Outdoor activities groups near Willimantic, CT

Welcome to the Glastonbury cybersecurity Meetup! This group is dedicated to bringing together cybersecurity enthusiasts who are passionate about application security, data security, secure authenticatuon and authorization, defense in depth, secure coding practices etc. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn more about cybersecurity or an experienced security researcher wanting to stay up-to-date on the latest trends, this group is for you. Join us for informative meetings, workshops, and networking opportunities to enhance your cybersecurity skills and help protect against cyber threats. Let's collaborate and make the digital world safer together!

I have always enjoyed team sports and group activities and am guessing you do too! I started this group to bring people together who proactively live life. Whether you join to meet new people, explore new activities, get exercise, lose weight, gain more energy or just as an alternative to sitting on the couch, you've got a place here!!

Let's get out and get active!
We'll try new and interesting indoor/outdoor activities.
We'll meet fun, friendly welcoming people in a supportive group environment.
We encourage people of all levels to come play with us!!

Activities include: Games, sports, flag football, ultimate frisbee, kickball, bowling, pickleball, volleyball, tennis, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, cornhole, kayaking, rafting, biking, ziplining, paintball, laser tag, trampoline park, knockerball, ninja, snow tubing, hiking, to name a few!

If you love getting outdoors or are looking for a place to start then this group is for you! Whether you're a beginner, seasoned expert, or anyone in between, all participants are welcome! We will be exploring all types of outdoor activities and meet like-minded individuals! Our mission is to introduce outdoor activities in a safe atmosphere to anyone who wants to try something new. All programs are led by our seasoned professionals. We offer kayak, stand up paddle boarding, and archery courses and tours at a nominal cost at Riverfront Park in Glastonbury, CT during the warmer months (visit https://www.llbeanoutdoors.com/glastonbury-connecticut for our full schedule of offerings). We are looking forward to seeing you out there!

Women who want to be in the outdoors together, let's get together to hike, bike, anything outdoors. Welcome! Women Outdoors, Inc. is a national, nonprofit, all-volunteer organization founded in 1980 to: Promote wilderness activities and competency in the out-of-doors; Develop and provide focus for a network of women who share a common interest in the out-of-doors; Serve as an educational clearinghouse, resource and support base for women taking leadership roles in the outdoors; Encourage an integrated environmentally-conscious lifestyle; and Support policies that preserve the earth’s natural resources and promote a strong environmental ethic and conservation practices. Women Outdoors is a network where women can meet other women who share their outdoor interests and values. We provide a place for women who, through the outdoors, build bridges among members of diverse outdoor skills, ages, lifestyles and cultures.  Our 200+ members and 1000+ meetup members are spread across the United States with the largest number in the Northeast, where Women Outdoors was founded. Our Mission: To provide a supportive environment where all women can have fun and challenge themselves in a community of women who love the outdoors while respecting the Earth. Our Vision Women Outdoors is a national network of diverse women who are engaged in the enjoyment of outdoor activities. We seek to promote leadership development through member participation in biannual workshops; environmental stewardship by creating and participating in earth stewardship programs; and personal growth by offering multiple skills-based regional workshops.

