How do I join?

First, to register as a member, pay our registration fee. Do so on the Queen’s ARC Recreation page online by following the steps on the “Membership” section of our website. For one semester (either Fall or Winter) it is $20 and for the full year it is $30.

​

Once you become a member, you will automatically receive The Weekly Scoop email newsletter to be notified about upcoming trips, socials, events, contests, and more! Also be sure to join our Facebook page ‘Queen’s Outdoors Club’ (and sign-up for our newsletter below to be sure you don’t miss one!)

 

As a paid member you are entitled to attend our organized trips, events, and socials, as well as have access to complimentary gear rentals (sign-outs are Thursdays 6:30 pm to 8:30pm) of 3 items per week (provided they are returned in good condition and dry the following Monday - 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm).

​

How do I sign up for the weekly emails?

Fill out this form (paid members or unpaid) to receive our weekly Scoop (you must be a paid member to SIGN-UP for the trips advertised in the newsletter):

​

Click HERE to sign up for our weekly Scoop
 

I’m worried about time commitment?

One of the best things about the QUOC is that it is entirely up to you as to how you’d like to participate! Go on as many trips as your schedule allows, or just come out to one of our events or bi-weekly socials or take advantage of our gear inventory!

 

If you don’t want to pay the membership fee right away, you can always wait until something comes up that is of interest to you and pay then. We are always welcoming new members throughout the semester!

 

Where does my membership fee go?

Membership fees go to gear maintenance and purchases, and sometimes member socials and event-associated costs. All gear and member fees are the sole property of Queen’s University, and collected into respective inventories and ARC-associated accounts.

A small charge is sometimes issued on weekend trips to subsidize the use of club-owned group gear for the trip – and is also earmarked for our ARC gear fund. If a trip goes under budget, the excess funds remain in the club account and may be used for other trips that go over budget.

 

How do I sign up for a trip?

Our weekly Scoop and Facebook page will notify you about the upcoming trips with details and a link to our website for signups. 

NOTE: Signing up for a trip does not automatically mean that you will receive a place on that trip – when there are more participants than spots on a trip, those spots will be assigned by lottery, with priority given to those that gave a greater preference to a particular trip, and to those that have been on relatively fewer trips for a particular semester.

IMPORTANT: Once you claim your spot, you must pay and complete the OCASP before the trip leaves or you will not be allowed to go on the trip.

 

How does trip selection work?

Sign-ups close during the week leading up to a trip and trip selection usually occurs by the following day. The trip selection occurs by random lottery that gives greater weight to members who have not previously been on a trip as of the current semester.  Additionally members who are 21+ with a valid driver’s licence and a clean driving record are sometimes given priority.

​

NOTE: If you still haven’t heard about whether you are on the trip by Tuesday, you likely did not make it onto that trip. Trip leader emails are provided on the website where you signed up if you wish to inquire as to be put on the waiting list.

 

Do I need previous outdoor experience?

For the majority of our trips, no experience is necessary! However, we do specify when and if experience is required, and usually this constitutes a base level of skill moving in the back country and a relatively high level of fitness. If you are uncertain, it is best to reach out to the trip leaders!

 

What if I don’t have the proper gear?

Our gear room is chock-full of all the bare necessities you need to go on a QUOC trip or your own trip with friends!

Trip leaders will release a packing list for a particular trip if you successfully enrol. If you need cheap warm clothes or boots check out PHASE 2 or the Smith Army Surplus store on Princess Street. Members often also use the Facebook group to find particular gear in advance of a trip, such as boots or rain gear!

We don’t have skate rentals, but you can rent a pair at the QUIC on campus or at Trailhead downtown.

 

If you have any suggestions for gear purchases or inquiries about rentals, our friendly gear managers are here to help!

 

Visit our Gear Page for more information.

​

What if I only want to rent gear but don’t plan on attending QUOC organized trips?

That’s totally fine! We heartily encourage barrier-free involvement with outdoors activities! Our selection of gear is available to all paid members!

NOTE: QUOC trips receive priority regarding gear selection, and gear rentals operate on the first-come-first-served basis – so if you’re worried about getting a particular item, come early to gear sign-outs!

​

How much do trips usually cost?
Trip fees can vary depending on the distance travelled, vehicles driven, activities involved, number of participants attending, and the length of the trip. Some of our trips are free (i.e. a walk at Lemoine Point Conservation Area), while others can be up to $200 (via ferrata or ice climbing in Quebec). However, we do our best to make all trips at cost so that you are paying directly for the services we provide!

​

How do I receive a refund for a trip I have paid for?

Unfortunately, we are unable to issue refunds for individual participants if the reason for this is due to OCASP restrictions (as per ARC policy) or most personal reasons. Refunds may be issued at the discretion of the ARC financial department for proven extenuating circumstances.

​

Do I have to pay the membership fee in order to go on a QUOC organized trip?

Yes, you do. As previously mentioned, our membership fees go to gear maintenance and purchases, as well as social and event costs! These fees apply to all members.

​

What if I prefer water sports?

No problem, the ‘yakk peeps got you covered! Join our pool sessions on Saturday evenings from 6-8pm in the ARC Pool. This is a great way to learn new white-water skills or practice old ones, in chlorinated comfort close by! No experience is necessary, but it is helpful to feel comfortable dunking your head underwater. Sign-ups are posted on our instagrams link tree as well as under the kayak section of our website. 

​

Visit our Kayak page for more information.