July Happenings

At the AMC organization and chapter levels, we know that the outdoors is for everyone. That's why we're passionate about finding ways that everyone can join in the fun, adventure, enjoyment, protection, and discovery. Check out our new Beginner Resources web page, information below, and let us know what else you'd like to see there. We'll continue to develop the page to best support your getting outside, one step, pedal, or paddle at a time! Speaking of fun and discovery, read on for more information about FallFest scheduled for Saturday, September 30th. Save the date! Attending and volunteering at FallFest helped me see more of what our chapter is all about, so we hope you stop in and take a peek! See you outside! Diane Jones, Western MA Chapter Chair

New Beginner Resources Page

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. – H. Jackson Brown Have you ever wanted to try a new sport after seeing some photos? Maybe you're a hiker, but have never gone mountain climbing. Perhaps you've paddled on open water, but want to try some whitewater paddling. Or, maybe you have never done any outdoor activities and want to #getoutdoors and try something new. We recently developed a new page on our website with a whole host of beginner resources, including articles about beginner hiking mistakes, snowshoeing basics, beginners guide to trail running, and much more. So, check out our page here and jump right in. There's no time like the present to begin a new outdoor journey.

Fun Summer Season in Western Massachusetts

Summer is in full swing here in western Massachusetts and we have a jam-packed schedule of activities planned. Everything from biking, whitewater kayaking, mountain climbing, family activities, trail maintenance, and, of course, hikes are on our July and August schedule. While doing activities alone can be peaceful and meditative, going with a group and meeting new people with similar interests is exciting and provides new perspectives. Also, going on outdoor activities with a group led by a skilled, trained leader can remove some of the anxiety about trying something new or going to a new place. We invite you to check out our schedule and come join us this summer!

Save the Date: FallFest 2023

FallFest 2023 is happening September 30th at Noble View Outdoor Center in Russell, MA and Mohican Outdoor Center in NJ. Please plan to join us and bring friends and family for a day of celebration of all the things we love - outdoor experiences, friends, food, and fall! There will be a variety of short group trips and on-site activities, info tables, skills workshops, swag, food, music, and more! Non-members who attend will receive a free one-year AMC membership! There will also be FallFest activities happening in other AMC regions the week leading up to September 30th. You will be able to search the Activities Database for "FallFest" to find an activity near you. We are also looking for volunteers! We will need people to help with registration and set-up, and leaders to help lead trips and run activity tables. Please reach out to VolunteerRelations@outdoors.org for more information! Please join us – we'd love to have your unique contributions!