Membership and Camp Access Guidelines: Thendara Mountain Club
Attending events at camp is the best way to learn about all the club has to offer, but the following guide provides an overview of what to expect as you join our community. Thendara Mountain Club is a cooperative venture relying on voluntary contributions of time and work. As a new member, you are encouraged to join as an active host, trail maintainer, or leader for activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, and swimming.
Basic Membership
Allows the member to attend registered events and visit the camp with other members or when the gate is unlocked.
Gate Access Member (3 Months Tenure)
Access privileges allow entrance to the camp's grounds and outdoor facilities outside of registered events.
After three months of membership in good standing, you may qualify for gate access by completing the following:
- Safety Workshops: Attend three mandatory sessions: Camp Safety, Hiking Safety, and Trail Maintenance. These cover camp procedures and Palisades Interstate Park regulations.
- Aquatics Certification: Complete the online "Swim Safety Supervisor" video workshop.
- On-Site Experience: Participate in at least one hosted overnight weekend.
- Documentation: You must maintain a "Workshop Completion Form", have it signed and dated by a leader or host for each completed workshop and hosted weekend and enter the date of completion for the online swim supervisor course. Once all items have been complete, email the form to the designated contact to receive the gate combination.
Gate access does not give access to the Lodge Building if not on a registered event or with another member with access.
Lodge Key Qualification (1 Year Tenure)
After qualifying for gate access and reaching one year of membership in good standing, you are eligible for a lodge key. Requirements include:
- Host Training: Co-host two weekends with an experienced host—one during the Summer (May 1 – Oct. 15) and one during the Winter (Oct. 15 – May 1).
- Lodge Key Workshop: Complete an intense camp operations orientation.
- Administrative Fee: A $30 payment is required for the lodge key.
Successful completion of the stages above grants full access to camp facilities.
Camp Rules and Procedures
- Registration: All members and guests must sign the registry book upon arrival, either in the lodge or in the brown box outside the lodge.
- Payment: Use provided envelopes for all fees and place them in the lock-box or give them to the host at a hosted weekend. Never place loose cash or checks in the box. If the lodge is locked and you lack a key, mail your check to the club treasurer.
- Facility Fees: Use of the lodge or waterfront requires paying a fee, even for short periods. Members are exempt only when parking solely to hike, hosting a scheduled event, or performing approved work.
- Event Registration: For hosted events, you must register with the host by the preceding Thursday, or the date specified in the Bulletin. Participation is first-come, first-served.
- Guest Policy: Guests must be accompanied by a member, who is responsible for their behavior. Members are limited to two guests per visit. Every guest must sign a "Guest Waiver Form" for each visit and sign in the registration log.
Fee Schedule
Annual Membership Dues
|
Membership Type
|
Annual Rate
|
Unlimited Day Pass Option
|
|
Resident Adult
|
$50
|
$125
|
|
Resident Family
|
$75
|
$150 (1 person) / $225 (2 people)
|
|
Nonresident Adult
|
$40
|
N/A
|
|
Nonresident Family
|
$50
|
N/A
|
|
Life Member (30+ Years)
|
$0
|
N/A
|
Facility Usage Fees (Per Day/Night)
|
Category
|
Lodge
|
Bunkhouse
|
Camping
|
Day Visit
|
|
Member
|
$15.00
|
$15.00
|
$13.00
|
$10.00
|
|
Guest
|
$25.00
|
$25.00
|
$20.00
|
$12.00
|
|
1st Time Guest
|
$17.00
|
$17.00
|
$15.00
|
$12.00
|
Note on Children: Children under age 5 are free. Children aged 5–11 are charged 50% of the adult rate. Children under 23 on a family membership are not considered independent members.