Hiking Expedition Adventures

This is not a hike or outing — this is a weekly club announcement to keep all members informed about how participation works.

Some Meetup groups do not require ID verification. This club requires full ID verification and alignment screening before participation in private hikes, training sessions, overnight events, or any co-host role. This standard supports safety, trust, and clear coordination.

⚠️ Why We Do This
Meetup does not verify members. Anyone can click to join. That’s why we use our own system — to keep this circle safer, grounded, and trustworthy.
📝 Required Steps for All Members
1️⃣ Hiking Club Verification Form → https://forms.gle/g1YCxq6REtby9v1m7
2️⃣ Trail Energy + Travel Intake — Member Check-In → https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1IpBD2Jjvf1GuWA_ZRQLEbVI-97zaX9xT3kXbn2vDyNg/edit
3️⃣ Quick Zoom check-in (5–10 min)
👉 After that, all hikes, training, and sessions are requested through the Universal Request Form → https://forms.gle/quqELunKvDgaCUWg7
🕒 Grace Period

• Existing members who have not completed the process will also receive a final cut-off date.

🌿 Why It Matters
We don’t build things around random RSVPs on an app— we build everything including hikes and training around verified, aligned members. This keeps the club safer, clean, and purpose-driven.

As the organizer, I’m responsible for keeping this space clearer, more consistent, and safer for everyone. I went through the full verification process myself — including providing my Social Security number — but members do not have to provide theirs. Our forms confirm identity and alignment without requiring sensitive details like SSNs, so the process makes the club safer, fair, and more trustworthy for all involved.

🔐 Note: No Social Security number is required. Our forms just confirm identity and alignment to help make the club safer for everyone.

⚠️ We don’t guess who’s showing up — we verify it.
🔐 Reminder on Process & Verification
Meetup has verified us as organizers, but people who RSVP through Meetup are not verified by default placing us and others at risk.
Even if Meetup had screening in place, they do not share that with organizers — therefore in most cases, there is no verification happening on their end at all.
That’s why we use our own system: required Verification Forms and the Request Forms for everything we are doing. This way, events are shaped around trusted members, not just open RSVPs on some app.
📍 This Is a Private Club – Not an RSVP Group

Thank you for your presence and commitment 🙏

— Joey De 🌿
Organizer – Hiking Club

The goal is not perfection — it is calm, repeatable confidence.

🗺️ We’ve mapped out some great spots, well-scouted by our club, categorized by how far members are willing to travel:
Local (15–30 minutes) – Moorestown, Rancocas Woods, Pennsauken trails, Palmyra Cove Nature Park
Mid-range (1–2 hours) – South & Central NJ, Wharton State Forest, Wissahickon Valley (PA), Avalon/Stone Harbor beach walks, Batsto Village, Valley Forge
Extended range (2.5–4 hours) – Delaware Water Gap, Poconos, Catskills, northern PA ridgelines, Black Rock Forest State Park NY, Harriman State Park NY, Hudson Highlands State Park NY, Storm King State Park NY major NJ/NY/PA scenic routes and state parks

✨ And many more depending on season, interest, or request
➡️ View Additional Hiking & Nature Spots (continuously updated)

🕓 Timing
Totally flexible depending on weather and interest
Hikes can range from quick 1-hour walks to full-day adventures
Open to weekday or weekend meetups

***

### 🚗 Logistics

Open to carpooling or meeting at the location.
Happy to recommend what to bring or how to prep for trail conditions.
Transit Access:

We offer multiple carpool options. One hub is directly connected to the River Line Light Rail station, River Line Light Rail, making public transportation a smooth option for those arriving by public transportation, others are available as well.

