About us
Palm Beach Pack & Paddle Club information included below:
--Membership Quick Link
--About Us
--Conservation
--Club Meetings
--Finding Our Events on Meetup
--Waiver Information
--Paid Club Member Benefits
--How to Become a Paid Club Member
--Newsletter and Club Emails
--Leadership Positions
--Discussion Board
--Photo Gallery
--Contact Us
MEMBERSHIP QUICK LINK:
Ready to join or renew for 2026?
You can click on our Electronic Membership Form:
PBPP 2026 E-Membership Application
Membership is $20 for individuals and $25 for households.
Quick Link Payment Options:
Zelle: palmbeachpackandpaddle@gmail.com
PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/wpbpnp
Please note: More membership information is below.
ABOUT US
The Palm Beach Pack & Paddle Club, founded in 1975, plans numerous events each month for exploring and appreciating nature and conservation.
Trips last a few hours, a day, a weekend, a week or longer. They are local, within Florida and long-distance. Our major activities include camping, kayaking and canoeing, backpacking and hiking, bicycling and snorkeling.
We also hold picnics at parks and beaches, visit interesting area attractions, take part in pot luck dinners, ice cream socials and trivia events, hold a weeklong Thanksgiving Festival full of events in November and host a holiday party in December.
Most of our events are open to the public, and all are welcome to attend. But some expert instructional sessions and special events and most long-distance camping trips are for paid members only.
Come join the fun!
CONSERVATION
Members have dedicated countless hours to conservation efforts since 1975 and participate in many conservation projects and fund-raising activities throughout the year, including participation in the Great American Cleanup and other cleanup events throughout Palm Beach County.
Funds raised from events and donations benefit the club’s Conservation Fund. Each year funds are disbursed to community conservation and environmental organizations.
CLUB MEETINGS
Club meetings are held on the second Saturday of each month from September through May each season at the Okeeheelee Nature Center, located in Okeeheelee Park in West Palm Beach.
Meetings feature guest speakers on nature-related subjects and other topics of interest, a raffle, and information on upcoming events.
All are welcome!
FINDING OUR EVENTS ON MEETUP
Join our Meetup page:
It’s easy! Just go to: www.meetup.com/Palm-Beach-Pack-Paddle
A special request: We encourage visitors to sign up for events on Meetup. But if you learn later that you cannot attend, please contact the trip leader in advance.
Trip coordinators are unpaid volunteers. They will help you with what to bring and where to go. You are responsible for yourself, your gear, your food, etc. Don't forget your first aid kit!
WAIVER INFORMATION
By participating in any activity listed on the Palm Beach Pack & Paddle Club’s Meetup page, you are acknowledging and understand that there are certain risks involved in participating in outdoor activities.
In addition, your participation means that:
--You agree to accept personal responsibility for yourself, your family, and/or your guests at the activity and are legally responsible for all minor family members.
--You agree to hold harmless and free from blame, the Club, its officers and board members, for any accident, injury or illness, which might be sustained while participating in the activity.
Please note that travel to and from activities on the club’s Meetup page is not part of the activity.
We look forward to seeing you at our events!
PAID CLUB MEMBER BENEFITS
Paid club members receive the following emails to keep them informed about
club activities:
--Club Newsletter, during the week before club meetings
--Meeting Publicity, two to three emails during the two weeks prior to club meetings
--P&P: The Week Ahead, an events preview email prior to each week
--Twice-Monthly Event Flyers, on the 1st and 15th of each month
--P&;P Insider, during last week of each month
Paid club members are also eligible to:
--Attend some special events that are for paid members only.
--Attend long-distance camping trips, most of which are for paid members only.
--Take part in our 101 classes to learn more about kayaking, paddleboarding, camping and
other outdoor activities.
--Receive a membership badge to display at club meetings.
Special note: After March 15, those who have not paid for that calendar year are
no longer eligible for club benefits.
HOW TO BECOME A PAID CLUB MEMBER
Are you an official paid member?
If you become a member of our page on Meetup, or sign up for a club event on Meetup, you are NOT YET a paid member of the Pack & Paddle Club.
But don’t worry, it’s easy to join!
Here is where to find a membership application, how to turn in your form and how to make a payment:
****Where to find a membership application****
--ELECTRONIC MEMBERSHIP FORM:
Just click on our new Electronic Membership Form:
PBPP 2026 E-Membership Application
--IN PERSON: Pick up a membership application at a club meeting or event.