Welcome to Women Empowered in the Great Outdoors (WEGO) Meetup! We are a group of vibrant and adventurous women who gather to support, encourage, and inspire self-empowerment while enjoying the beauty of the great outdoors. Whether you are a women who enjoys camping, hiking, bicycling, kayaking, live music, festivals, wine or beer tasting, or simply enjoy connecting over delicious potlucks, BBQs, and cozy campfires, this is the perfect community for you! Let's embrace the great outdoors, take new risks, create lasting friendships and memories, and support and empower each other along the way! ***IMPORTANT GROUP GUIDELINES*** ***FOR A TEMPORARY TIME,*** we are opening membership to women who enjoy the great outdoors and want to come camping with us! **Once the group is closed**, you must be referred by another woman to be considered for the group. **Don't wait!** This is a small, private, self-supporting women’s outdoor group. While there will always be opportunities for alone time and excursions with smaller groups within our trips, the vision for this group is to be in community with other like-minded women; to learn, to take risks and to grow into better versions of ourselves. Also, we do require each member to financially support the group by contributing toward the Meetup fees and other group expenditures required to run this group. Currently, members contribute $20.00 per person per year. All participants in our events must be current, paid members of the group to attend. Members whose memberships are unpaid or have expired, run the risk of the system purging you from the group...and none of us want to miss out on our connection with you! ***START OF MEMBERSHIP DUES: January 1, 2024*** Talk to the women in your life who you know would be a good fit for a group like ours. Right now we have women from Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania! Member dues will start January 1, 2024. Payment through Meetup incurs a significant charge, so I'll send you details on how to make payment at that time. In the meantime, I will continue to carry the Meetup fees for the group. For anyone who joins us after February 1, 2024, dues will be prorated for the year and renewal will occur January 1, 2025. Welcome aboard! Remember that this is a co-created group, so your ideas for events are welcomed and encouraged! If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me by phone or email as shown below. I can't wait to see you at an event! With warm appreciation, Susanne 860-798-8539 lifeisbetterwhenwego@gmail.com

**Welcome! ARE YOU A \*\*DUES-PAID\*\* CURRENT TCC MEMBER??** Please DO NOT Request Access unless you are a TCC Dues-Paid Member. Thread City Cyclers is a cycling club, based out of North Windham, CT. This Meetup Group Page is used for communication of TCC Club Rides and other activities for current (**active & dues-paid**) members of Thread City Cyclers. **If you are interested in learning more about TCC and joining us, please visit [http://www.threadcitycyclers.com](http://www.threadcitycyclers.com) and follow the link to "Join Us".** **Or send an email to Threadcitycyclers@gmail.com.** **\*\*\*ONLY MEMBERS IN GOOD STANDING (paid up on annual dues) WILL BE ADDED TO THIS Meetup Group.\*\*\*** **IF you are using only your first name for your Meetup profile, please expect to receive a Meetup message (it's the only way to reach you), asking for your last name so we can confirm club membership.**  Thank you for your understanding. [http://threadcitycyclers.com/about/](http://threadcitycyclers.com/about/) The following **Waiver of Liability** (from the TCC Membership Application) is copied here and applies to your participation in any and all events or activities (cycling or other types) publicized on these pages.  "I acknowledge, agree and represent that I understand the nature of the bicycling activity (the “Activity”) sponsored by the Thread City Cyclers Cycling Club (the “Club”) and that I am qualified to participate in such Activity. I further acknowledge that the Activity will be conducted over public roads and facilities open to the public and to which hazards of traveling may be present. I further agree and warrant that if I believe condition to be unsafe, that I will immediately cease participation in the particular Activity. I also understand that it is essential that I follow all established traffic rules and laws and ride in a manner that does not directly intend harm to others riding with me. I have read the attached TCC Rules of the Road and will abide by them on all TCC sponsored club events. I further understand the (a) the Activity involves substantial risks and danger of serious bodily harm, including permanent disability, paralysis and deaths (“Risks”) (b) these Risks may be caused by my own activities, or inaction, the action or inaction of others participating in the Activity, the condition in which the Activity takes place, or the negligence of the Releases named below; In consideration of the Club accepting this membership application, I for myself, my heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators and assign, hereby release, absolve and forever discharge the Club, its sponsors, their respective officers, agents and any other associated persons, from and against any fault, blame, warranty, responsibility or liability from any injury, misadventure, harm, loss or damage I suffer or sustain or which occurs to my equipment as a result of participation in any ride, event, or other activity of the club."

Welcome to Fern Mill Farm! We are a 160 acre startup farm, our lot is currently all woodlands with a 16 acre pond at its center. We focus on food foraging and sustainable/regenerative agricultural practices. We are currently in the process of establishing new growing areas and expanding our livestock beyond chickens and rabbits. Join us to volunteer and get down and dirty with our team, or feel free to explore the various trails on the property, and share with us whatever you discover! Periodically we will offer workshops, camping gatherings and outdoor cookouts. Reach out with any questions you may have or something you would like to experience!

