ABOUT CHILTERN

Chiltern Mountain Club (CMC) was founded in 1978 by Sturgis Haskins.  At the time he lived in Boston.  He posted an ad in a local paper asking follow gay men and lesbians to join him for a hike up Mt. Wachusett in central Massachusetts.  Since then, the club grew into New England's largest and only gay and lesbian outdoor recreation club.

Throughout the '80s and '90s, the club grew to around 1500 members from all over New England.  Hundreds of trips were led each year, and a variety of annual events were established (most of which continue today with more being added).

The club has been through many changes and challenges.  It provides an outlet for outdoor recreational activities for LGBT community and their allies, and strives to create a relaxed environment for people to experience the outdoors together and come together as a community.

In the past few years, the club has experienced a decline in membership.  However, trip activity remains high, and trip attenance stands at 10-20% of membership!  Member involvement is high, and guests and new members are at nearly evey event.


HOW TO JOIN THE CLUB

Go to the "Join" link on the top of the website and either use the paypal option or fill out the membership form and send it along with a check payable to Chiltern Mountain Club, for $20 (individual) or $40 (for families) to: Chiltern Membership P.O. Box 390928, Cambridge, MA 02139 Please note that membership dues are not tax deductible. Our membership list is kept strictly confidential and is used only for club communication. If you are unable to download the membership form please contact the Membership Coordinator (see Chiltern Executive Committee section).

 

LIABILITY WAIVER

Participants agree to assume all risks associated with their participation in events organized by Chiltern Mountain Club members or publicized in the Chiltern Mountain Club newsletter. Chiltern Mountain Club activity leaders run events on the express condition that Chiltern Mountain Club, its members and leaders shall not be held responsible for any personal injury, damage, loss of property, accident, or loss of any kind, whether alleged to be caused by act or omission.

 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Co-Chairs: Melanie Adem & Josiah Richards  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or call Josiah at 617.306.3840 
Secretary: Tom Delisle  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Treasurer: Neil Benjamin  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website Coordinator: Jeff Mee This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Large Events: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Membership Coordinator: Jeff Mee & Melanie Adem  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Club Info: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Outreach & Publicity: Murray Wheeler  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

TRIP DIFFICULTY GUIDELINES

The descriptions of these ratings are estimated guidelines for a person of good physical fitness doing the trip in good weather. Variables such as fitness, weather, pace and steepness of terrain will increase or decrease the level of difficulty accordingly. Activities not listed below, such as whitewater sports or rock climbing, have their own rating systems which should be used.

H=Hiking B=Biking K=Kayaking/canoeing S= Skiing/Snowshoeing

 

Very Easy 3-5 Miles, Gentle Terrain. 1-3 Miles, Flat Terrain Below 15 Miles, Flat Terrain 3 Miles, Calm Water

Easy 3-5 Miles, Gentle to Moderate Terrain. 1-3 Miles, Slight Hills 16-30 Miles, Small Rolling Hills 3-4 Miles, Slight Current

Moderate 5-8 Miles, Some Steep Grades 5-10 Miles, Moderate Hills 31-50 Miles, Rolling Hills 4-6 Miles, Moderate Current

Strenuous (Requires Special Leader Rating) 8-10 Miles, Demanding Terrain 10-15 Miles, Fairly Steep Hills 51-80 Miles, Rolling Hills 6-8 Miles, Moderate Swift Current

Very Strenuous (Requires Special Leader Rating) Over 10 Miles, Demanding Terrain Over 15 Miles, Steep Hills Over 80 Miles, Rolling Hills 8 Miles, Swift Current, Portage

 

CLUB ETIQUETTE

When on a Chiltern trip and/or inquiring about one, observe these simple but often overlooked courtesies:

Call leaders during specified times; noon 9 PM is acceptable.
● For day trips, do not call the day before or the morning of
● For larger events or long weekends, call asap but not a few days before
● Discuss concerns with the leader, especially trip difficulty in leader's own words; this varies despite the event listing posting
● Please do not show up to a trip or event unannounced, and avoid bringing unexpected guests
● Tell the leader if you attend as a couple or group
● Ask permission to bring pets - leashes are always required
● Call ASAP to cancel if you cannot attend a trip you have signed up for, as there may be a waiting list
● Do not be a No Show - you may be denying someone else the chance to attend
● Decide you are serious before signing up for a trip
● Be on time or early; listen to instructions before leaving
● Sign the club liability waiver - if you refuse, you may be asked not to participate in the trip
● Keep up with the group - inform the leader of any trouble or if you have to drop out
● Be responsible for yourself! Every action has consequences
● Do not litter in the outdoors - carry-in-carry-out policy on all trips
● Help clean up at large events - we are all volunteers
● Carpooling is encouraged; offer a percentage of fuel costs to willing drivers
● When taking pictures, announce that they may be published as some members may not be out
● Leaders should not profit from the trip, but pay your own fees or bring a potluck dish if applicable; they may howver ask for reasonable compensation for costs paid in advance
● Do not give out addresses or phone numbers, or expect leaders to provide these

REMEMBER: Trip leaders and other coordinators are volunteers, please treat them with courtesy and respect. They are our most valued resource!

Last Updated (Sunday, 17 February 2013 14:11)