• River Line Light Rail: Local NJ rail line that serves many nearby trail areas
• PATCO Speedline: High-speed rail from Philadelphia to South Jersey — connects at the Broadway/Rand Transportation Center (also a River Line station)
• Amtrak: National rail service — connect with River Line at Trenton Transit Center for long-distance coordination
• NJ Transit Trip Planner: Plan your full route using rail, bus, and transfers across NJ and into PA/NY

🚆Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)
Philadelphia subway, trolley, and Regional Rail network

• https://www.septa.org
  PATCO Speedline
  Direct Philadelphia ↔ South Jersey rail access
  https://www.ridepatco.org
  Amtrak
  Intercity rail via Philadelphia 30th Street Station and NJ hubs
  https://www.amtrak.com

### 🚆 New York Park Access (Train-Supported Hikes)

• Metro-North Railroad — Hudson Line

https://new.mta.info/agency/metro-north-railroad
Serves Beacon, Cold Spring, and Garrison
→ Primary access for Hudson Highlands State Park, Storm King State Park, and nearby Black Rock Forest trail connections

• NJ Transit / Metro-North — Port Jervis Line

https://www.njtransit.com/port-jervis-line
Serves Tuxedo, Sloatsburg, and Suffern
→ Direct rail access to the west side of Harriman State Park

Let us know if you’re arriving by public transit — we’ll coordinate the meetup, timing, and trailhead accordingly.

***

### 🔐 Participation & Access

All coordination runs through the Universal Request Form:
👉 https://forms.gle/quqELunKvDgaCUWg7
Before joining private hikes, training sessions, or co-host roles, members must:
1️⃣ Complete both required forms
2️⃣ Complete a brief Zoom check-in
Printable forms (PDF or Doc) are available on request.

***

### ⚠️ Hiking Club Disclaimer

This club is a protected, private circle — participation is based on alignment, presence, and screening, not name, experience, or past visibility.
Inclusion in this event does not imply verification, placement, or endorsement.
We don’t build a calendar and expect people to squeeze in.
We build everything around the members who show up and align.

***

### 🌿 Purpose

Winter navigation isn’t about pushing limits — it’s about trusting your reads and your decisions.
This session strengthens judgment so winter travel stays deliberate, safe, and controlled.
🛡️ Confidence. Awareness. Verified.

🗓️ — No RSVP required 📍 This is not a live event — it’s an announcement drop for all members
This isn’t a casual RSVP group — and we don’t wait until someone shows up to find out who they are.
Every member is verified and vetted before joining our private hikes, adventures, events, overnight outings, training, lodging etc., or co-hosting circles.
No RSVPs — all requests go through the Universal Request Form
👉 https://forms.gle/quqELunKvDgaCUWg7

We shape events around the members who show up and been identified and verified 🛡️— not a fixed calendar or RSVP's.
📍 This is a private club — not a public RSVP group.
All hikes and walks are arranged through direct coordination and our request form, not RSVPs.
No crowds. No party scenes. No swiping. Just structure, peace, and connection — rooted in safety and respect for nature.
✅ Group hikes (3–12 participants) — for couples, friends, or travelers visiting the region — all guided and custom
✅ One-on-one hikes also available for members needing private pacing, mentoring, or recovery support
✅ Training & mentorship available
✅ Leave No Trace + permit-aligned
✅ Quiet hikes, scenic loops, or beach walks
✅ Active Duty and Combat Veteran leadership - Led by active-duty military and combat veterans, this community is open to the general public and welcomes people of all backgrounds. We are veteran-supportive, faith-friendly, beginner-welcoming, and inclusive of seniors, families, and children. No military experience is required — just respect, presence, and a willingness to participate with care.
✅ Experienced hikers looking for structured outings without Meetup chaos

***

### ✅ Step 1 — Fill Out the Verification Form

🔗 https://forms.gle/Ego2xMZP5mFyjo2Z7
📌 You’ll need to sign in with a Google account.
👉 Don’t have one? Create one here
Need help? DM the Scheduling Admin — we’ll walk you through it, no pressure.
📄 Prefer Paper?
🔗 Download Printable Version (No Login)
🥾 This helps us protect the space and match you to the right trail circles.

***

### 🔐 Required Form: Trail Energy & Safety Intake

📝 Must be completed before attending any hike, training, or overnight event.
🔓 No login needed — open to all. Takes 10–15 minutes.
🔗 Complete Online (No Login)
📄 Download Printable Version
📧 Email your completed form to:
hikingexpeditionadventures@gmail.com
Having trouble with a link or upload? Just message us.
We'll get you through it — or send a direct copy.