This is a fun and laid-back group for dog enthusiasts who like to hike with their dogs, meet new people, and want to socialize with their dogs. Each month we will lead a different hike in the Greater Manchester area. Even if you don't have a dog you are welcome to attend providing you like canine companions. Hikes usually last an hour to an hour and a half. The terrain is easy to moderate unless indicated. Well-behaved dogs are allowed to be off-leash provided the property we're hiking on allows it. Most state parks require dogs to be on a leash. Below is a shortened version of our state statute pertaining to dogs being off-leash: ***Liability*** A dog's owner or keeper is liable for any damage caused by his dog to a person's body or property, unless the damage was sustained while the person was committing a trespass or other tort, or teasing, abusing, or tormenting the dog. The law presumes that anyone under the age of seven was not committing a trespass or teasing the dog unless the defendant can prove otherwise **(CGS § 22-357)**. If damage has been caused by two or more dogs at the same time, their owners or keepers are jointly and severally liable for the entire damage **(CGS § 22-356)**. ***Disclaimer*** Our leaders work to ensure a safe environment during all activities. While safety is a priority, Ruff-Ruff Hikes. *(RRH)* has no control over the condition of the trails. Hikers hike at their own risk. RRH shall not be held liable for any damage(s) hikers or their dogs incur while at an RRH-organized event/activity (including, but not limited to, RRH Hikes). All hikes are organized as a group. RRH asks all individuals to stay with the group. RRH shall not be held responsible for hikers/dogs who become lost. Hikes may be steep or have difficult terrain. New hikers should consult a physician before starting any exerting activities. RRH reserves the right to discern if a dog should be leashed and owners (group or individual) may be asked to do so. Owners should be aware of any property laws for hikes and are responsible for any and all fines and damage(s) incurred by themselves and/or their dog(s). **Covid-19** By clicking on "Yes" for this event you agree, warrant, and covenant as follows: COVID-19 Consideration: There is an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 in any public place where other people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and even death. By voluntarily participating in an event organized by Ruff Ruff Hikes you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19. In consideration for accepting this entry, I, the registrant, intending to be legally bound, hereby, for myself, my heirs, my executors, and administrators, do waive and release any and all rights for damages I may have against any parties or persons connected with Ruff Ruff Hikes meetup group for and related to the above-listed event. I attest and verify that I and my dog are physically fit to participate in any portion of this above-listed event. I grant Ruff Ruff Hikes permission to use any photographs, film, or videotapes of this event for any purpose.

Explore ways to simplify, connect, and empower yourself through the power of nature and community. This group will meet up for a variety of different activities including hikes, herbal medicine workshops, crafting, whole foods preparation, and many other events to discover ways to simplify and live more sustainably. With so much chaos and accelerating turbulence happening in our lives and the world today, sometimes its best to revisit the ways of our ancestors (natural cooking, herbal medicine, gardening, crafts, time with animals, etc.) and connect with a community of like-minded souls who want to slow down and learn to enjoy quality of life more.

