Ways to Support your Club in the Offseason
While many people simply pack away their gear and summerize their snowmobiles to not think about it again until Hay Days. Your snowmobile club likely has a long list of projects that need to be completed this summer. There are many ways you can support your club while enjoying the backcountry this summer and here are a few we thought of:
Firewood: Firewood always needs to be split and stacked in preparation for next season’s adventurers. Gather a few friends and make a day of it!
Trail Clearing/Brushing: Snowmobile trails need maintenance before each season. Brushing Alders, repairing damage and erecting signage are typically the help needed.
Grant Sourcing/Writing: Accessing additional funding is extremely important for your club. Typically grants become available in the spring, summer and fall. If you have experience applying for grants, please reach out to your club and the federation. Many clubs, especially our smaller clubs could use some guidance.
Warm Up Shelters: If your club has cabins or warm up shelters there will be basic maintenance and repairs needed. Perhaps your club is building a new shelter, (after accessing funding through grants) Grab your hammer and a few buddies and join the building crew.
Equipment and Machinery: The summer season is when most major work is done on the groomers and drags. Perhaps you are welder, mechanic or electrician that is willing to help the clubs get their equipment in top shape for next season,
Updating and Maintaining your club’s digital presence: It is important to keep in touch throughout the off season. If your club has a Facebook or Instagram page it’s a good idea to keep the page active and exciting. Posting pictures from the previous season, and current events such as work bees or preseason events can keep your membership engaged and active. The club’s website on Silkstart may need to be cleaned up and updated. If you have the skills to help, please reach out.
Preseason Membership Drive: Before the snow flies many clubs will have a preseason membership drive. Some host events such as a movie night or tailgate swap meet to facilitate their membership sales. Other clubs may set up in their local powersports dealership selling memberships on location. Either way, every membership sold helps to secure your club and organized snowmobiling in British Columbia.
Be sure to reach out to your snowmobile club executive to see how you can help and watch your clubs social media for work bees planned over the summer.
Thank you to everyone who volunteers.