Mountains
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The Mt. Hoodlings: Snowboard and Ski friends
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The St.Louis Mountain Climbing Club
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Europe's Epic Mountain Treks (LA) with Lagom Escapes
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Europe's Epic Mountain Treks (NYC) with Lagom Escapes
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Europe’s Epic Mountain Treks (Denver) with Lagom Escapes
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Acoustic All Mountain Bikers
12 Members
Frequently Asked Questions
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Mountains Events Today
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Fletcher's Boathouse to Virginia with E-bike Lovers.
16.7 miles. [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34512774 ](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34512774)Picnic is at the Potomac Overlook 13 miles into the trail. Toilets are in the beginning, middle and end of the ride.
We meet at the parking lot at Abner Cloud House at Fletcher's Cove.
The group stops a few times for slower riders to catch up. The distance will be around 17 miles or shorter any time you are fully satisfied with biking for the day.
Did you know that E-bike Lovers is an Amazon Affiliate?
[https://ebikelovers.com/reviews](https://ebikelovers.com/reviews)
FYI: Ride With GPS E-bike Lovers club membership is now free as [www.ebikelovers.com](http://www.ebikelovers.com/) is generating sufficient income from ads to cover the costs.
Here is the link to activate your free membership:
[https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN](https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN)
The group stops a few times for slower riders to catch up.
Please bring some snacks, lunch and plenty of water. Our bikes will be always in our sight. No additional locks are required to keep your bike safe on this trip. However, perhaps some people will decide to stop in Georgetown for a snack or lunch after the ride- so bring a lock just in case you would like to do that.
For the E-bike Lovers group to be successful, we need to grow our membership carefully. Please feel free to invite other E-bike lovers, spread the word, and let's have fun.
**Hill Alert: As usual, non-assisted bikers are most welcome, but be aware of the hills on this route.**
About Fletcher's Cove:
Fletcher's Cove, called by many customers "Fletcher's Boathouse", has been in this location since the 1850s and is renowned as a fishing and recreational area.
The nearby Abner Cloud House is the oldest building on the canal, dating back to 1802. After 145 years of business, the fourth generation of the Fletcher family retired in 2004, and Guest Services Incorporated, a National Park Service concessionaire, assumed responsibility for the operation of the concessions. The area surrounding the boathouse was then officially named Fletcher's Cove, though most people still call it Fletcher's Boat House.
About the C&O Canal:
The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal operated from 1831 until 1924 along the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, Maryland. The canal's principal cargo was coal from the Allegheny Mountains.
The canal’s roots begin with George Washington’s dream of a waterway trade route. 74 locks were built.
About the Labyrinth:
One of the most interesting features in the park is the labyrinth, located towards the western end of the park. Labyrinths, which date back to ancient times, encourage contemplation on the journey from the outer edge along a circular path to the center.
The TKF Foundation, a non-profit organization that promotes urban green spaces to facilitate community healing, provided funds for constructing the labyrinth and for a teak bench and a diary for visitors to use to record their experiences there.
DISCLAIMER
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE LAW, NEITHER GREGORY MAASSEN, NATHAN MERRIS, RICHARD CAMER, TRIP COORDINATORS, THEIR AFFILIATES, FAMILY AND FORMER AND CURRENT EMPLOYERS NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN CREATING, PRODUCING, OR DELIVERING E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS IS LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF A USER’S ACCESS TO, OR USE OF THE E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS.
See for the full disclaimer: https://ebikelovers.com/disclaimer
Maryland Heights Hike
Maryland Heights is one of Adventuring’s most popular hikes. It starts in the picturesque and historic town of Harpers Ferry, WV and provides spectacular views along the way and directly above Harpers Ferry. This scenic and historic hike is also physically challenging, but for those able to make the climb, the rewards will be stupendous.