--ON MEETUP: If you are on Meetup, find a printed form at this link:
2026 Printed Membership Application
--ATTACHED TO MEETING PREVIEW E-BLASTS: Find the membership application attached to meeting preview e-blasts.
****How to turn in your form****
--VIA ELECTRONIC MEMBERSHIP FORM: Just fill out the form and hit the SUBMIT button at the end of the form.
Here is the link:
2026 PBPP E-Membership Application
--IN PERSON: Bring your completed form to one of our events or meetings. Payment is required at this time.
--VIA U.S. MAIL: Send the completed form (with check payment enclosed) to this address: Palm Beach Pack and Paddle Club, Inc., P.O. Box 16041, West Palm Beach, FL 33416
--VIA EMAIL: Send the completed form as an email attachment to:
palmbeachpackandpaddle@gmail.com
****How to make a payment****
--IN PERSON: Bring a payment in check or cash (along with your membership form) to one of our events or meetings.
--VIA U.S. MAIL: Send a check (along with the completed form) to this address: Palm Beach Pack and Paddle Club, Inc., P.O. Box 16041, West Palm Beach, FL 33416
--VIA ZELLE**: Make a payment by Zelle to:
palmbeachpackandpaddle@gmail.com
--VIA PAYPAL**: Submit the form in person, via email or mail, then pay by PayPal at this link:
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/wpbpnp
**Important note: Please include your name and phone number in the memo or message field when submitting your Zelle or PayPal payment.
We look forward to you joining the Pack & Paddle Club!
NEWSLETTER AND CLUB EMAILS
The club’s Newsletter is sent via email to paid members during the week prior to monthly club meetings during the season.
Club members also receive:
*Meeting Publicity: Two to three emails during the two weeks prior to club meetings
*P&P: The Week Ahead: An events preview email prior to each week
*Twice-Monthly Event Flyers: On the 1st and 15th of each month
*P&P Insider: During last week of each month
LEADERSHIP POSITIONS
As with any club, our volunteers are very important in helping the club to maintain important services and continue to grow.
If you would like to volunteer, please contact us via text at 561-312-2765 or 804-869-6228.
We would love to have you become part of our outstanding leadership team!
DISCUSSION BOARD
Join our Discussion Board:
https://www.meetup.com/palm-beach-pack-paddle/discussions/
PHOTO GALLERY
View our Photo Gallery:
https://www.meetup.com/palm-beach-pack-paddle/photos/
CONTACT US
Club email: palmbeachpackandpaddle@gmail.com
Club President: 561-312-2765 (voicemail or text)
Membership Chair: 561-582-3653 (leave voice message); cell: 561-602-7502
Newsletter Editor: 804-869-6228 (voicemail or text) or email: newsletter.pbpp@gmail.com
We would love to hear from you!
Upcoming events
23
Lake Worth Cottages leisure bike ride
Bryant Park @ Lake Worth Lagoon, Lake Worth, FL, USP&P/RFAR (Recess For Active Retirees) Leisure bike ride passing some of the historic LAKE WORTH COTTAGES. We will meet at 10 AM Thursday April 9 2026 at Bryant Park in Lake Worth. Big park so look for RFAR and P&P signs. Bob is the guest leader for this ride bobtesa@gmail.com ( Thank you Bob ) see photo below
Google Maps
Bob said construction in the area ..so turn right (South) from Lake Ave. onto Lakeview Rd then first left on 1st street into Bryant Park. . Plenty of street parking adjacent to the Park. Ride will be about 11 miles;8-10 mph. Bring water and sunscreen. We will begin our ride at 10:00 AM
Option: Bring a chair and lunch for after the ride in the park .Hope you can make it Ben 561 425-3077 bbsdob525@aol.com
Background Bob provided.....The Cottages are unique to South Florida, representing part of the historic development of this area. "The broad range of architectural styles are enchanting and give us a direct link to our past. In an era of super-sized homes where everything tends to look the same, owners of the cottages are living large in small spaces and expressing their very individual style. Cottages are typically on 25 foot wide lots under 1,000 square feet and were built prior to 1939
We will be passing a few but not all of the cottages...this is a brief taste...21 attendees
Learn about world pilgrimages at the P&P meeting on Saturday, April 11
Okeeheelee Nature Center, 7715 Forest Hill Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL, USWorld traveler (and club member) Jean-Pierre Arnaud will speak to P&P members and visitors at the Okeeheelee Nature Center.
