Backcountry

We would like to wish our members an enjoyable summer and to let you know that we will return with more events in September.

Do you like to try an indoor pool scuba dive 🐠with scuba dive equipment🐳? If you are interested in going for this Pool scuba try dive🐬class, please RSVP early as there will be other people going beside this meetup. If anyone cannot make it on this day and wants a different date, RSVP and you can change your date to another date. I will send you the information details to book your pool dive a week that suites you. 😊 https://www.padi.com/ https://youtu.be/kvmgy4XsqrU This event is (PADI) scuba dive for First Timers 🐬who are interested in trying Scuba Diving🐠🐟. This will be a scuba dive in a large swimming pool 5m deep at one end. Cost is about 55 euros. Scuba dive equipment will be included and supplied. You will be shown how to use scuba diving equipment by a dive instructor. If you do well in the pool, you can go to the next step and take up an open water PADI dive course qualification. With this qualification it will allow you to do open water scuba diving world wide. Dublin open water boat dives and weekend Atlantic sea boat dives trips and or Fjord boat scuba dives trips will be also avaliable to you around Ireland and World Wide once you are a PADI Open Water qualified scuba diver. People use Sea swimming for its healing properties,it washes viruses, bacteria and cleanse your skin amongst other things due to the sea salt content. Since the pandemic there has been a large increase in people going swimming. Scuba diving also refreshes your mind like hiking to start a new fresh day and a new work week. Anyone interested, please RSVP and I will send you the booking information. As usual this is a sporting event, so when you RSVP and attend this meetup, every person is responsible for their on health and saftey and accept full responsibilty.

***Unfortunately due to circumstances outside our control we are currently unable to run this class until further notice. People interested in coming along are welcome to join our Sangha Nights in the meantime: https://dublinbuddhistcentre.org/sangha-nights/*** Our meditation drop-in class is designed for those new to meditation or returning to practice. The 1 hour 15 minute session includes input on meditation and the Dharma, a led meditation, and time for questions and discussion. A welcoming space to learn, practice, and connect with others. **Practical details** The night will start at 7pm sharp so arrive a little early to ensure a punctual start. **7 pm** – Welcome & introduction to the meditation practice **7.15 pm** – Led meditation followed by space for questions **7.55 pm** – Short talk on aspect of meditation or Buddhism **8.15 pm** – Finish This event is for: * Those totally new to meditation or Buddhism * Meditators or Buddhists with some experience who want to visit the Dublin Buddhist Centre for the first time. All our Drop-in Meditation Nights are led by experienced members of the Triratna Buddhist Community. No need to book in advance, just show up a few minutes before we start at 7pm. On a donation basis. **Why meditate with others?** Meditation can help you pause, notice what’s happening in your mind and body, and build greater calm, clarity, and self-awareness - particularly important in a busy, demanding world. Meditation isn’t about emptying your mind or getting it “right,” but about paying attention to your own experience, just as it is. Learning and practicing meditation with other people can deepen this experience. Practicing together creates a sense of connection and shared understanding, reminding you that everyone’s experience is different and that there’s no single right way to meditate. Being part of a group can offer encouragement, structure, and a feeling of support, making the practice more sustainable and meaningful over time.

A lovely session of music and song in a relaxed and supportive environment. All levels of musician and singer welcome. You can come and sing or play one song or just come and listen to the other members. Great way to build up your playing skills and build up your confidence. We don't pay the bar for this session, so make sure you buy at least one drink. Charge €2.

Join us for a relaxed evening of badminton and picnic vibes in Bushy Park 🏸🌿 Arrival is flexible from 19:00. We’ll play some casual badminton, frisbee and hang out while enjoying the sunshine together. ☀️ Bring snacks or drinks for the picnic if you’d like. DM me for the exact location in the park on the day. Every event is **5 euros** to the host, you can pay by using Revolut or Cash. This helps me maintains the group as this takes a lot of time and effort.

Escape to the breathtaking Beaufortain Valley in the French Alps for an unforgettable Summer Hiking & Yoga Retreat! 🌄🧘‍♀️ From June 20-27, 2026, join like-minded adventurers for epic hikes through stunning trails, holistic yoga sessions to recharge your body and soul, and a magical night camping under the stars with views of Mont Blanc. Thrill-seekers, don't miss the adrenaline-pumping Mountain Twister Ride! Stay in cozy apartments at The Trail Center, savor meals (with wine!), and enjoy free bonuses like recovery sessions, ginger shots, and plant-based energy balls – Led by ultra-runner Sean and yoga expert Alicja, this all-inclusive getaway is packed with fun, wellness, and pure alpine magic. Spots are limited – secure yours with a an early bird offer now !! [https://eatsleeptrailrun.com/alps-summer-hiking-retreat](https://eatsleeptrailrun.com/alps-summer-hiking-retreat)