After a lovely walk through the Lower Town of Harpers Ferry and then along the Potomac on the C&O Canal, we’ll begin the steep upward trek to the summit, where the remnants of the Civil War Stone Fort await. We’ll then descend to the magnificent Harpers Ferry Overlook.
For those interested, we'll stop afterwards at the nearby Harpers Ferry Brewery, which has its own lovely view of the Shenandoah River, or grab a bite to eat on our drive back. Total length of this strenuous outing should be about 7.5 miles, with 1700 feet of often-steep elevation gain.
We'll meet to form our carpool at 8:45 a.m. in the Kiss & Ride lot of the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro Station. We plan to leave at 9 a.m. sharp. Bring plenty of beverages, lunch (there will be a Sheetz stop for those who don’t want to prepare lunch at home), sturdy hiking boots, and the $5 Adventuring fee, plus $10 to reimburse your carpool driver if you're a passenger. If no one in your car has a National Parks or Military Pass, the Park entrance fee is $20 per vehicle, a cost that would be shared among the vehicle's occupants. (We'll try to arrange the carpool so that each car has at least one person with a Pass.)
If you want to drive directly to the Park, please be there by 10:30. The address is: 171 Shoreline Drive, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425. When you sign up, Meetup will ask you questions about whether you can be a carpool driver or whether you will drive directly to the park. Please answer these questions so we can properly arrange this outing.
NEW! Please [click here](https://adventuringlgbtq.com/Adventuring_Release_Form.pdf) to review our release form. When you RSVP to an event, you affirm that you have read and agree to the terms of the release.
Hike the Upper Mt Vernon Trail (ODH 13)
This is an 18- or 30-mile hike that is out-and-back, at your own pace, and mostly along the paved **Mount Vernon Trail** (MVT). Expect to pass through parks, Old Town Alexandria, wetlands, forest, and some snazzy neighborhoods, all while enjoying panoramic views of the Potomac River, the capital city, Woodrow Wilson Bridge, and National Harbor, Maryland. (**[Map](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/upload/Mt-Vernon-Trail-map-508-2021.pdf).**)
We will start at Gravely Point, north of and adjacent to Reagan National Airport. You will hike north on the MVT to Theodore Roosevelt Island, loop around the island, return to the MVT, and hike south, past Gravely Point. You will then walk to a turn-around point -- Jones Point Park for the short hikers and just before George Washington’s Estate at Mount Vernon for the long hikers -- before you head back to the starting point. You leave whenever you finish and you may shorten either hike by turning around sooner.
**WHEN & WHERE**
We will meet at 8 AM in the main **[parking lot](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/''/@38.8652345,-77.0405958,17.04z/data=!4m9!4m8!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x89b7b73d94c67cf5:0x676f0d088c10a255!2m2!1d-77.0404351!2d38.8645457!3e0?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDMyNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D)** of Gravely Point. Note that cars can only access the parking lot from the northbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. The closest metro stations are at Reagan National Airport (1.2 miles) and Crystal City (1.3 miles). We will meet in the green space left of the parking lot.
**WHAT TO BRING**
Bring food and drink (short hike, 2 qts; long hike, 3 qts). You may bring food for lunch or stop at nearby eateries off the trail. This hike occurs rain or shine, cold or warm, so dress appropriately. However, in case of hazardous weather, please check here for last-minute changes before leaving for the hike.
**LEADERS**
Mike Darzi (Mike.Darzi@Gmail.com) &
Dave Torraca (DTorraca@Gmail.com)
**SIERRA CLUB**
You may join the Sierra Club by clicking the "JOIN" button at the top of the Virginia Chapter’s **[homepage](https://www.sierraclub.org/virginia)**. Membership is not required for participation.
**ONE DAY HIKE**
Although open to all, this training hike is part of a series of Saturday training hikes leading up to the **[One Day Hike](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/events/312467688/)** (ODH)—100 or 50 km along the C&O Canal—on May 2, 2026. See SCPRO’s **[Meetup page](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/)** for other training hikes as they are posted. If you would like to support the ODH, see **[volunteering opportunities](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/events/312467618/)** and/or contact Mike Darzi (Mike.Darzi@Gmail.com) For official updates regarding training hikes, registration, and other information, join the ODH discussion group by sending a blank email to OneDayHike+Subscribe@Gmail.com.
