Out-of-Doors & Sports
Many of these activities are anxiously awaiting to resume when weather and COVID restrictions are agreeable, while others like Snowshoeing and Bonfire for 8, allow for safe gatherings outdoors, now. Become a member of any or all of these activity groups to receive emailings for future gatherings.
The biking group meets on a monthly basis to ride trails in and around Traverse City. The group seeks out manageable bike trails for all skill levels and frequently meets after the ride for refreshments once the ride is done. Riders need to have appropriate safety equipment and bikes in good working order.
A new group has been formed so that members can get together in person while socializing in a safe way this winter. We’ll be gathering once a month around bonfires mid to late afternoon in groups of 6-8 members. A different member will host each time, scrambling composition of the hosts and groups. If more than 8 members have signed up for an event then there will be additional hosts for that event. At the hosts’ discretion, an event may also include a hike, snowshoe, corn hole or other outdoor activity, or simply sitting around the fire for friendly conversation. The host will provide the bonfire. Each member will provide their own food and drink. Please register for this event on the website (under event calendar) in order to attend. Please click the blue information button for directions on how to register. A couple of days before each event, specifics about your assigned group will be provided, including the host location.
Bowling meets every week during the winter months at various locations throughout the Traverse City area. Participants bowl with new people each week. In addition to cost for games and shoes, participants contribute $1 for prizes. Pay when you play, play when you can. All skill levels are accepted.
The Fishing Group includes Newcomers who are interested in fishing activities of any kind. The group is evolving according to the interests of its participants. Charter fishing trips for salmon usually occur in late August or in September.
Two to three times per month from June through September a group kayaks area rivers and lakes. A variety of trips are scheduled to address different skill levels. The lakes are normally appropriate for beginners but most rivers are only safe for the more experienced kayaker. Trips start at 10:00 a.m. and last up to 2 hours with lunch afterwards. Participants are required to wear personal flotation devices and must provide their own kayak, paddle, and PFD. The number of participants is limited each trip based on safety concerns and parking capacity. Before each paddle the leader sends an email message out to those signed up for the group sharing details about the trip, skill set required, information on lunch plans, and directions. Last minute communication is also often required if weather is questionable. Those interested are asked to sign up before the season begins to allow for orientation and planning.
Why do we meet? But of course, to chase a multicolored 1.5 inch diameter ball through the woods and sometimes water hazards only to have it ricochet off a tree and nearly knock you down in the process of teeing off from a hole like number 15 tee at the Crown golf course, as an example.
Where do we meet? North to Charlevoix, east as far as Cadillac, south to Mesick, west as far as Thompsonville, and the TC area with the Crown being our home course. Every Monday that is not a holiday we meet starting in May and play through October. Tee times in May, June, September and October start at 10 a.m., while tee times for July and August are at 9:30 a.m. MIKE HUFFMAN HAS DECIDED TO RETIRE. LOOKING FOR A REPLACEMENT. IF INTERESTED CONTACT JEANIE HOHOLIK.. vpactivities@gtnewcomers.org
Men’s softball senior league is sponsored by the YMCA and is made up of men age 55+ (we are allowed 3 under 55). All games are played at the Civic Center fields. Games are played once a week from May through August. Players do not have to be a member of the YMCA to play. Anyone can play but players will have to supply a glove as the league does not supply any equipment. Everyone who shows up will get a chance to bat.
Snowshoeing is a fun winter activity - especially when we add in food and drinks afterwards! Due to the need for snow we will not have a set schedule for outings but will plan to give at least 1 week notice of an event. Planning to have a pre-season gathering in late November and then start events in December if we have good early season snow.
The Walk in the Woods Group meets the third Thursday of each month May through October. We hike various trails all over the Grand Traverse region. Hikes are easy to moderate and vary between 3 and 5 miles. Our pace is such that you can expect moderate exercise that allows breathing room for good conversation and appreciation of scenic views. Following the hike, the group meets for lunch at a local restaurant. For more information regarding specific hikes click on the hike in the event calendar and refer to the member resource tab/club documents. Join us as we explore this beautiful part of God's Country!
If you're looking for an opportunity to golf without the competitive edge, this may be the group for you! The group focuses on having fun and socializing while playing nine holes, regardless of your skill level and recent golf experience. Play will begin at 9:30 am. We will golf once a week at Bay Meadows Family Golf Center in Traverse City.