FAQ

What is Sundance?

Sundance Outdoor Adventure Society is a not-for-profit, community-based organization for LGBT people in the NY-NJ-CT tri-state region who enjoy participating in non-competitive outdoor activities. We are incorporated in the State of New York, governed by our by-laws, and managed by an elected Board of Directors.

Who is eligible to join Sundance?

Everyone 18 years old and older is welcome to join Sundance. We do not discriminate based on sex, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, HIV status, physical disability, age or national origin.

What is the ratio of men to women?

Right now, men outnumber women, but the number of women members has been increasing in the past couple of years. As of Jan '12, we have over 60 active, visible, and enthusiastic women members.  And please help spread the word about Sundance and its growing women’s community!

How much does it cost to join Sundance?

Annual dues are $30, or $15 for students. There is now a 2-year membership option of $50, or $25 for students.  In addition, if you want to try out Sundance for a few months before committing to a full membership, we have a $5/month rate available to new members. Besides the membership dues, there are no further costs, except for the activities themselves, which includes possible transportation, lodging etc. All expenses for the trip are divided amongst the participants and, are always at-cost (there is no Sundance surcharge). Your membership will last 365 consecutive days for a 1 year membership or 730 consecutive days for a 2 year membership starting from your join date.

I'm visiting the New York region and am a member of another outdoor club. Can I go on some Sundance outings?

Yes! We welcome guests from our sister organizations. Please contacta board member for guest access to this website.

How do I join Sundance?

Complete the online Sundance Membership Application form (Click JOIN) and pay your dues by major credit card. You will then be able to login to access the online events calendar, sign up for all outings and participate in our  new interactive  member community (similar to Facebook), and access all member information. 

How are credit cards processed?

Credit cards for membership dues are processed by LinkPoint, one of the largest e-commerce providers in the world. LinkPoint has very high security and fraud protections. No Sundance volunteer ever has access to any credit card numbers and no credit card information is stored on this website.

Who leads Sundance outings?

Outings are led by Sundance members themselves. Each Sundance outing is lead by two co-leaders, one of whom has led at least one previous Sundance outing. This ensures that each outing is run by someone who has led other outings and that each outing leader has a backup.

What do you mean by an all-volunteer organization?

Sundance has no paid staff. The Board of Directors, outing leaders, co-leaders, those who maintain our website and online calendar, and prepare our quarterly newsletter are volunteers who get a lot of satisfaction in their contributions to Sundance.

How can I lead a Sundance outing?

First go on an outing or two to see how outings are run and then contact the team captain of the activity you're interested in. Check out the useful .PDF article called “How to lead a Sundance outing” on the Archive page. Contact information for team captains is listed in the members section of this website.

Does every member have to lead an outing?

No.  You don't have too. Just remember that outings are volunteer-led and and it really helps Sundance fulfill its mission when members volunteer to lead or co-lead an outing.

How hard is it to lead outings?

This depends on the type of outing becasue some outings that Sundance does are less involved and others more so. You could lead a hike where everyone meets at a designated time and place and make use of public transportation. Or , you could organize a canoeing/camping trip requiring more research, reservations,  carpool co-ordination, etc. etc. There are also members who have led 1-2 week international vacation trips with a dozen or so attendees. In all cases, , there are lots of people willing to help. Contact a Team Captain to get started and for questions!

What is the average age of Sundance members?

About 60% of Sundancers are in their 30s and 40s. The remainder ages range from 18 to past 65.

Where do Sundance members live?

About 41% of Sundance members live in Manhattan, 17% live in New Jersey, and 37% live in New York State outside of Manhattan, such as Long Island and the Hudson Valley. The remaining members are from Connecticut and as far as Pennsylvania and Massachusetts.

How does transportation work?

Most trips are both public trans and car-friendly and so accessible to members from many different locations, with and without cars. For outings that are not accessible by public trans, car pools are arranged by outing leaders to match participants with cars to those who don't. Car/vehicle rentals can also be arranged by leaders in some  circumstances.

What is the cost of an outing?

All Sundance outings are at-cost. This means that except for your individual cost when using public transportation, one's share of car pooling expenses, admission fees to outside events (such as Museums,  i.e. non-Sundance entities) and whatever food you might bring or restaurant costs there are no additional costs (surcharges) for Sundance outings. Weekend or longer trips of course will cost more as they involve the cost of lodgings and may have higher transportation costs.

How is Sundance governed?

A seven member Board of Directors consisting of a chairperson, treasurer, secretary, membership director, outings director, outreach director and safety & training director meet monthly to conduct club business. There is an election to select board members in the late fall.  Any member who has led one outing and has been a member for one year is eligible to run in the board election.

How are Sundance activities organized?

There are 8 activity teams, each one headed by one or two team captains who promote leadership for their activities, and hold meetings as necessary to plan upcoming outings.

I don't live in the NY-NJ-CT Region. Is there a club like Sundance near me?

Check our Links page for information we have on other outdoor clubs in the US and around the world. If there's nothing near you, why not start one in your area?

How do I find out more about Sundance?

Take a look at our web site, there is a lot of information here. E-mail us at info@sundanceoutdoor.org with specific questions we haven't answered already. We would love to hear from you.