*Updated* Day Hike - Duncan and Strickler Knob + 2 Silos Brewing
UPDATE - changed from Sunday to Saturday due to weather. Please update RSVPs.
Let's explore the stunning vistas of Strickler Knob and Duncan Knob in Virginia's Massanutten Mountains.
## Trail Facts
* **Difficulty Level: Strenuous**
* **Meeting Location**: Vienna Metro Station South
* **Meeting Time**: 9:00 AM
* **Driving Time**: Approximately 2 hours each way
* **Length:** 9.7 Miles
* **Elevation Gain:** 2,152 Feet
* **Dogs:** Allowed (with caution - the scramble is not recommended for dogs)
* **Trailhead Coordinates:** 38.708202, -78.561530
* **AllTrails Map**: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/strickler-knob-and-duncan-knob-loop
**CARPOOL:** If you need a ride or can offer one, please coordinate in the event comments. Be a friend to the environment, save money, and make friends.
This trail in the Massanutten Mountains is renowned for its challenging routes and breathtaking panoramic views. The trail features well-marked paths with modest climbs.
The highlights of this hike are the out-and-back scrambles to Duncan Knob and Strickler Knob, both offering spectacular views. I expect this hike to be moderate, but caution that it can be strenous.
**Trail Details:**
We will meet at The Vienna Metro station on **Saturday** morning at 9am and drive the trailhead. The drive is about 2 hours.
Upon arrival, we'll head towards Duncan Knob and make a short out-and-back hike/scramble to enjoy the view. Afterward, we'll proceed along the trail towards Strickler Knob. The out-and-back hike to Strickler Knob offers 360-degree views of the surrounding area. After returning to the junction, we'll then finish the loop, first descending and then climbing back to the parking area.
I plan to stop at 2 Silos Brewing Co in Manassas on the way home - address is 9925 Discovery Blvd, Manassas, VA 20109.
*Note: Be prepared for varying temperatures; layering is key.*
**LIABILITY NOTICE:**
Please remember that this group operates under the common adventurer model. We are a group of friends and volunteers organizing trips for fun and shared experience. Participants are expected to be familiar with best hiking practices and choose hikes that align with their physical abilities and experience. Organizers and members are not liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from group activities. By attending this event, you agree to assume all risks associated with the activity.
For more information on the common adventurer model, please see [Ron Watters' definition](https://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.htm).
If you believe you may be lost during the hike, follow the advice of the [US Forest Service](https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost).
See you on the trail!
Hike: Bull Run/Occoquan Trail, VA (Bluebell hike)
**Trail Map / VA Bus**
*$36. Long hike: 12 mi., 900 ft. elevation gain. Moderate hike: 8 mi., 500 ft. elevation gain. Extra-long hike: 18½ mi., 3000 ft. elevation gain.*
There are literally acres of Virginia Bluebells on the banks of Bull Run, the result of rich, seasonally flooded, sandy soil. If the season's timing cooperates, we will see vast stands of these flowers in full bloom. Trout lilies, beavers, heron, kingfishers and migratory warblers also vie for attention. Moderate hikers start at Hemlock Overlook and proceed north (upstream) on the Bull Run – Occoquan Trail to Bull Run Regional Park. Long hikers start hiking north from Bull Run Marina. Hikers who are up to the challenge have the option of starting at Fountainhead Regional Park to cover the full length of the trail.
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RESERVATIONS
Capital Hiking Club is a non-profit group, and the public is invited on all trips. Reservations are accepted as late as Friday, but reserving before Wednesday night helps ensure your spot and prevent cancellation of the hike due to low sign-ups. RSVP through Meetup and pay through PayPal. Please be sure your RSVP gives your full name and phone number and where you'll be boarding the bus. We don't want to leave you behind!
