Suggested Groups near Thousand Oaks, CA
Hiking Plus
Simi Valley, CA
This meetup is all about social interaction, mostly through hiking. We think mental health is just as important as physical health, and that makes us different from other hiking groups. If you are interested in hiking, making friends, having fun, and exploring the greater Los Angeles area, then this group is for you. Hiking, PLUS other stuff!
Please find a list of frequently asked questions under the "Pages" tab of the desktop display, or by clicking "here".
More about: Link
Terms:
By joining this group, You, for yourself and on behalf of your heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, HEREBY RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS Hiking Plus, its organizers and other participants ("RELEASEES”), WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL INJURY, DISABILITY, DEATH, LOSS OR DAMAGE TO PERSON OR PROPERTY, WHETHER ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE, to the fullest extent permitted by law, for any Hiking Plus event.
Also: More Terms
The Weekday Trailblazers
Newbury Park, CA
Please read our revised (August 2021) rules before you register for a hike or event:
Regrettably, we've changed our policies light of the spread of the recent Delta variant of Covid in and around Los Angeles County, where we often hike.
- We will once again require evidence of vaccinations for everyone on a hike or at an event.
- In addition, we welcome anyone who wants to to wear a mask, and discourage any critical comments.
- We will continue to respond firmly (i.e. the hiatus of the past few weeks) if anyone gives a hike leader a hard time about any of our policies.
Please review before you register for a hike:
- The number of hikers will not exceed 24, including the leader. This will allow us to hike on COSCA trails, State Park, and National trails without having to obtain a permit in advance. This also means that if you are on the waitlist, or you show up and have not registered (including “Plus-Ones”), you will be turned away.
- Morning hike start times vary between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. We cancel hikes for Red Flag warnings, when the temperatures are forecast to be at or above 90, and when the temperature-humidity index is forecast to be at or above 85, at any time during the hike. Please read the hike description and check for cancellations before driving to the trailhead.
- We encourage people to stick more closely together (i.e. no people who sprint ahead, start early, fall far behind, or who plan to go out part-way and turn back outside of the group). To accomplish this, we will encourage you to register for hikes at your skill level, and not to take spots from people otherwise capable of doing the whole hike but are unable to sign up due to our attendance limits. We will also stop marking turns with flour, etc. to encourage everyone to stay together.
- You'll see hikes clearly described as “Gentler” (Thursday), “Flagship / Intermediate” (Tuesday), or "Beginner," and with accurate distance and elevation. Please consider this information carefully, along with the forecast temperature and humidity, when you decide whether to register. If you haven't hiked for a while, please consider doing a couple of Beginner or Gentler hikes first to get back in the groove.
- You may see some parallel hikes (a Gentler on a Tuesday, or an Intermediate on a Thursday). These will be at a different location and route than our regular hikes. You may also see hikes posted on other days, and at other times and places, mileage and elevation.
- Sorry, no dogs allowed, either on-leash, off-leash, or in "Doggy Backpacks."
Welcome to the Weekday Trailblazers!
Our goal is to combine nature's magnificence, a good workout, and the support and laughter of friends. An observer of one of our early hikes noted that our group is like a mobile party, and we feel that captures our spirit beautifully. All that's missing is you, so get out here with us!
The Blazers are led equally by a dedicated cadre of experienced volunteer hike leaders, in a true communal spirit, with no charge for hikes or events (with rare exceptions).
The majority of our hikes fall within the area from Malibu to Simi Valley (south to north), and Will Rogers State Park to Port Hueneme (east to west), although we'll venture beyond those loose boundaries when we feel like it (we are Trailblazers, after all). We offer hikes of varying levels, as well as occasional non-hiking events.
• Our Intermediate / Flagship Hikes generally start at 8:30 AM on Tuesdays (earlier in the heat of the summer). Total distance is 7-10 miles (less in the heat of the summer), 3-3.5 mph, and with elevation gain between 1,500' and 2,000', less in the heat of the summer. We would rate them as intermediate for difficulty and pace. We have a strong roster of leaders for these hikes, but ANYONE is welcome to lead. Contact Steve J, Laurie, Peter, or Katie with your ideas.
• Gentler-Friendly Hikes are scheduled on most Thursday mornings at 9 AM, earlier in the heat of the summer. These hikes are tailored for advanced beginners, or anyone wanting a little extra fun with friends. As the name implies, they're slower-paced (2-2.5 mph), shorter distance (usually 5-6 miles), and lesser elevation gain (less than 1,500') than our flagship hikes. Contact Steve J with ideas for Gentler hikes.
• Beginner Hikes are scheduled on one Thursday morning a month at 9 AM, earlier in the heat of the summer. These hikes are tailored for those new to the group, new to hiking, or those rehabbing injuries. They're slow-paced (2 mph), short distance (usually <5 miles), and little elevation gain (~500'). Contact Steve J with ideas for Gentler hikes.
We also occasionally run:
• Hump Day Hikes are, in a fortuitous bit of synchronicity given the title, on Wednesdays. These hikes start in the late afternoon/early evening (two hours or so before sunset), and are as fast or faster than our flagship hikes. Headlamps recommended!
