When will KHC registration open for new members?
On February 1st a Registration button is added to the website for existing club members. On February 15th a button is added for the general public. Registration remains open until the club’s capacity is reached.
Why is Kamloops Hiking Club closed to new memberships?
When KHC opens registration at the start of the KHC year, we determine how many members we want and we usually reach our capacity by the end of February so we close our membership because we want to ensure that there are enough event spaces for our members. Events are run by volunteers and each leader determines the group size for their event and how many events they want to post each week, month or year. The club will add additional members throughout the year if the member commits to participate in our Hike Leader program so that they can plan, schedule and post events for the club.
Why are fees charged for membership?
KHC uses membership fees to pay for affiliations, insurance, equipment, bookings, and services, together amounting to about 85% of the fees collected. We keep a small amount each year to accrue forward for future projects and costs.
What does KHC expect of its members?
KHC is a club run by volunteers and as such members are expected to share some of the responsibilities – learn to use the website, keep contact information up to date, book into events properly, cancel with lots of notice (no shows are a big no-no), stay with the group, be adequately prepared, read the event listings to be well-informed, to participate safely, to be polite, positive, and supportive wherever possible. Refer to the Guidelines and Expectations page for more information.
How do we ensure ‘safety’ is adhered to on our events?
Each club member is responsible for their own ‘safety’. Insurance is in place to provide the Club, its Directors, its hike leaders, and its members from the challenge of legal/court costs and possibly settlements if something goes wrong during an event. It allows the Club to organize events while protecting its volunteers. Refer to the Safety & Insurance page for more information
How are hiking events chosen?
KHC does not coordinate an events schedule and instead relies on volunteer Leaders to plan, schedule and post events based on their individual interests (hiking, snowshoeing, cycling, paddling, etc.)
How do members sign up for events?
We do all event posting, bookings, cancellations, and communications through the website. Everything a member needs to know is available on the site, but any member is welcome to contact a hike leader about a particular event. Refer to the following pages: New Members and Website Help & Instructions
Are Guests welcome to join in on events?
The mandate of Kamloops Hiking Club is to organize hiking, snowshoeing, backpacking, and other outdoor events for its members first and foremost. KHC has no obligation whatsoever to allow guests on events, but is willing to support non-members who are family members, new partners, new to town arrivals, or where the guest provides assistance to the hike leader (i.e. new hiking route/area) or where there are special circumstances. Refer to the Guests page for more information.
Are dogs allowed on events?
Dogs are welcome on many hikes, depending on a number of factors. Refer to the Our Furry Friends page for more information.
Are kids allowed on events?
Kids are also welcome as long as they are with their parent/guardian. An Acknowledgement of Risk Form is required. Refer to the Minors page for more information.
How difficult are the hikes?
Hikes vary from short and easy to long and difficult. Every hike is rated and we ask hikers to pick the events that are right for them. If you are not sure about an event, contact the hike leader. Refer to the Difficulty of Events page for more information.
What level of fitness is required?
All hikers need to have a basic fitness level to start. Hiking is mostly hilly walking so novices can start by getting out to walk the hills a couple of times each week. Some of KHC’s events are demanding on fitness, clearly stated in the event listing. Refer to the Difficulty of Events page for more information.
What if I want to have the club change its policies and practices?
Every spring we host an Annual General Meeting. To make changes in the Club, get elected to the Board of Directors and bring forward a motion for a Board vote. You will have a chance to be heard and to have other Directors evaluate your proposal. Refer to the Club Info page for more information. In the short term, members can contact us with suggestions and concerns.
Revision History
May 30, 2023 – MTaki – reviewed and revised the information. Added a few links to additional information and an FAQ for ‘Safety.