FIRST-TIME HIKERS
If you're a first-time hiker with us, please notify the leaders in advance so they can make sure you have the info you need. Hikers must be able to keep at least a 2 mph pace.
BUS STOPS: VIRGINIA ROUTING
Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes before times listed below. All our bus stops are Metro accessible. If you're driving to meet the bus, we strongly advise using the Vienna bus stop, as parking is extremely limited at the others. Bus stops and times are as follows (click links for maps):
* **[DC: Near 17th and K St. NW](https://bit.ly/17thandKnu)** downtown (east side of Farragut Square). Bus leaves at 8 a.m. SHARP, so it's essential to arrive well before 8.
* **[VIENNA METRO: NORTH parking lot](http://bit.ly/vienna-bus)**, last bus shelter (Nutley St. Exit off Interstate 66 on North/Vienna side of I-66) at approximately 8:25 a.m. Note: There is a "south" parking lot where there are also bus shelters. If by 8:15, you're not with a group of hikers who say they're Capital Hiking Club, you're likely at the south lot. There's a walkway over I-66 to the north lot.
LIABILITY
By RSVP'ing for a CHC hike, you acknowledge and accept that hikers are responsible for their own safety and must assume risks and liability for all outings. CHC leaders, officers, and representatives shall not be liable for any injuries, loss or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising out of any trips or club activities. Participants will be asked to sign a waiver the day of the hike.
CANCELLATION POLICY
To cancel and receive a full refund less a $5 processing fee, you must change your RSVP to "No" on Meetup **before 12PM the Thursday** before the hike. If you change your RSVP after 12PM the Thursday before the hike, no refunds will be issued.
MORE DETAILS -- **[SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE](https://www.capitalhikingclub.org/hikes-faqs)**
Mountains Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
(Trailhead) Hike: Seven Bends, VA
(Trailhead hike) Explore one of the newest state parks in Virginia. The park is located in the picturesque "oxbow" area of the North Shenandoah River. Moderate hikers will cover Hikes include the Eagle's Edge Trail, River Bend Rise Trail, Massanutten Trail, Talus Trail, Reservoir Trail and Gakotta Trail, while long hikers will add a there-and-back on the Massanutten Trail. Est.: 11.5 miles, 2000' elevation, and 8.5 miles, 1500' elevation. Park map. Hike fee: $5.
Trailhead: Seven Bends State Park, 2111 S. Hollingsworth Rd. Woodstock, VA, 10:00 AM
Driving Directions
From Vienna Metro Station to Seven Bends State Park, VA, Hollingsworth Road Entrance
1. Follow I-66 West for around 62 miles.
2. Take exit 1A to merge onto I-81 S toward Roanoke. Follow I-81 South for 17.4 miles.
3. Take exit 283 for VA-42 toward Woodstock.
4. Turn left to go East on VA-42/W Reservoir Rd.
5. Continue straight through the town of Woodstock.
6. In about a mile, turn right onto Hollingsworth Road. Drive across the one lane bridge and turn left to stay on Hollingsworth Road.
7. Continue Hollingsworth Road to Seven Bends State Park entrance.
Without traffic, the trip is 1 hour, 20 minutes
FIRST-TIME HIKERS
If you're a first-time hiker with us, please notify the leaders in advance so they can make sure you have the info you need. Hikers must be able to keep a 2-mph pace. New hikers are required to first complete a moderate hike.
**Liability Waiver:** Many of our hikes take place in remote wilderness areas where cell phone service is not available. Any person participating in any Club activity is responsible for their own safety, health and welfare, and must assume all risks and liabilities related to all Club activities. The Club, its hike leaders, hike sweeps, officers, and other representatives are not liable for any injuries, losses, or damage to persons, children, pets, and/or property, arising from any trips or activities of the Club. You are responsible for bringing enough water, food, and first aid supplies, including those for your personal medical conditions.
