Craving fresh air and epic adventures? We explore everything from city parks to far-flung wilderness. Hiking, camping, paddling, day trips, long holidays or anything else - if it's outdoors and awesome, we're in!
**By joining OZ Outdoors, you agree to read and follow our rules and guidelines, which will also address most of your questions:**
**Safety Guidelines:**
1. **Choose activities that match your fitness level:** Read every event detail carefully to see if this suits you and your fitness, never go to events unprepared. Assess your abilities and communicate any concerns with organisers if necessary.
2. **Risks and Preparedness**: Members and guests are responsible for their own well-being. Be mindful of potential risks associated with outdoor activities and bring necessary gear, the organiser will tell you what to bring in every event description.
3. **Health and Safety:** The event organiser or host is not liable for injuries or health problems during events. Be prepared, follow any safety instructions, and inform the host if you have any medical conditions.
**Attending an Event**
1. **Attendance**: No-shows on your first event or multiple times (RSVP YES but not attending), habitual lateness, or being unprepared may result in removal and ban from the group. **RSVP means attending.**
2. **Timely RSVP:** If you sign up for an event, show up or update to "No" as soon as possible and **not at the last moment.** Members who frequently/subsequently make last-minute changes鈥攎eaning updating their RSVP within a couple of hours before the event without any reason鈥攚ill be marked as "Not Going" for their next event.
3. **Timeliness**: Always be on time, arrive at least 10 min early if the event location is unknown to you. Unless it鈥檚 an emergency, you should not contact the organiser asking for directions, it may not be safe, feasible and practical for them to attend calls and guide people while also organising the event.
4. **During the Event**: Follow instructions and stay with the group. If you fall behind, you must navigate by yourself.
5. **Guests**: Ensure guests are aware of and adhere to the guidelines. You are responsible for their safety.
6. **Children:** Individuals below 18 can join meetups rated as easy only with the event host or organiser's permission, and parents must supervise them all the time.
7. **Bringing Pets:** Pets are typically not allowed due to mixed and pets-prohibited sections. However, in the case of an urban trail, you can request permission from the organizer beforehand. If approved, the pet owner assumes full responsibility and must ensure it doesn't inconvenience others.
**General Guidelines**
1. **Community and Respect**: Joining our meetup group is completely free! However, **if you don鈥檛 follow these rules and guidelines, your memberships may be terminated** if necessary to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all. The organiser's decisions are final about events, attendees, waitlist, or anything happening in the group, it cannot be challenged. We aim to create a community where everyone feels welcome and valued, free from any disrespect, abuse, or misbehaviour.
2. **Communication**: Use chat/comments responsibly. Avoid irrelevant communication and unnecessary contact with organisers, as they are not obliged to reply. Keep comments clear and avoid posting reasons for not joining or weather updates.
3. **Contributions**: We believe in the power of community support. For your first event and beyond, **consider contributing a gratuity, or the prescribed fee in case of a tour or paid event** to help cover costs as per the event description. Your generosity greatly contributes to the success of our events, covering costs such as the Meetup subscription and event planning and organisation.
4. **Privacy**: Respect members' privacy. Obtain consent before taking pictures and delete any after posting on the group. If you do not wish to be included in any photos, please inform the organiser before the event.
And feel free to connect with other hikers, chat about gear, and share your outdoor adventures in our private Facebook group: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/ozoutdoors](https://www.facebook.com/groups/ozoutdoors)
**We acknowledge and respect the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet and organise our events.** We pay respects to Elders past and present and recognise the stories, traditions, and living cultures while committing to building a brighter future together.
Last Edit: 15/10/2024 by Manish