Jean-Pierre Arnaud will be the guest speaker at the Palm Beach Pack & Paddle Club’s meeting at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 11 at the Okeeheelee Nature Center, part of Okeeheelee Park, 7715 Forest Hill Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL 33413.
The meeting is free and open to everyone -- current and past club members, club visitors and guests and the public. Attendees are encouraged to arrive for socializing starting at 1:30 p.m.
Jean-Pierre’s topic: “Pilgrimage routes around the world”
Description: Jean-Pierre will provide an overview of several pilgrimage routes around the world. He will analyze some of the motivations that lead humans to embark on long journeys.
Jean-Pierre will look “behind the scenes” at travelers’ routes with an emphasis on the development of infrastructure and the routes’ economic aspects.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Jean-Pierre Arnaud, a member of the Pack and Paddle Club nearly 20 years, was raised in France and studied in the United States. He received a B.S. degree and a Master’s in International Affairs at Columbia University.
In addition, he graduated from the National Outdoor Leadership School with wilderness training in Alaska and California.
Jean-Pierre started his professional career as an air traffic controller in France. He later worked in the Medical Division of Kodak Diagnostic Imaging for 30 years.
He was also a lead pilot for adventure flying for 10 years.A true globetrotter for the past 50-plus years, Jean-Pierre has:
--Hitchhiked in South America
--Trekked in the Himalayas and in Tanzania
--Sailed to Antarctica
--Run several rivers in rafts, kayaks and dories in the West, including the Green River and Colorado River
--Organized many adventure trips featuring bicycling, hiking and kayaking
--Led a group of pilots in an epic 90-day round-the-world journey
--Walked many pilgrimages and historical trade routes overseas, especially in Europe and JapanMEETING REMINDER
--Who: Palm Beach Pack & Paddle Club
--What: April club meeting
--Speaker: Jean-Pierre Arnaud
--When: Saturday, April 11, 2 p.m.
--Social time: Starts at 1:30 p.m.
--Where: Okeeheelee Nature Center, 7715 Forest Hill Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL 33413
--Directions: From Jog Road, take Forest Hill Boulevard 1.2 miles west to Eshleman Trail (the second Okeeheelee Park entrance). Turn right (north) and follow the signs and road 1.6 miles to the Nature Center, which is in the back of the park.
--Questions: Text or call 561-312-2765
CLUB INFORMATION
Palm Beach Pack & Paddle Club information
The Palm Beach Pack & Paddle Club, founded in 1975, plans several events each month for exploring and appreciating nature.
Trips last a day, a weekend, a week or longer. They are local, within Florida and long-distance. Activities include kayaking and canoeing, backpacking, hiking and biking, snorkeling, car camping and wilderness or river camping.
In addition, club meetings are held on the second Saturday afternoon of each month from September through May at the Okeeheelee Nature Center in Okeeheelee Park, with experts speaking on nature-related subjects and other topics of interest.
FIND OUR TRIPS, EVENTS ON MEETUP
Join our Meetup page:
It’s easy! Just go to: www.meetup.com/Palm-Beach-Pack-Paddle
Click here to view our Calendar of Events on Meetup:
https://www.meetup.com/palm-beach-pack-paddle/events/calendar/
--IN PERSON: Pick up a membership application at a club meeting or event.
QUESTIONS?
For questions about the Pack & Paddle Club’s meeting, please call or text 561-312-2765.
18 attendees
Riverbend Park Guided Nature Walk Fee $5 Meet (9:45AM to leave 10 AM
Riverbend Park, 9060 W Indiantown Rd, Jupiter, FL, US. Meet 9:45 AM to leave at 10 AM...need to sign forms and pay $5 fee... Monday April 13 2026 Riverbend Park 9060 West Indiantown road Jupiter in the covered breezeway area of the park office and restrooms at the first parking area on the left. Information from Jacquelyn Arell : Hi Ben,
Thank you so much for booking a nature walk program for your group here at Riverbend Park! We’re excited to welcome your group back for a visit !
Please find the attached confirmation for your requested program, “Nature Walk” scheduled for Monday, April 13th, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Here is an estimate for 15 participants. The program fee is $5 per participant. (No worries if this number changes—just keep us updated!)
The program will begin promptly at 10:00 AM, and will take place entirely outdoors. We recommend closed-toe shoes, sun protection, and bringing plenty of drinking water for all participants.