***

### ✅ Step 2 — Zoom Check-In (Under 15 Minutes)

This is a quick conversation to understand:

• Your goals
• Pacing & trail comfort
• Any support needs (gear, travel, etc.)

🎥 It’s not a test — it’s how we match you to the right outing or group.
If you're not able to speak live, you may send info first — but a Zoom check-in is still required before joining hikes.

***

### 🧾 Already Verified?

If you’ve hiked with us or checked in recently, you might already be good to go.
✅ Look for a Verified badge, DM confirmation, or note in the group post or event details.

🔒🛡️ Badge confirms we’ve got basic safety info and alignment in place. ( Members that been verified it will be noted in discussion's and when they are mentioned a verified badge will occur. ) For example Mary 🛡️ West Berlin, NJ Joined Meetup on Sep 2006. , Will Washburn 🛡️Centralia, IL Joined Meetup on Oct 2018, 🛡️Jim New York, NY Joined Meetup on Feb 2016, 🛡️Joseph Caruso Allentown, NJ Joined Meetup on Dec 2021 etc.
( Note: These are just a few example's)

Not sure? Just ask.

***

### 📩 Ready to Begin?

1️⃣ Submit both forms
2️⃣ Message Me or the Scheduling Admin by DM:

> “I’m ready for my check-in.”

We’ll take it from there.

***

### 🎯 Presence Over Pressure

That’s the promise — and these steps help us keep it strong, clean, and safe.
No chaos. No guessing games.
We don’t post hikes and hope. We shape them around those who step forward.

# 🥾 Beginning January — Verification Required

(Group Announcement / Information Event)
Beginning in January, the Hiking Club will operate under an Active Member Reset.
This hiking circle is built around:
• 🧭 presence
• 🤝 coordination
• ⛰️ shared trail standards
• 🛡️ verified participation
We do not operate as a mass-RSVP hiking group.
We shape hikes, training sessions, and outdoor events around the members who show up and align.

***

## 🔐 What This Means (Effective January)

To participate in any of the following:
• 🥾 private hikes
• 🧠 training sessions
• 🌲 orientation walks
• 🏕️ overnight or travel-based outings
• 🧭 co-hosted events
members must complete the two required forms first.
These steps apply to all January events and beyond.

***

## 📝 Required Forms — Step One

🥾 Hiking Club Verification Form
Confirms identity, safety history, and alignment
👉 https://forms.gle/g1YCxq6REtby9v1m7
🥾 Trail Energy + Travel Intake — Member Check-In
Helps us match pace, terrain, readiness, and logistics
👉 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1IpBD2Jjvf1GuWA_ZRQLEbVI-97zaX9xT3kXbn2vDyNg
✅ Both forms must be completed before placement into any private January events.
📝 Prefer paper? Printable versions are available and may be completed by hand and submitted by email. Message us if you need the print option.

***

## 🧭 What Happens Next — Step Two

After both required forms are complete:
• 🔍 submissions are reviewed for alignment and readiness
• 📅 a brief Zoom check-in is scheduled as needed
• 🗂️ the Universal Request Form is used after verification for specific hikes, roles, or sessions
👉 Universal Request Form (used after verification):
https://forms.gle/quqELunKvDgaCUWg7
🚫 Unverified or inactive profiles do not participate in private January events.

***

This is not a purge.
This is not about numbers.
It’s a standards reset as we enter the new year.

***

## ⚠️ Hiking Club Disclaimer

This club is a protected, private circle — participation is based on alignment, presence, and screening, not name, experience, or past visibility.
Inclusion in any post, event, or spotlight does not imply verification, placement, or endorsement.
All members must complete both required forms and a brief Zoom check-in before participating in private hikes, training sessions, overnight events, or co-host roles. Verified members receive a unique ID number, a Club ID card, and a 🛡️ badge next to their name when mentioned.
We don’t build a calendar and expect people to squeeze in —
we build everything around the members who show up and align.
🛡️ Presence. Standards. Verified.