• Mad Monday Hikes are similar to Hump Day Hikes, but ...on Mondays. Like our Wednesday hikes, they'll start in the late afternoon/early evening.
• Geologist Thom Davis' Rock & Stroll Hikes combine his expansive knowledge of the Earth's bones and our usual workout in natural beauty. Many events will be outside our normal stomping grounds, and some will involve overnight stays. Times and ability levels vary, so be sure to read the write-ups carefully, and contact Thom with any questions.
We cancel hikes for red flag warnings, when the temperature is 90 or higher, or when the Heat Index (also sometimes called Temperature Humidity Index) is 85 or higher at any time during a hike.
The Blazers welcome and encourage whatever level of participation you'd like. You can be out in front leading, in the pack enjoying the ride, or sweeping in the back. We value your contributions, so join our mobile party and let's have fun!
Our hikes are free, and our leaders are volunteers. However, we ask for voluntary contributions once a year ($3-$5) to help defray Meetup subscription costs. You can also help by buying Weekday Trailblazers gear (each purchase kicks in $3-$5 to the kitty):
• Logo Tees and Heat Safety T-Shirts!
We also ask that you be aware of the signs of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke, know what to do about them (for your own safety and for the safety of others around you). Just google "Mayo Clinic Heat Stroke Exhaustion", or buy one of our Heat Safety T-Shirts!
We also ask that hikers be prepared with:
• Hiking shoes appropriate for the terrain
• Loose-fitting clothing appropriate for the conditions (genereally, this means no denim or jeans)
• A broad-brimmed hat
• Water
• Electrolytes (Gatorade, Nuun tablets, etc)
• Sunscreen
While not responsible for your safety, our hike leaders may adjust, shorten, re-route, or terminate a hike based on conditions, at their sole discretion.
Please read the release of liability below in its entirety. By signing up for our group, you are agreeing to it for all events you participate in.
DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY
The hike host is a volunteer and not responsible for the group. Safety should be a priority for everyone in the group. Please treat this meet-up as hiking with a group of friends. If you become fatigued and unable to continue the hike, it is expected you will advise the hike host of this and return to our starting point on your own. If you are able to proceed, it is expected that you will maintain line of sight with other members of the group at all times and help to promote the group’s safety and fitness goals.
Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Weekday Trailblazers Meetup Group and its organizers and hosts are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions.
If you choose to sign up for this or any Weekday Trailblazers Meetup event, you are releasing the Weekday Trailblazers Meetup Group, its organizers, and hosts from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.
All participants must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Sorry, we don't allow "Plus-Ones" on our hikes. Please join the group, then sign up for a hike.
Conejo Valley Hikers, Walkers & More! (Beginner+)
Thousand Oaks, CA
✨ Calabasas - Agoura Hills- Oak Park - Westlake Village - Thousand Oaks - Moorpark - Simi Valley- Newbury Park - Camarillo ✨
🌱 This group is for those living in Conejo Valley and looking for new hiking, walking & exercise buddies, to keep active. Sometimes it is a struggle to find people you can rely on to go work out with and get some exercise in and I know for me I am more likely to work out if I have a commitment in place! Let's all help each other out by making more commitments to exercise and get outside together! I welcome all who can commit (no flakes please) to whatever meetup exercise activity interests you the most in this group!
💥 Note, the more the merrier- All genders, races, religions and political parties welcome…but PLEASE no political talk. Children & dogs are also welcome to attend as long as you feel the trail is appropriate. Please check allTrails app.
🌿 Our meetups will have a variety to choose from: easy, moderate, moderate-hard, occasionally hard. We will also have walks, work-outs and other activities and even sometimes grabbing a coffee before or after! All hiking/walking areas will be in Conejo Valley.
🙌 Please make sure to checkout & support our group's sponsor, who is covering the yearly costs to keep the group going strong! 💪🐐 Train Goat Gainz (Community Fitness):
https://www.instagram.com/train_goat_gainz
https://www.facebook.com/TrainGoatGainz/
‼️ DISCLAIMER
By being a member of this group and attending the meetups, you hereby agree to assume all risks and liability that are related to or resulting from any group meetups and activities during meetups. Group Organizer, assistant organizers, sponsor, and other members of the group assume no responsibility or liability, including but not limited to injury or loss of any kind/form due to the use of information you receive from the meetups, or from participating in activities in the meetups. You agree that neither you nor a third party will hold any of the group organizers or members liable for any injury, loss, or damage of any kind to yourself or others as a direct result from anything that has to do with this meetup group. Please also read all information below in the "FAQ's & REMINDERS" section, as there are important details you may need to know before attending a hike!
⁉️ FAQ's & REMINDERS
😷 COVID FAQs: No rules as we are outdoors. Please be courteous of one another. Members are welcome to keep their distance and mask up as they feel comfortable. Host is vaccinated, but it is not required of members.
📸 PROFILE PHOTO: Please make sure to post a photo of YOURSELF, showing your face, as your member profile (instead of your kids, pets, flowers, etc). This helps members identify you during the meetups!