Kindly understand that This is Not an online event. We created this for the people to communicate with each other (in the comment section) to find their travel mates. However, since the Meetup site requires a date and time. We constantly have to update the date and time to keep the event alive. **Dear friends,** If you have plans to travel somewhere in the world, and you are looking for a travel mate/roommate, you can post it here to let others know, and maybe you can arrange to travel together. It would probably be a good idea to meet up before deciding to travel together but at least this will give you a chance to find a like-minded travel mate. **How to Choose the Right Travel-mate** 1. Have some common interests. 2. Avoid people who tend to extremes. 3. Agree on expenditures before you leave. 4. Make sure your personalities 5. Friends aren’t always good travel companions 6. Don’t go backpacking with a luxury-seeker 7. Make sure you’re able to communicate 8. Agree on a similar budget 9. Avoid picky, crazy and whiny individuals 10. Test each other on a short trip 11. You don’t have to be like a couple of inseparable lovebirds Good Luck and Cheers, Ree & Smyl

***Mountain Skills for Only €120 / course*** Ever wanted to learn the skills you need to become a competent navigator in the Irish mountains, the UK, the Alps or beyond! As a fully qualified mountain guide and course provider for Mountaineering Ireland and the UK, I run Mountain Skills which is a nationally accredited course and is delivered in an upland environment. Hiking in Ireland can be challenging not only because of its wilderness, but the island has very little sign posted hiking trails in the mountains or hills. In addition to this, as being an island in the Atlantic we experience the forces of nature; storms and weather events. In other words, Ireland is probably the best place in Europe to learn a new outdoor skill like Mountain Skills. The aim of this course is to help you learn the skills you need to get out hiking in the hills and mountains independently, safely and responsibly. You will learn how to navigate with confidence by any type of weather conditions. A Mountain Skills course is run over 2 days in an upland environment and covers: Map reading, map description, map scale, contour lines, land and ground features, navigation legs, simple navigation techniques, setting the map, the 5 D, estimation of direction & destination, grid reference, mountain hazards, hypothermia, mountain environment, timing, pacing, route planning, route card, emergency procedures, personal equipment, safe movement skills, river crossing and much more… Some level of fitness is essential in taking part in this course. Each course (MS1 / MS2) is a 20 hour syllabus which includes indoor and outdoor sessions and night navigation (MS2) **A course includes:** Maps and compass provided, tea breaks, course notes, 3 route cards, a free hiking day practice as part of a weekend. **For Only €100 for under 18 and students and €120 for adults.** Accommodations can be provided Her are few additionnal dates: Jan 24-25 MS2 Glenmalure, Co.Wicklow Feb 11-12 MS1 Comeragh, Co.Waterford March 21-22 Glenmalure, Co. Wicklow March 28-29 Glenmalure, Co.Wicklow April MS1 18-19 Glenmalure, Co,Wickow For more information contact us at: [aeaccom@gmail.com](mailto:aeaccom@gmail.com) / +35387 9691193 Or go to: [www.mountainadventures74.com](http://www.mountainadventures74.com)

*Summer Solstice Hike with Wild Camping up to Lugnaquilla.* *This is a great opportunity to anyone who want to learn how to pitch a tent, how to camp in the wilderness and experience a night hike up to Lugnaquilla.* *The weekend is organised but a qualified instructor and course Director of Mountaineering Ireland. During those 2 days, you will gain useful information and skills that will help keep you safe on the hills and mountains during daytime or nighttime.* *As part of the 2 days, I’ll talk about the geology of Ireland, the last Ice Ages, the origin of the Irish peat, the first people who transformed the Irish landscape, the flora and fauna.* *Our hikes are not only enjoyable but, educative too.* *In addition to this you will learn about safe movement skills, basic navigation, basic map reading, equipment and safety considerations which are part of the Mountain Skills Course syllabus.* *What do I need for the 2 days.* *A 1- or 2-men tents can be provided as well as some cooking stoves however, you will have to carry them.* You will need to bring food for the 2 days included snacks (I’ll provide a list of food you can bring) *In addition to a small sleeping back, you will need to wear comfortable clothing like - leggings, tracksuit bottoms, breathable T-Shirt and fleece & an extra warm layer (fleece). Be ready for the rain and pack a rain jacket and rain trousers. A hat and gloves to keep you safe from the wind. Wear good sturdy walking shoes or hillwalking boots with woolly or synthetic socks. Don’t forget to bring first aid kit with plaster and bandages, personal medicine, inhaler, epipen etc.* *Maps and compasses can be supplied by the instructor. Have your phone fully charged to.* ***SOME HIKING EXPERIENCES ARE ESSENTIALS***\*.\* *The meeting location and full schedule will be provided once you have booked.* ***For more information and BOOKINGS go to:*** *[www.mountainadventures74.com](http://www.mountainadventures74.com) or contact us: aeaccom@gmail.com 0879691193*

