Columbus Outdoor Pursuits is a volunteer-based, participatory organization created to provide opportunities and education for outdoor recreation and activities and thereby aid in acquisition of a greater knowledge and appreciation of the out-of-doors and to develop self-reliant, community minded citizens.
We:
• Provide outdoor recreation education to the public, including safety and technique
• Organize and lead outdoor trips
• Train our own outdoor leaders
• Purchase and maintain a limited amount of equipment for use in our programs and activities
• Define outdoor recreation as primarily non-competitive, self-propelled activities such as backpacking, bicycling, kayaking, etc.
Founded in 1937 to promote greater understanding of the world and its people by providing low-cost recreational and educational travel, today we continue our devotion to noncompetitive outdoor recreation and world travel.
While Columbus Outdoor Pursuits is best known for its bicycle mega-tours - The Tour of the Scioto River Valley (TOSRV) and The Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure (GOBA) - we feature a comprehensive program of bicycling, flat and white water boating, caving, backpacking, rock climbing, skiing, and other outdoor recreation. We offer extensive education in these activities including canoe and kayak schools, backpacking schools, leadership training and bicycle safety programs. Membership information and a schedule of the current month’s activities are here on our webpage, or can be obtained by calling 614/442-7901.
Comprehensive Trip Program
The Columbus Outdoor Pursuits trip program includes: bicycling, flat and white water boating, caving, backpacking, hiking, rock climbing, and cross country skiing. Volunteers run all programs except The Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure.
During the 12-month period from July 2010 to June 2011, we offered 737 day trips, 49 weekend trips, and 12 extended trips. In addition, we offered monthly program meetings and activity planning meetings. We had 33,574 participant days during this period.
Volunteer Based
Columbus Outdoor Pursuits is primarily a volunteer based organization, minimizing costs of activities. Members are encouraged to take leadership training and lead or assist in organizing trips. Some special events help support the organization while others raise funds for philanthropic programs of the organization.
Tax Status:
Columbus Outdoor Pursuits has 501(c)(3) status and contributions to COP are tax deductible.
Contributions to our Community
Click here to download a Membership Brochure
COP Membership Benefit Summary
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