CANCELLATION POLICY
To cancel and receive a full bus hike refund, less a $5 processing fee, you must change your RSVP to "No" on Meetup **before NOON on the Friday** before the hike. If you change your RSVP after noon on the Friday before the hike, no refunds will be issued.
Cancellations to Metro/carpool/trailhead hikes will not issue a financial refund, but hiker must change their Meetup RSVP to NO so that leaders do not wait for them at the trailhead.
COVID PRECAUTIONS
Anyone experiencing symptoms of upper respiratory illness should not attend the event.
MORE DETAILS -- [SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE](http://www.wanderbirds.org/faq.html)
Glorious Blooms & Bishop's Garden -National Cathedral via Cleveland Park
Flowers are blooming gloriously in the Cleveland Park neighborhood. We will pass plenty of flowers on the way to the National Cathedral. We will spend extra time at the Bishop's Garden at the Cathedral, which should be in superb form.
Our hike will combine glorious architecture, one of the most expensive neighborhoods in DC, the least-known best trail in the city, and a shortcut through the woods past the International School to Macomb Street.
The featured photo is from a hike last Spring. John kindly updated the map to parallel the route we take.
The hike has some uphill stretches going to the Cathedral but tame stuff mostly.
The Red Line will be running a normal Saturday schedule so we will not be vexed by the single-tracking that occurred during recent hikes.
There is an [old-style Italian deli](https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=vace%27s%20italian%20deli&tbs=lrf:!1m4!1u3!2m2!3m1!1e1!1m4!1u2!2m2!2m1!1e1!1m4!1u1!2m2!1m1!1e1!1m4!1u1!2m2!1m1!1e2!1m4!1u22!2m2!21m1!1e1!2m1!1e2!2m1!1e1!2m1!1e3!3sIAE,lf:1,lf_ui:9&tbm=lcl&rflfq=1&num=10&rldimm=10778690468746188451&lqi=ChN2YWNlJ3MgaXRhbGlhbiBkZWxpSIrbzePngICACFonEAAQARACGAAYARgCIhN2YWNlJ3MgaXRhbGlhbiBkZWxpKgQIAxACkgEEZGVsaZoBJENoZERTVWhOTUc5blMwVkpRMEZuU1VRMk9EVjFNbXBCUlJBQqoBHwoJL20vMDl5MmsyEAEqECIMaXRhbGlhbiBkZWxpKADgAQA&phdesc=clTALiFHOKU&ved=2ahUKEwiK9_Te7bv8AhUoM1kFHZdeCKYQvS56BAgLEAE&sa=X&rlst=f#rlfi=hd:;si:10778690468746188451,l,ChN2YWNlJ3MgaXRhbGlhbiBkZWxpSIrbzePngICACFonEAAQARACGAAYARgCIhN2YWNlJ3MgaXRhbGlhbiBkZWxpKgQIAxACkgEEZGVsaZoBJENoZERTVWhOTUc5blMwVkpRMEZuU1VRMk9EVjFNbXBCUlJBQqoBHwoJL20vMDl5MmsyEAEqECIMaXRhbGlhbiBkZWxpKADgAQA,y,clTALiFHOKU;mv:%5B%5B39.1842519,-77.05127639999999%5D,%5B38.9198496,-77.1609544%5D%5D;tbs:lrf:!1m4!1u3!2m2!3m1!1e1!1m4!1u2!2m2!2m1!1e1!1m4!1u1!2m2!1m1!1e1!1m4!1u1!2m2!1m1!1e2!1m4!1u22!2m2!21m1!1e1!2m1!1e2!2m1!1e1!2m1!1e3!3sIAE,lf:1,lf_ui:9) named Vace's a block from the hike start/finish point that has great pizzas by the slice.