**Cultivate Gratitude, Connect with Nature, Move Mindfully, and Build Community – Join Gratitude Choice Project!** **About Us:** The Gratitude Choice Project is your path to greater happiness, stronger connections, and a healthier you. Founded by Dr. Nicola Chambers-Holder, a psychologist and wellness expert who blends the science of gratitude, movement in nature, and community building to transform lives. According to Dr. Chambers-Holder, ***"Gratitude Choice Project*** *is my way of paying rent for this amazing gift of life. After experiencing years of illness where I couldn't move, walking in nature, journaling, and feeling supported were a big part of my healing journey. I am inviting my fellow human beings to join me. Let's heal together while putting love and UNITY back into COMMUNITY."* Gratitude Choice Project was founded by **Dr. Nicola Chambers-Holder**, a psychologist passionate about harnessing the power of gratitude, nature, and community to improve well-being, inclusion, and social connection. Here's a glimpse into our founder: **Passionate advocate:** Dr. Chambers-Holder is a vocal proponent of the science behind gratitude, nature, and its transformative power on mental and emotional well-being. She frequently speaks at conferences, leads workshops, and shares her expertise through media appearances. **Community builder:** Fostering connection is core to her mission. She cultivates a supportive in-person and online community through Social media, retreats, groups, workshops, fundraisers, and local meetups. **Nature enthusiast:** Dr. Chambers-Holder believes in the therapeutic power of being outdoors. Gratitude walks, nature immersions, and environmental initiatives are woven into the fabric of Gratitude Choice Project. **Science-backed approach:** While her enthusiasm is contagious, Dr. Chambers-Holder grounds her work in research and evidence-based practices. This ensures the effectiveness of her methods and their positive impact. **Positive and relatable:** Her warmth and genuine spirit shine through her interactions and content. She shares personal anecdotes, vulnerabilities, and triumphs, making gratitude accessible and inspiring for others. Dr. Chambers-Holder's brand embodies **expertise, passion, and a deep commitment to using gratitude as a force for good**. Her dedication to community building, nature connection, and evidence-based practices sets her apart and fuels the positive impact of Gratitude Choice Project. If you are a fellow spiritual being looking to connect with old and new friends as you walk mindfully in nature…. welcome… **Events and Activities:** Our events focus on improving mental well-being while fostering a space of simplicity, belongingness, and love. Sounds fluffy? Well, it is not. Research has shown that expressing gratitude has numerous benefits for mental and physical well-being. Gratitude is associated with greater happiness, improved relationships, and better physical health. When practiced in a group setting, the benefits of gratitude can be amplified. Communal gratitude fosters a sense of connectedness and belonging, enhancing social bonds and relationships. It can also increase feelings of empathy and reduce negative emotions, anxiety, isolation, and stress. * **Gratitude Walks & Hikes:** Explore nature mindfully while expressing gratitude and fostering connection. * **Community Action Day:** Join us in cleaning up local parks and giving back to our community. * **Self-Development Workshops:** Learn practical tools for stress reduction, gratitude, mindfulness, peace, and well-being. * **Outdoor Peace & Wellness Events:** Connect with nature and yourself through walking meditation, authentic discussions, yoga, meditation, and journaling. *Ready to join the movement?* **Everyone MUST register in the meetup group for liability and safety purposes to participate.