📆 YOUR RSVP: Please take your RSVP seriously and read the hike description thoroughly before RSVP’ing. Way too often we get last minute cancellations. Yes we understand people get sick and things happen, but often times people just don’t feel like going or end up making other plans and cancel last minute. This is not fair to those who are on the wait list and really wanted to go. Please be respectful of this and only RSVP if you can commit!
The D&D Experience Point
Northridge, CA
WHO ARE WE & WHAT WE DO: We are a Cinema House for the Mind, specializing in Dungeons & Dragons (and other fantasy and sci fi role playing games) for newcomers and veterans alike!
We are here to provide a comfortable and welcoming environment to not only play the game but to experience it. For our (GMs) game masters D&D and other roleplaying games aren't just games, but vehicles of entertainment, self-expression, reflection, team building, and community building that when facilitated well create an emotionally unforgettable experience.
We invite you to join this beginner friendly D&D (5th edition) based group whether you are looking for a casual game or a full on campaign.
Our games encourages players to steer the course of the adventure. Everything is provided for you. To get a feel for the games check out:
Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg3B_7Ui5ouncfndoRYg82Q
Instagram handle: https://www.instagram.com/gentleman_gamemaster/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gentleman.gamemaster
WHAT YOU NEED TO GET STARTED:
We provide all of the essentials for you. You don't need to worry about bringing dice, mini's, maps or anything else! Just show up ready to have fun. (applies to in person games but we also provided access to most digital content as well!)
First timers: For your first session you can choose from a pre-made character or build your own.
WHY DO WE CHARGE A TICKET FEE?
We all pay for high quality entertainment and D&D is no different. Now don't get us wrong, we are not saying you NEED to pay to play D&D. If you have a great home group of friends you’ve been playing with for years and/or a solid group you play with at a game shop then we may not be for you. That said, maybe you are that "forever GM" who's always running the game but never gets to play a character. Maybe you are part of a group in which players constantly flake or that group of friends who have been too busy to get together recently. Maybe you have played a lot of games where the GM just didn’t seem well prepared. Maybe you are newcomer or an old player coming back to the game and you are looking for a great place to jump back in! If any of those apply to you then RSVP for a game. Our GMs treat D&D with passion and professionalism which adds to your overall experience. Below are just a few reasons why we believe a good gaming session is worth paying for!
· Accountability: GMs plan session according to the number of players who RSVP and tickets hold players accountable to attending games. This makes a better experience for everyone at the table.
· Leveling Up: We see skilled GMs no different from artists, musicians, writers, directors, teachers, and the like. If you have been doing something long enough with proficiency (pun intended) there’s nothing wrong getting paid for it. (In D&D this is essentially adventuring 101. Adventures are usually offered coin for completing said adventure. )
· Time & Money: On average our GMs spend 3 to 8 hours planning a single session. They are often spending their own cash for modules, game books, miniatures, digital products, dice, etc. to give their players an awesome game!
TICKET PRICING:
· Games range from $6 to $30 per session with price being based on GM experience level, time and prep cost, overall estimated length of session, and cap on number of players at the table.
· Note that we are not clock watchers and session often typically go over our allotted time due to everyone having so much fun. We will never charge for going over.
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Our Code of Conduct
Purpose
Our primary goal is to facilitate collaborative adventure based storytelling through the medium of Tabletop Role Playing Games (TTRPG’s). We are committed to providing well crafted games that not only entertain but provide friendly, safe, and welcoming environments for all players.
This code of conduct outlines our expectations for everyone who participates in this community, as well as consequences for unacceptable behavior.
Expected Behavior:
All players should come to the table prepared to have fun while being aware to be respectful to all others at the same time. All players should be allowed time and space to express their opinions and listen respectfully, regardless of whether or not you agree with the other player’s opinion.
Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech.
We see Game Masters like artists and therefore do not believe in stifling their voice or censoring their games.
Sometimes games will cover more mature subject matter such as body horror, suspense, terror, violent combat, language, and/or sexual themes. The gamemaster should make this clear in game descriptions and discuss possible themes and subject matter before a game. If players are uncomfortable with any particular scenario, they should refrain from participating in that session. If the session breaks any rules players should report it. (See unacceptable behavior below)
Depictions of specific sensitive subject material should be avoided for club games. E.g. Hate crime, rape, domestic and child abuse
Unacceptable Behavior:
Disagreements are a natural part of the game, but the attacking or use of verbal abuse to fellow members of the table will not be tolerated.
Offensive comments (in or out of character) based on race, gender, sexuality, religion, or politics will not be tolerated.
Players of gamemasters who talk to other players in a condescending or belittling way will not be tolerated.
Consequences of Unexpected Behavior:
Offenders of the Code of Conduct will receive a verbal warning for the first offense. Consequences for multiple offenders include, but are not limited to, offenses temporary suspension from a particular table up to being permanently banned from the Group.
Reporting Guidelines:
Please report any perceived violations of the Code of Conduct to your Game Master. If that makes you feel uncomfortable, or if your issue is with a particular Game Master’s behavior, then please immediately message the head Game Master, Malcolm. He will respond ASAP.