❶ **What we'll do:**
* Let's meet at Cleveland Park Metro (on the formerly TARGET side of Connecticut Ave NW) and walk down Connecticut Ave NW, cross at the Kennedy-Warren, follow Devonshire and Courtland Pl NW to 29th St NW, and follow 29th St south to Cleveland Ave SW. We'll turn right onto Cleveland Ave NW and follow in northwest to Garfield Ave NW, turn left, and follow Garfield to the cathedral grounds.
* After walking through the cathedral grounds we will exit on the north side, go down Woodley to Klingle, and then head down the Klingle Valley Trail. There is a dirt turnoff that leads via twists and turns up past the Washington International School and over to Macomb St NW, coming out very close to Cleveland Park Library. From there we will follow Connecticut Ave NW back to our startng point.
* Total distance is roughly 4 miles and should take slightly over 2 hours. The surface is mostly paved. It's uphill 266 ft to the Cathedral, fairly level in the Cathedral area, and then a downhill jaunt to Rock Creek and uphill 46 feet back to the Metro, for a total of 312 feet elevation gain.
* Google map: https://tinyurl.com/3zpy9aeh
❷ **How to get there:**
* Metro: Cleveland Park Metro Station is on the Red Line.
* Driving: The street address is 3599 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC, and there is parallel parking available on surrounding streets:
○ From the north, along the I-495 Beltway, take the MD-185S / Connecticut Ave exit and drive south 5.1 miles on Connecticut Ave. The meetup location will be on your left.
○ From south of the Potomac, cross Arlington Memorial Bridge, turning right onto the ramp for Rock Creek Parkway/Kennedy Center. Merge onto Ohio St and turn left onto Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW, staying to your left onto Rock Creek Parkway/Shoreham Dr and continuing onto 24th St NW. Turn left onto Connecticut St NW and the meetup location at Cleveland Park Metro Station will be on your right, just past the zoo.
❸ **What to bring:** Water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend if desired. Dogs must be leashed at all times.
❹ **Weather:** The forecast is sunny and 81. Updates here: https://tinyurl.com/mrywcdte
❺ **Advisory:** As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers.
❻ **Administrative stuff:** There are restrooms near Cleveland Park Metro and the Cleveland Park Public Library. The National Cathedral has accessible bathrooms as well.
❼ **Notes:**
* Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016
* Vace Italian Delicatessen, 3315 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008, (202) 363-1999, https://vaceitaliandeli.com/
LAMA Washington DC Monthly Meeting
The LAMA Washington DC monthly meetings are typically held on the first Saturday of each month.
Our meetings are open invitation. Everyone is invited to attend! We look forward to meeting new people. If you are interested in learning more about LAMA or just want to ride, please come!
If you cannot attend the meeting and/or still want to learn about LAMA please email our President at lamadcpresident@hotmail.com
Mountains Events Near You
Connect with your local Mountains community
2026 CSC Softball Announcements
2026 CSC SOFTBALL TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS
CSC Softball league is 16 teams - over 200 people.
The countdown is over—the 2026 CSC Softball season kicks off with team announcements FRIDAY APRIL 10!
Come find out who you’re playing with, who’s coaching, and start the season with great people and great energy.
All Columbus Ski Club members & non members welcome!
Meet your coach
Meet your teammates
Get pumped for the season ahead
Whether you’re playing this season or just want to be part of the fun, join us to celebrate the start of another amazing CSC Softball year. Let’s play ball!
COUNT RMH Housewarmer Volunteering (Ronald McDonald House)
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.
Hike Gertrude S. Lawrence Hoover Nature Preserve near Galena
This trail is a meandering path through the woods. There will be some overlooks and a couple stops at the creek as well as time along a waterway. It will not be a fast paced hike. There is some elevation change and uneven terrain. I will be using poles just to be safe! Will aim to get in about three miles.
Optional lunch after if there is an interest.
COUNT monthly event: Kitchen service at Van Buren Center's shelter
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.



























