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  Frequently Asked Questions
  1. Describe the Membership of the Cornwall Outdoor Club de Plein Air?
  2. Is the club bilingual?
  3. Who is on the Club Executive and how are they elected?
  4. What types of events does the club offer?
  5. What regions has the club ventured to in the past?
  6. Who organizes the events and what are the costs?
  7. How and when do I sign up for an event?
  8. What do the levels mean?
  9. What should I bring on an event (clothing, food)?
  10. What is the Cornwall Outdoor Club annual waiver?
  11. What is an "Open Event"?
  12. Can I attend an overnight event as a guest?
  13. What do I need when traveling to the USA?
  14. I am a new guest to the club, can I attend any activities, before I join?
  15. I am a past member, or returning guest from a previous year, can I attend any activities, before I (re)join?
  16. I am interested in joing the club - what do I do?
  17. Why does the club require a Criminal Record Check of all members?
  18. What does the Executive look for in the Criminal Record Check?
  19. How do I obtain a Criminal Record Check?
  20. Who do I contact about membership?
  21. Are members voted into the club?
  22. What type of equipment does the club have?
  23. Who can sign out the equipment?  Who is given the priority?
  24. How is the club organized




1.  Describe the Membership of the Cornwall Outdoor Club de Plein Air?

The membership ranges in age from 25 to 90 years old.   Members consist of singles, couples and families who all share an interest in outdoor activities.   The membership varies between 65-80 members.


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2.  Is the club bilingual?

The club represents the community of Cornwall and SD&G which has an ethnic diversity.  About half the members are bilingual (French and English).


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3.  Who is on the Club Executive and how are they elected?

The Club Executive consists of elected members.   They are voted in annually by the members at the General Meeting / Christmas Party.  See them at:    www.cornwalloutdoorclub.ca/emailcontact.htm


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4.  What types of events does the club offer?

The club participates in events throughout the year.  They have included snowshoeing, ice skating, cross country skiing, downhill skiing, cycling, hiking, indoor rock climbing, mountain hikes, swimming, canoe and kayaking, overnight camping trips, cottage weekends, social events (Picnics, Suppers, Christmas Parties) and much more.


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5.  What regions has the club ventured to in the past?

Normally the events are within a two-hour radius of Cornwall, Ontario.   We explore the counties of SD&G, the Laurentian Mountains and Gatineau Hills of Quebec, Adirondacks of New York, lakes and parks of Eastern Ontario.  Larger trips have taken us to Northern Ontario, Vermont, New Hampshire and the Quebec City area.    Check out our Web Album for more.
www.cornwalloutdoorclub.ca/Albums


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6.  Who organizes the events and what are the costs?

The person who organizes the event is referred to as the Activity Leader and is a member of the club.  Typical costs are transportation cost for the drivers, admission costs and sometimes accommodation costs for overnight events.    Deposits may be required for larger events.


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7.  How and when do I sign up for an event?

Call the activity leader as early as possible.   There may be changes to the event or meeting place, therefore arrive early.  The times listed on the schedule are departure times.


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8.  What do the levels mean?

The levels are a guideline as to the difficulty of the event ('1' being easier and '4' being most difficult).   The levels are listed on the schedule; the activity leader can give more details.


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9.  What should I bring on an event (clothing, food)?

This all depends on the season and type of event.  Contact the activity leader for more details.


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10.  What is the Cornwall Outdoor Club annual waiver?

Once a year (January 1 to December 31) all participants to a Cornwall Outdoor Club de Plein Air event must sign a waiver.   It is a legal document outlining the responsibilities of the participant.  Read the waiver for more details.


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11.  What is an '"Open Event"'?

Open Events do not require a participant to sign a waiver.   There is no carpooling and they are usually hosted by other groups such as the City of Cornwall or the Friends of the Bird Sanctuary.


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12.  Can I attend an overnight event as a guest?

Guests can attend overnight events if they submit a Criminal Record Check and complete a waiver prior to the event.  Contact the membership officer for further details: membership@cornwalloutdoorclub.ca



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13.  What do I need when traveling to the USA?

To enter the USA it is required that all participants bring a valid passport to cross the border.   It is also recommended that participants purchase health insurance for the period in which they are traveling in the USA.   Insurance can be purchased at banks, travel agencies or your insurance broker.


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14.  I am a new guest to the club, can I attend any activities, before I join?

A new guest can attend up to two months of activities excluding overnight events.  This is to allow the guest to get to know the members and the events before deciding to join the club.  After the two month period the guest must decide if he/she is going to join.


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15.  I am a past member, or returning guest from a previous year, can I attend any activities, before I (re)join?

A returning guest or past member can only attend a maximum of two events for the year, excluding "Open Events".   The return guest policy is meant for friends of members who want to participate occasionally with the club.


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16.  I am interested in joining the club - what do I do?

To join the club an individual must submit a completed membership form, the membership fee and a Criminal Record Check (or similar document, i.e. a school board document) no less than two years old.   For further information refer to www.cornwalloutdoorclub.ca/jointheclub.htm  or contact the membership officer   membership@cornwalloutdoorclub.ca


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17.  Why does the club require a Criminal Record Check of all members?

When establishing the club a Criminal Record Check was made part of the requirements to join because it was felt that it made the club safer for its members.


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18.  What does the Executive look for in the Criminal Record Check?

The executive members are only looking to exclude individuals who have criminal records of abuse.   Only members of the executive review the Criminal Record Checks in confidentiality.


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19.  How do I obtain a Criminal Record Check?

A Criminal Record Check is obtained at your local police detachment.  The Cornwall Police department charges the individuals for the Criminal Record Check.  Make sure you say it is for a volunteer group.  For people in the rural areas, the membership officer can complete the paperwork and submit the information to the OPP.  With this method the individual will not incur any cost.


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20.  Who do I contact about membership?

Contact the membership officer at the following email address:    membership@cornwalloutdoorclub.ca


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21.  Are members voted into the club?

All members are voted into the club by the executive.


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22.  What type of equipment does the club have?

The club has the following equipment - Snowshoes (5 pairs), a tent (2 person), canoes (4), a sea kayak, first aid kits (4), a food barrel for camping.


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23.  Who can sign out the equipment? Who is given the priority?

Members can sign out the club equipment; they must follow the equipment rules found in the constitution.   Newer members are given priority over older members to encourage participation.  Sign out the equipment with the activity leader for the specific event as early as possible


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24.  How is the club organized?

The club has a Constitution that outlines the purpose, structure and function of the club.   It can be downloaded from:    www.cornwalloutdoorclub.ca/jointheclub.htm


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