Location

Deerfield River,
Massachusetts, Berkshires,
MA United States

## Overview

Curious about whitewater kayaking?
Want to learn with one of the best people in New England.
Take this class where the instructors from Zoar Outdoors will focus on fundamental river skills and responsible whitewater kayaking practices. June[masked] (Sunday) at Zoar Outdoor 7 Main Street in Charlemont Massachusetts.

Register: There will be a 15% discount available when booking over the phone with Zoar Outdoor [masked]). This discount will be available up to the date of the clinic (depending on space).

Waive fee: Last season we launched a needs-based scholarship program, and awarded several spots on this beginners one day instruction with Zoar Outdoor. This year we will do the same. We are now accepting scholarship applications for 2023 on a first-come first-served basis for available spots. We are looking for individuals whose outdoor experiences have been hindered by limited financial resources, lack of intergenerational or communal outdoor knowledge, or discrimination. The scholarship award is equal to 100 percent of the cost of the course. If interested please apply using this form (https://forms.gle/ioxkxwEcRKkjifzM6). You will be notified within 2 weeks if you are awarded the scholarship to waive your fee.

Questions can be emailed to Mary Therese Durr. [masked]

AMC Trip Policy

## Cost

Adult: approximately $181.55 for AMC members

Past events (332)

Upcoming Chapter Events

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