** Individuals who participated in gratitude group walks, hikes, and other social events expressed greater levels of well-being, reduced symptoms of depression, experienced more positive emotions and greater social support, and a stronger sense of connection with self. Gratitude Choice Project allows individuals to cultivate gratitude in a communal setting, which can benefit mental and physical well-being. By focusing on the positive aspects of life and expressing gratitude towards one another, participants can enhance their relationships and foster a greater sense of connectedness and belonging.  **GRATITUDE IN ACTION** We give back to our community by doing food drives, clothing drives, and fundraiser walks. We have an annual community action day where we volunteer to clean up local parks and other outdoor spaces where children can play and families can connect. Each year, GCP facilitates the following: ·        Community health and well-being events ·        Host domestic violence fundraiser walks ·        Cancer fundraiser walks ·        Alzheimer's awareness fundraiser walks ·        Collaborate with non-profits and community leaders on outdoor projects to improve interconnectedness and decrease health disparity. ·        We also host gratitude nature-based day trips and retreats ·        Gratitude backyard cookouts ·        Gratitude picnics at the beach ·        Gratitude potluck ·        Self-development workshops ·        Outdoor peace and wellness workshops Please share pictures of our adventures, quotes, techniques, and other tools on the meetup and our Facebook group to encourage each other to be obsessively grateful! It is empowering and liberating! We also do gratitude walks in different locations throughout Connecticut. When we meet, we share three things we are grateful for, think of one goal we want to achieve, and walk our way into our breakthroughs!! We are looking forward to sharing gratitude, exploring the outdoors, and connecting with you. With gratitude and love, 🙏🏾🧡 Sign up for our next gratitude walk, visit our website, or share an inspiring quote, gratitude practice or your story in our Facebook group! **You can:** Buy a gratitude journal on [Amazon ](https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07MV33XVN?ingress=0&visitId=4c3a8c24-65b1-498f-b353-83899efb9df9) Buy Gratitude Choice Project Apparreals @ https://gratitude-choice-project.creator-spring.com/ **Join us on:** Meetup Group: [https://www.meetup.com/gratitude-choice-project/](https://www.meetup.com/gratitude-choice-project/) Website: [https://gratitude-choice-project.org/](https://nicolachambers-holder.com/the-gratitude-choice-project/) Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/GratitudeChoiceProject](https://www.facebook.com/groups/GratitudeChoiceProject) **Legal Stuff -**\-\- By clicking on "Yes" for this event\, you agree\, warrant\, and covenant as follows: In consideration for accepting this entry\, I\, the registrant\, intending to be legally bound\, hereby\, for myself\, my heirs\, my executors\, and administrators\, do waive and release any and all rights for damages I may have against any parties or persons connected with the Gratitude Choice Project meetup group for and related to the above\-listed event\. I confirm that I am physically fit to participate in any portion of this above\-listed event\. I grant Gratitude Choice Project permission to use any photographs\, film\, or videotapes of this event for any purpose related to the group\. \#gratitudewalk \#gratitudehike \#mentalhealth \#drnicolachambersholder \#gratitudechoiceproject \#mindfulness \#healing \#coaching \#consulting \#mental health #burnoutprevention #nature #outdoor #adventures #transformation #walkingmeditation #inspiration #innerpeace #rejuvenate

