Over the club’s long history (founded in 1967) it has evolved into a year around club supporting all types of non-motorized outdoor recreation and social events. The following steps are a good way to ease the transition from being the new kid on the block to becoming an old-timer.
STEP 1: GETTING STARTED
Becoming a member of any new group can be exciting. The North Star members welcome you to the club and hope you will enjoy the activities as much as we do. But be careful, you may find a new ‘family’.
- Try a few of our day activities before joining. Participate in as many events as possible before going on overnight trips to assure that you’ll see a familiar face on ski trips. Trail clearing outings are especially good to get to know people and build a core of friends.
- Introduce yourself to as many people as possible as a new member anxious to learn the ropes – North Stars love talking about the club and how to join in.
- Don’t judge the club by a less than positive experience during one or two activities. The club is large, membership is diverse, and activities are varied. Each trip has a different leader, different destination, different level of physical activity and different overnight accommodations – from dorm style for the budget minded to luxury for a special treat.
STEP 2: GET CONNECTED
There are several ways to receive information regarding trips, events, and other news North Stars find useful.
- Members automatically receive a printed newsletter, the LOYPE, that is published bi-monthly. The LOYPE always includes an activity schedule.
- The web page provides a frequently updated Schedule, information on meetings and other events, and current announcements on the Home page.
- Members may subscribe to a weekly news e-mail, the eLoype, to receive reminders about the week’s upcoming activities, updates to existing trips, and weekly Singles Night Out (SNO) events. The eLoype link above takes members to a page where they can provide Additional Member Data to indicate their interests, preferences, and volunteer activities.
- Many of the midweek outings are hosted by the Wednesday Wanderer {WW} group. To get on their e-mail list nsstc@north-stars.org.
STEP 3: JOIN AN ACTIVITY
Club activities range from local day recreation outings to evening social events to weekend ski, hike, bike trips to extended U.S. and international trips. All recreation activities have one thing in common – a signed waiver is required. Waivers are required for all trips and available as part of the online sign-up process. Waivers are also printed on the inside cover of our newsletter, Loype, and available to download on the club website Resources and Document Library.
- DAY TRIPS: Check the schedule for meeting instructions, call the leader if more information is needed and meet the group at the designated time and location. Water bottles are recommended for all recreation activities. Helmets are required for bike trips.
- OVERNIGHT TRIPS are restricted to members only. Leaders cannot guarantee that participants have a spot on the trip until they receive a signed waiver and deposit check. Winter trip reservations cannot be made until November 1st. The November general membership meeting is the annual winter trips sign-up event. For complete information regarding trip participation see the club’s Trips/Events Policy.
- SINGLES ACTIVITIES can be found in the main schedule designated {S}, in the singles events forum on the electronic bulletin board, and SNO (Singles Night Out) events in the weekly e-loype.
If an overnight trip is full, put your name on the waiting list and keep the weekend open. There is a good chance you may be able to get on the trip at the last minute due to a cancellation.