Payment is due upon arrival, and can be made via cash or a check made out to PBCBOCC.
Please note: all participants—including teachers, chaperones, and parents/guardians of minor participants—must sign the attached indemnification form. Please print and bring all completed forms with you on the day of the program, and give them to a staff member upon arrival.
Program Details:- Theme: Nature Walk
- Includes: 1 ½ hour Naturalist lead nature walk through the park
- Meeting Point: The front office
- Location: Riverbend Park Trails
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out.
Looking forward to your visit !
Happy Holidays!
Jacquelyn Arell | Naturalist and Volunteer Coordinator, Riverbend Park
Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department
We create opportunities for healthy, happy living!
9060 Indiantown Rd. | Jupiter | Florida 33478
T: 561.748.2028 | Jarell@pbc.gov
Connect with us: www.pbcparks.com
Note from Ben: Jacquelyn Arell Park Naturalist and Volunteer Coordinator@ Riverbend Park is the leader for this walk .(Thanks ) . . This is specially arranged for us. We will be stopping and discussing various plants we see along the way. Please be courteous to others and respectful of the guide by keeping quiet when they are informing the group about the plants etc. Questions are welcome .(THANK YOU) Look for RFAR and P&P signs . Walk 2 miles round trip on packed shell rock and sand path for about 2 hrs.. Bring water, hat, sunscreen ,walking stick, binoculars ,camera and wear closed toe-end comfortable shoes. Bring your good humor too .Will be walking a Seminole Indian War battlefield area with historical markers. . Bring picnic lunch and chair to leave in your car for back at the park. PLEASE READ FULL NOTE Hi Ben,
For our nature walk, we typically do about a 1 ½ hour walk, which covers roughly 2 miles. During the walk, I'll be discussing the park, plant species, and animal species. Attached is the confirmation for the program. We will also need everyone to sign the attached indemnification form. We'll have copies available on the day of the walk for individuals to sign before we head out on the hike.
We'll meet at the front office area near the bathrooms and depart at 10:00 AM. Please remind participants to wear closed-toe shoes, bring drinking water, and wear sun protection, as we’re getting close to summer!
Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Best,
Jacquelyn Arell | Naturalist and Volunteer Coordinator, Riverbend Park
Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department
We create opportunities for healthy, happy living!
9060 Indiantown Rd. | Jupiter | Florida 33478
Riverbend Park to 800 Jupiter Park Dr, Jupiter, FL 33458 - Google Maps.Hope you can make it. Ben bbsdob525@aol.com ph 561 425-3077 sent to RFAR (Recess For Active Retirees)
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15 attendees
Fishing Juno Beach Pier ..and maybe catching....
Juno Beach Pier, 14775 US-1, Juno Beach, FL, US**"*The adventure is what I’m after; the fish are a bonus.” Jimmy Buffett ***Shared event Pack & Paddle /RFAR Fishing Juno Pier 14775 US # 1 Juno Beach $2.00 admission to the pier. $5.00 to fish includes admission. $15.00 to rent fishing pole/tackle (admission included). Look for the pirate flag if you want to join us. Wednesday April 15 2026 10AM-1:00PM...If the fish are biting may stay longer. Catch and release only .You can fish or just hang out and enjoy the pier and or the beach. What You Need to Know:
1. Cost $2.00 admission to enter the pier.
2. Cost $5.00 to fish from the pier (admission included).
3. Cost $15.00 to rent fishing tackle (admission included).
4. Bait is available to buy .
5. No alcohol; no dogs.
6. Coolers are permitted so you can bring your lunch.
7. Beach umbrellas are permitted.
8. Bring a folding chair .
9. Bring a hat with a wide brim (there are pigeons and seagulls all over).
10. Basic snacks and beverages are available.
11. Need sunblock - reflected rays will get you (even with a hat).
12. Thunderstorms in the area will definitely cancel the event in a flash.
13. Bring Chapstick lip balm - the salt air and wind work in synergy. . If you have extra poles and want to share please bring them. Hope you can make it . Option Lunch at Thirsty Turtle.
Menu :: Thirsty Turtle SeagrillBen 561 425 3077 bbsdob525@aol.com sent to RFAR (Recess For Active Retirees)
> Juno Beach Pier - Loggerhead Marinelife Center "The adventure is what I’m after; the fish are a bonus.” Jimmy Buffett
9 attendees
Past events
824