The Vernon Volunteers’ Collaborative supports the community organizations that make Vernon, CT a special place to work and live. The eleven current organizations, primarily staffed by volunteers, have one or more of the following objectives: the preservation or beautification of Vernon’s open space, parks and environment; preserving and sharing Vernon’s history and historic properties or encouraging appreciation of and participation in the arts. This meet up will connect you with their activities.

Calling all adventurers seeking a healthy, exciting, positive-minded social atmosphere to engage in fun gaming and sports activities! 🥳 Some activities that will be organized include: tennis, pickle ball, badminton, ping pong, go kart racing, laser tag, bowling, basketball, hiking. Adventurers unite! 😃 🙌

\*\*"\*Stanford Researchers Find Mental Health Prescription: Nature \- Study finds that walking in nature yields measurable mental benefits\*"\*\* \[https://news\.stanford\.edu/2015/06/30/hiking\-mental\-health\-063015/\]\(https://news\.stanford\.edu/2015/06/30/hiking\-mental\-health\-063015/\) \*\*\ \*\* \ \ \!\[\]\(https://secure\.meetupstatic\.com/photos/event/a/f/a/d/600_486344973\.jpeg\) **[GIKERS - https://gikers.com/](https://gikers.com/)** \*\*VIDEO On Group's Activities:\*\* \*\*Gikers: Canada & USA - Song: "Good Life"\*\* https://youtu.be/XaXTz3jtnDs \ \*\*ABOUT the Group\*\*: We are a friendly, welcoming, inclusive and low key "no attitude" group of LGBTQ hikers, cyclists, snowshoers, and walkers who love being outdoors year round, and are made up of LGBTQ singles, couples, families & friends of all levels and ages. The mission of the group is to engage and increase access to the outdoors and outdoors activities like hiking, cycling, kayaking, snowshoeing and others for all members of the LGBTQIA community and their families - while at the same time creating new friendships and bonds within the community at large. We have been running another Gikers: Gay Hikers & Bikers- LGBTQ & Friends group in another city now for several years and have enjoyed it and met some great people while enjoying some great hiking, biking, snowshoeing and fun social events. The group started small and it is now over 1,500, but we find ourselves spending increasingly more time in CT/NYC/TriState Area, and we love the outdoors - so we decided to start one here this summer to explore all the incredible trails this great state offers. Most of the events are free to participate in, but some of the parks and their parking areas may have fees and we will do our best to post those upfront on the event. We also love dogs, and whenever possible, we will post if the park/trail permits dogs, but in all cases - only people/pet friendly non-aggressive dogs that are up to date in all vaccinations; are kept on leash, and owners are responsible for picking up after them at all times. Looking to do mainly weekend hikes, snowshoeing & bike rides around Connecticut, and at our first event - we put together a work in progress list of about 50 hikes suggested by group members that is now posted on our message board, but we always welcome new suggestions & will continue adding to this initial list. "\*The New Science of the Creative Brain on Nature\. Beautiful vistas and outdoor fun impact your brain in real ways — which means \*\*you're just trails away from becoming a better thinker\*\*\*" \[https://www\.outsideonline\.com/2062221/new\-science\-creative\-brain\-nature\]\(https://www\.outsideonline\.com/2062221/new\-science\-creative\-brain\-nature\) \*\*Meetup/Group Respect & Etiquette\*\*: \\\*\*Mutual Respect\*\*: As a courtesy to other group members; including LGBTQ Families who are part of this group, please no nude or inappropriate photos as profile or event photos. Also, if you, as a member of the group, receive an unsolicited - offensive message here from another member that is discriminatory, or sexual in nature - please copy message and meetup handle name & send directly to us. This is private group and we have and will continue to ban and block any member that does not respect other members or the meetup/group etiquette. \*\*Events RSVP\*\*: Please update your RSVP to No when not attending a previously confirmed event. As a courtesy to all group members, two No Shows - confirmed RSVPs will automatically delete member from the group. \*\*Illegal Substances of Any Type\*\*: As a courtesy to other group members, please do not bring any illegal substances (drugs, etc) of any type to any event or gathering of the group, and refrain from smoking while on group events as courtesy to the other members. \*\*Dogs\*\*: We love dogs. When permitted by the park, dogs are welcome, but they must be well behaved with people & other dogs; they must be up to date with all required vaccines; they must be on a leash at all times, and you must pick up after your dog at all times. \*\*Group's Twitter Account with the Gay Hikers Daily News Paper:\*\* \ \ \[https://twitter\.com/gay_hikers\]\(https://twitter\.com/gay_hikers\) \(\[https://twitter\.com/gay_hikers\]\(https://twitter\.com/gay_hikers\)\) This is a free group to all\, but we do have annual meetup membership fees that keep going up and other monthly administrative events costs associated with running the group\, so all profits from the sale of any Gikers