***Mountain Skills for Only €120 / course*** Ever wanted to learn the skills you need to become a competent navigator in the Irish mountains, the UK, the Alps or beyond! As a fully qualified mountain guide and course provider for Mountaineering Ireland and the UK, I run Mountain Skills which is a nationally accredited course and is delivered in an upland environment. Hiking in Ireland can be challenging not only because of its wilderness, but the island has very little sign posted hiking trails in the mountains or hills. In addition to this, as being an island in the Atlantic we experience the forces of nature; storms and weather events. In other words, Ireland is probably the best place in Europe to learn a new outdoor skill like Mountain Skills. The aim of this course is to help you learn the skills you need to get out hiking in the hills and mountains independently, safely and responsibly. You will learn how to navigate with confidence by any type of weather conditions. A Mountain Skills course is run over 2 days in an upland environment and covers: Map reading, map description, map scale, contour lines, land and ground features, navigation legs, simple navigation techniques, setting the map, the 5 D, estimation of direction & destination, grid reference, mountain hazards, hypothermia, mountain environment, timing, pacing, route planning, route card, emergency procedures, personal equipment, safe movement skills, river crossing and much more… Some level of fitness is essential in taking part in this course. Each course (MS1 / MS2) is a 20 hour syllabus which includes indoor and outdoor sessions and night navigation (MS2) **A course includes:** Maps and compass provided, tea breaks, course notes, 3 route cards, a free hiking day practice as part of a weekend. **For Only €100 for under 18 and students and €120 for adults.** Accommodations can be provided Her are few additionnal dates: Jan 24-25 MS2 Glenmalure, Co.Wicklow Feb 11-12 MS1 Comeragh, Co.Waterford March 21-22 Glenmalure, Co. Wicklow March 28-29 Glenmalure, Co.Wicklow April MS1 18-19 Glenmalure, Co,Wickow For more information contact us at: [aeaccom@gmail.com](mailto:aeaccom@gmail.com) / +35387 9691193 Or go to: [www.mountainadventures74.com](http://www.mountainadventures74.com)

Adult Bachata and Salsa dance classes with practice social at Coolock Ardlea Scout Den Coolock Village. This is a mirror studio located upstairs from the hall with nice wooden floors. This is a weekly Thursday event. Come down, learn and have fun! Men and Women are welcome. Free taster for first timers and discount for students, request via dm. Beginners cost 10 euro for all beginner classes and practice.

Are you Solo and Single!! Easily Make new 💑 friends🍻 with Speed Friending! No need for Apps 😀We are meeting for social drinks including soft drinks 🍺🍸🍷 at the Lemon & Duke. We will be inside the Bar area. Please, at least buy a drink or a soft drink or so, as we may not be welcomed again to certain bars. We will go to another late bar afterwards for dancing. So Dress Nice & neat please. Leave your surfing cloths and 🏖 surfboards at home please.😂 https://youtu.be/wD0Mm6WIcYs?feature=shared Many new people come solo to socialize and make new friends, so do not worry if you are solo, you are welcome to join us. I will introduce you to others in the group,so you are no longer solo. 😆Welcome to ask me questions about hiking gear and 🐬🐠🐡 scuba diving.

Come assist Van Buren Shelter (https://ymcacolumbus.org/locations/vanburen) staff in serving dinners and cleaning up on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Dinner for the women is 5-6 pm and for the families is 6:15-7:15 pm. There is ample free parking available in the shelter's lot. The recommended area to park is in green in the image above. There will be a new entrance for the time being. We are asking all volunteers to enter through the Donation Dock door, the orange mark on the image above. This door is located between the Single Adults and Family Shelter. You will see 2 large garage doors with a large green trash compactor in the center. Please head to the closest garage door to the building wall, with a ramp leading up. There, you will see a door with a sign stating instructions on how to enter the building. Please ring the doorbell, and a staff member will come and escort you into the building. If a staff member takes longer than 5 minutes, please call the front desk at 614-689-2020. This is a new process for us, and we do not want to keep you waiting! We appreciate your patience as we navigate this temporary change. The shelter needs a volunteer count the day before the event so sign-up ends Monday at 4:50 PM. Afterwards some of us go to the Omnipresent Atheists Weekly Meetup in progress to have a bit to eat or drink (http://www.meetup.com/omnipresentatheists/). Volunteers must be 14 or older. Since we will be working around families, the YMCA does not permit volunteering by individuals with convictions for violent or sexual crimes. The YMCA reserves the right to run background checks on volunteers. For questions, comment on this page or contact: Andrew, awhit12@yahoo.com, (614)937-5802 (cell). Please let Andrew know if you volunteer anytime other than our COUNT events so that he can count your hours toward our service record.

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.

Open Shelter has teamed up again with Red White and Boom! Friday, July 3rd & we are looking for volunteers to run the event’s alcohol booths. Proceeds from sales go to the Open Shelter’s organization. There are two available shifts: 12-6p & 5-11p. There will be an ipad-like device to process transactions in addition to cash. Everything will be in bottles or cans, so transactions should be very easy. Must be 21+. There are multiple beverage stations along the Civic Center Bridge. The stations are covered and also have beverage trucks next to them, so volunteers can cool off in the trucks. As far as parking, it is suggested those who are coming from the east use the Columbus Commons Garage, and those from the west use the Belle Street Garage. Harry from the Open Shelter will be your contact. (614)562-2169 mailto:harry@theopenshelter.org More information about the event: https://redwhiteandboom.org/ More information about the organization: https://theopenshelter.org/