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1.
What is Great Outdoors?
Florida
Great Outdoors Association, Inc. ("Great Outdoors") is an
all-volunteer social, recreational and educational membership organization.
Great Outdoors offers day and overnight trips and other activities
specifically designed for any active individuals who are comfortable with
same-sex relationships--gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, and other intelligent
people!
2.
What type of activities do you sponsor?
We
try to offer at least a couple of activities each month.
We organize camping and hiking trips around the state in the Spring and
Fall, during the best camping weather. Our
local activities often involve biking, walking or activities on the water, but
may be anything someone wants to volunteer to organize.
Some activities can be physically challenging, like kayaking to Cayo
Costa. Some are as simple as a
picnic in the park or a museum trip. Normal
attendance is about a dozen people.
Examples
of activities we have sponsored:
-
Canoe/camping
on the Peace River
-
Island
camping on Cayo Costa
-
Botanical
walk at the Deering Estate
-
Tour
of the
Flagler Mansion
-
Kayaking
on the Oleta
River
-
Hang
Gliding over Biscayne Bay
3.
How much do these trips cost?
Local
trips are generally at no cost, or at just enough to cover costs.
Overnight trips have a little extra built in to keep us in business. and
may
have higher costs depending on the nature of the trip, but again we are only
trying to break even.
4.
Do you ever sponsor long-distance vacation
trips?
Although
we have sponsored trips to Mexico
, and to Costa Rica
for white-water rafting and
hiking in the rain forest, we tend to concentrate on Florida-based trips.
It all depends on what members want to do and who volunteers.
5.
Do you hold meetings?
We
don't hold dull sit-down general membership meetings.
We do have "socials" every few months at the home of a member.
These are basically a party, with a few announcements to keep you
up-to-date on the upcoming activities. These
are an excellent opportunity for new members and member-prospects to meet some
of the others in the group, and are easily our best attended activities.
6.
Is
Florida
Great Outdoors affiliated with other “Great Outdoors” groups?
California
Great Outdoors has been offering outdoor trips to gay men and lesbians for
decades. Although we are not
formally affiliated, we owe the concept for our organization to
California
, and we continue to share
information on our activities.
Florida
Great Outdoors is a member of the Gay and Lesbian Outdoors Organization (IGLOO),
an umbrella organization which facilitates communication between local groups
around the country. Members of IGLOO
organizations are especially welcome.
7.
Do I have to be a member to go on an outing?
No,
but there may be a guest charge. Everyone
is welcome.
8.
Why should I become a member?
Members
are sent a newsletter with details of upcoming activities, and are invited to
all member functions. Members also
have a voice in how the organization is run.
Non-members must pay an additional fee at most events.
9.
Who can join?
Anyone
over 18 years old who agrees to our organizational concept, and agrees to
cooperate with our group activities is welcome!
10.
What kind of people join Great Outdoors?
We
have about 100 members, of all ages and backgrounds, people who work in trades
and professions, government, business and academia, and people who don't work at
all! More members are men, but
women are welcome and encouraged to attend all events.
11.
How do I learn about activities?
The
best way to learn about activities is by becoming a member and receiving a
newsletter. This will give you some
basic information about upcoming events. It
will also list a contact name and a telephone number for you to obtain more
information about an event.
12.
Is info available on the web?
In
addition to this website Great Outdoors
also maintain a mailing list. You
can receive e-mail reminders about all of our upcoming activities.
Contact our webmaster@floridagreatoutdoors.org
for more information about joining the e-mail list, or click on the link from
the main page.
13.
Will I need any special equipment?
For
"car camping" trips, you will need a tent to sleep in, and a sleeping
bag or other sturdy bedding. If you
do not have a tent, your trip leader may know of someone in the group with an
extra one, or you may be able to rent one for the weekend, before spending the
$100 or so it will cost to buy one.
Other
things to take along will be mostly things around the house...an old plate and
cup, perhaps a picnic cooler, comfortable clothes that you will not mind getting
dirty, a flashlight, etc. You can
discuss with your trip leader before you go.
For car camping trips, here's a checklist
that should work well for most folks:
GO Car Camping
List. Everyone has their own needs however, so just use common sense.
For
other activities, common sense prevails. Speak
to your trip leader if you are not certain about what to take.
Most folks have very basic equipment, so don't worry about designer
accessories.
14.
How do you plan your activities?
Activities
are discussed at periodic "Core Group" meetings.
All members are invited to attend. Contact
one of the officers, listed in the newsletter, for the time and location if you
are interested.
15.
How much does it cost?
Free! Although we may have a small fee on
some outings to help us with our minimal expenses to run the group.
16.
So how do I join?
Join our Yahoo! Group by visiting the
following site: groups.yahoo.com/group/flago/
. After you subscribe to the Yahoo! Group you will receive announcements
for upcoming activities. Welcome to Florida's Great Outdoors!!
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