The Green Mountain Club was founded in 1910 with 23 incorporating members, and our members have been the backbone of the organization for the last 110 years. GMC would not exist with out its passionate, active member base. Your dues and donations support the programs of the club, from employing mountaintop caretakers during the hiking season to bringing engaging and informative speakers to the Winter speaker series. We hope being a member is rewarding to you, too, and welcome members of all backgrounds and experiences to experience the GMC community. Read on to see why three very different members joined the club, and continue to connect with us today.
Nika Meyers — From Caretaker to Board Member
“I keep active with the club because I want there to be opportunities for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to experience the magic of long-distance hiking and the unique experiences the Green Mountains can offer at any time of year.”
Nika Meyers first came to GMC as a staff member in 2011. She then spent time as a group outreach coordinator, member of the trail crew and as a caretaker on Mount Mansfield, before officially becoming a member in 2014. “Being a part of the GMC staff introduced me to the multi generational community that surrounds the trail. Some of my best friends, mentors and inspirations have come from this community.” Nika wants every hiker to experience the welcoming and inclusive hiking community she found, and that’s why she supports GMC as a member. Nika currently lives in Colorado, but stays involved in the mission and work of the GMC – she joined the Board of Directors in 2022.
Terry Lovelette — From Lifelong Vermonter to Lifelong Green Mountain Club Member
“To some, the mountains have no meaning. To me, they are meaning. As I vibrate with life, so do the mountains and all that they cradle in their silence.”
Terry Lovelette grew up in a small mill town of northwestern Vermont called Sheldon Springs where he formed a deep bond with the mountains and the forests of Vermont.
The mountains continue to provide inspiration to Terry as he submits poems and musings to GMC when he is moved by the wild places of Vermont.
In 2015 Terry and his wife converted from yearly donors to Life Members while he continues combine his passion for the beautiful places in the world with his compassion for the work that GMC does for the trails.
“I owe a debt of gratitude to all the hardy souls who have labored to build, maintain, adapt, and grow one of Vermont’s most vital resources.”
Owen Rachampbell — from End to Ender to Lifetime Member
“The community that I’ve found on the trail, both when hiking and volunteering, is one of the best groups of people I know.”
Owen Rachampbell began his membership with GMC after completing his End to End hike in 2010. The complimentary membership offered to End to Enders was enough to entice him to rejoin for the next several years and get involved in his local Laraway section with trail work and volunteer efforts.
After realizing the importance of GMC and the community he had formed within it, Owen decided to put away $5 a week for 1 year to put towards joining the Laraway Section as a Lifetime Member. “I thought it would be meaningful to become a Lifetime Member, both for me and for the GMC who could invest this larger sum of money now rather than waiting for it piecemeal. Since I did not have the money for this large investment in hand, I decided to put aside $5 a week for one year to make this happen. My wife Anna soon jumped on it too to save together for a Dual Membership.”
We have several different levels of membership so you can choose the one that works best for you or your family. Memberships start at $25/year. Questions? Contact me, GMC’s Membership Coordinator, at [email protected].
Why are you a Green Mountain Club member? Tell us your story by emailing Chloe Miller and Rick Dugan, [email protected] and [email protected].
Leave a Reply