Shop Merchandise \\\(\[https://shop\.spreadshirt\.com/gay\-hikers\-bikers\]\(https://shop\.spreadshirt\.com/gay\-hikers\-bikers\-\)\-\) goes to funding current and future group operations; insuring that beyond the initial group founders/organizers \- the group will continue to offer a free hiking/biking social network for any and all members of the LGBTQ community\, our families and friends\. \*\*ORGANIZERS\*\*: Please remember that the Group Organizers are volunteers, not professional guides and we do not have any type of certified training. Organizers are going on hike and/or other outdoor/recreational activities and simply inviting others to join. \ \ Participation in any event with the group is at your own and your guests' risk. Hiking safety is your responsibility. Make sure that you and any guest you may bring are in good physical condition to participate and you have all the required equipment. \*\*RESPONSIBILITY WAIVER\*\*: By requesting to become a member, accessing the group's site or mobile app, and/or attending any of the events myself, and any guests that I may bring, I, and any guests that i may bring to the events, fully understand that outdoors and other events/activities of the group may be dangerous and, by becoming member, I acknowledge and accept all the possible risks of injury, loss, or damage to me and any of my guests arising directly or as a consequence of any USA / Connecticut Gay Hikers & Friends Group activity (“Gikers”). I, and any guest that I may bring to the events, hereby release the Gay Hikers & Friends Group (“Gikers”) and all the activity/event organizers from all responsibility for any injury, loss, or damage to myself or any of my guests and release the said Group and organizers from any and all claims including any claims which may be made in my name, or in the name of any of my guests, by my or their heirs, successors, administrators, and executors of my will. I, and any guest that I may bring to the events, hereby understands, agrees, and accepts that the Gay Hikers & Friends Group ("gikers") reserves the right to use any photograph/video taken at any event sponsored by the group, without the expressed written permission of those included within the photograph/video. The group may use the photograph/video in publications or other media material produced, used or contracted by the group including but not limited to digital or print: brochures, invitations, books, newspapers, magazines, television, videos, websites, apps, tweets, social media, and others. By participating in a group event, you are agreeing to release, defend, hold harmless and indemnify the group, its organizers, leadership team, its affiliates and all its members from any and all claims involving the use of your picture or likeness. Any person or organization not given written, signed and verifiable approval by the group's organizers - may not use, copy, alter or modify any group photographs, graphics, videography or other, similar reproductions or recordings at any time. If you do not agree to any of the above, please do not request approval to join the group and/or remove yourself from the group immediately Group Waiver: "As always 'Group Waiver' applies to all members, guests and all group activities and events: "By confirming attendance by yourself and any guests to this event, you are "re-confirming" your knowledge and understanding of the "Group's Member Waiver of Responsibility" that each of member of the group accepts upon requesting membership in this group, and that is in effect as long as they continue to be a member of the group. A copy of the waiver, as it appears in the "About the Group" section is below:
The USA / Connecticut Gay Hikers & Friends (“Gikers”) Group Organizers are volunteers, not professional guides and we do not have any type of certified training. Organizers are going on hike and/or other outdoor/recreational activities and inviting others to join. Participation in any event with the group is at your own and your guests' risk. Hiking, Snow Shoeing, Ice Skating, Biking, Kayaking, Camping, Pickleball, Picnics, Skiing, ZipLine, and all other Outdoor Activities/Events safety is your responsibility. Make sure that you and any guest you may bring are in good physical condition to participate and you have all the required equipment. By requesting to become a member, accessing the group's site or mobile app, and/or attending any of the events myself, and any guests that I may bring, I, and any guests that i may bring to the events; including this one, fully understand that outdoors and other events/activities of the group may be dangerous and, by becoming member, I acknowledge and accept all the possible risks of injury, loss, or damage to me and any of my guests arising directly or as a consequence of any USA / Connecticut Gay Hikers & Friends (“Gikers”) Group activity. I, and any guest that I may bring to the events, hereby release the Connecticut Gay Hikers & Friends Group (“Gikers”) and all the activity/event organizers from all responsibility for any injury, loss, or damage to myself or any of my guests and release the said Group and organizers from any and all claims including any claims which may be made in my name, or in the name of any of my guests, by my or their heirs, successors, administrators, and executors of my will"

