Membership

Become An Active Paddler and then A Member
Getting Acquainted
At first, don't be concerned about membership, because all PCC activities, trips, training courses, social events, etc., are open to non-members. We encourage people to get to know the Club, its activities, and its people, and get acquainted with paddle sports before considering becoming members, which requires a nomination and approval process. Paddling is the key factor in membership, but there are several additional ways to get acquainted.

• Meetings An excellent way to get more information would be to attend at least one of our regular monthly meetings, which are also a good way to meet people, hear about what's going on, and socialize. They are on the third Monday of each month except January, at 7:30 p.m., at our clubhouse at 4900 Ridge Ave. in Philadelphia, just south of the Manayunk movie theater.

• The CaNews Newsletter For a one-year, non-member subscription send your name, adddress and a check for $20, made out to Philadelphia Canoe Club to Larry Pethick, 6 Painters Lane, Wayne, PA 19087.

• Training Courses and Paddling Trips Schedules of our training courses and trips, involving canoes and kayaks on flatwater and whitewater, appear elsewhere on this web site. Most training is in the spring and summer, but we also have indoor pool sessions in the winter for learning to roll a kayak. Your participation in events will depend on your skill level; you should speak to the event's leader in advance.

• Work Days We share the responsibility for maintenance of our clubhouse and grounds in Fairmount Park, and for our fleet of boats. Work days are scheduled approximately monthly for cleaning, repairs, yard work, etc. Participation by prospective members is recognized and much appreciated.

• Social Events and Non-Paddling Trips Social events are held year-round, and a schedule appears in the newsletter. Club members also occasionally lead camping, hiking and skiing trips. These events are also open to non-members.

The Membership Process and Expectations
After you get to know us, and vice versa, through a variety of activities, becoming a member involves a process that begins by asking one member you know to formally propose you, and two others to endorse your application form. The wider the variety of activities you have participated in, the easier will be your approval. The Club's expectations of members after being elected are:
Membership dues and fees:

• Application Fee: $20.00
• Annual Dues: $115.00
• Locker (optional): $15.00 per year
• Boat Storage (optional): $20.00 per year per boat
• Electronic Newsletter Discount: $10.00 off if you opt NOT to receive the CaNews by paper mail

However, membership dues do not fully defray the costs of running the club or maintaining the clubhouse. Becoming and remaining a member in PCC requires an active contribution to the club.  This may include, for example:

• Paddling
• Training by improving your skills or helping others to improve theirs.
• Attendance at social functions, official and social.
• Leading or organizing trips (depending on your skill level), whether paddling, camping, hiking, skiing and etc.
• Helping with the work of the organization (e.g. committee work, social events) or hands-on work on the house and grounds, at work days or throughout the year.

Benefits of Membership:
As a member, you get a number of benefits that can make the costs of membership well worthwhile. Included as part of your membership and dues fees:

• Reduced Training, Trip and Event fees: Learn more paddling for less!
• Boat Berth Rental: A spot at the PCC clubhouse grounds to store a boat, for a small yearly fee.
• Locker Rental: Rent a locker at the club for a small yearly fee.
• Clubhouse Rental: Possibly the best benefit - you can rent the clubhouse very cheaply for your own events!

There are additional benefits as well - such as invitation to the yearly member's banquet, and much more.  Lastly, as part of the PCC you are a supporting a non profit organization that keeps paddling going strong, helps to protect the environment, and helps get people outdoors and active!