You may have noticed that life these days can be crazy and chaotic but also confusingly new, exciting and different!  Old ways of doing things seem to be crumbling, collapsing and outright failing.  Just watch the news for 2 minutes! 

A new life you may strive for is playful, soulful, authentic and nurturing to yourself and in turn all around you!  Jobs are changing, companies are changing, people are changing, sometimes by choice or by a not-so-subtle wake up call in life.  I'm thrilled to see so many out walking, biking, running, doing yoga, strapping canoes, kayaks and paddle boards to cars and people seeking more outdoor life to balance and rejuvenate themselves.

Soulful Sojourns is about letting nature nurture with a soulful group of people who enjoy Stand Up Paddling, Kayaking and Biking.  We have a trailer full of SUPs, Kayaks and Bikes to traverse the Connecticut countryside in search of the new blissful launch spot.

We're all about seeking and living a life that helps us heal our past, envision and script a blissful future and strive to live now, moment by moment being compassionate, loving observers of our evolving life!

Join us! This is fun!!

### ***Do you want to explore the world in a way that leaves you with profound experiences and life long memories?*** This group is for people who have the same travel style, traveling in small groups on trips rich in local culture, customs and natural surroundings, always with a bit of adventure. The perfect blend of planned activities and independent time with a great group of like minded travelers. If this is you, please join our group and let's make plans to travel together. As the leader of this group, I am a travel planner. My goal is to work with this group to decide where to go, curate the perfect trips and then travel together! I will host many (but not all) of the trip. Our meetings will be rich in discussion, sharing travel interests, learning about destinations from local experts, and getting to know one another. PLEASE NOTE: This is a travel group so we hope when joining it is your intention to travel.

Simple **MUSTS** to participate in our paddles: 1. **A US Coast Guard approved PFD (Life Jacket) on and fully fastened** in accord with manufacture’s specifications. This is required for participation.  Inflatable PFD’s are NOT allowed.  Bring a whistle and 10 feet of rope. 2. **Be prepared to give your emergency contact number** to the host if he or she asks for it. 3. **Event start time is in your boat, in the water, and ready to paddle!**  Don’t count on the group to wait for you. 4. **Any paddle sport is an assumed risk sport.** The risk includes serious injury or death. Paddle Killingly, although safety conscious, cannot guarantee your personal safety. Your safety and comfort is YOUR job.  Having proper equipment and experience is YOUR job. Contact the Event Host if you have any questions. Paddle Killingly does NOT rent watercraft. 5. **Our Event Hosts may set rules specific to their events.**  Read the event descriptions.  Follow instructions given at the launch. Check your email and the Meetup site in the days prior to an event for weather or other updates.  In you change your mind about going, cancel in advance to avoid being marked a NO SHOW. If you have ANY questions, contact the host.  6. **Practice Clean, Drain, Dry** to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. **Clean**: Inspect and remove all plants, fish, animals, mud, and debris from boat and anything else that touched the water previously. Rinse everything.  **Drain**: Eliminate all water from boat and all equipment.  Remove drain plug, tip and drain. **Dry**: Let your boat and equipment dry completely before launching in another body of water. 7. **Paddlers using Stand Up Paddle Boards (SUP)** must be experienced and must demonstrate that they are able to keep up with the group. **This group is governed by a core group of active and diverse members who plan and host events and guide the policies of the group.**  The energy and ideas of ALL our members are vital to the health of this group.  To host an event, volunteer for the committee or to offer your suggestions, click on the word 'Organizers' at the top of the home page and send us a message. **Member dues are $10 per year and are voluntary.**  They are used to pay the fee charged by Meetup.com to maintain the group and for our popular end-of-season pizza party.  Payment will be accepted at any of our events.  To pay by mail click on 'Organizers' and let us know.  We will send you the mailing address. **OTHER PADDLING OPPORTUNITIES:**  You may wish to join the Meetup group Southern New England Paddlers/SNEP which offers many more kayaking opportunities. It is the perfect way to find all the great places to paddle in Southern New England and add to your list of wonderful places to paddle. Additional recommendations are RICKA/Rhode Island Canoe and Kayak Association, BVPC/Blackstone Valley Paddlers Club and Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association **We look forward to seeing you on the water!**

1\. The purpose of this group is to get out together in nature and discuss Philosophy\. 2\. Anyone who is interested in discussing philosophy and/or being out in nature\.

The Mosaic Outdoor Chapter of Hartford is a unique non-profit organization dedicated to bringing Jewish people together to enjoy and foster a greater appreciation of the outdoors. We are a volunteer-led, member-driven organization that invites you to partake in a variety of activities with other Jewish outdoor enthusiasts. We welcome singles and couples, regardless of age, background, physical ability or religious denomination, but you must be 21 or older to join our Meetup group.  Mosaic Outdoor Chapter of Hartford is part of a national organization with clubs all over the country. There is a national event every year over Labor Day where you can meet like-minded folks from all over. See [http://www.mosaicoutdoor.org/](http://www.mosaicoutdoor.org/) Activities include hiking, biking, canoeing, rock climbing, picnics at the lake, and environmental learning.