About COP - Who We Are

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. 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.   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).

Mission Statement: “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.”

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. 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.

Educational Opportunities Leadership Training Red Cross First Aid & CPR Wilderness First Aid Wilderness First Responder GOBA Safety and Interpretive Programs Rockclimbing Orientation Beginning Backpack School Map & Compass Class Quickstart Kayak Family Kayak Kayak Schools (Levels I, II, and III)  Raft School Sea Kayak Rescue Informal Instruction on All Trips

Bike Routes COP maintains 8 cross state bicycle routes.  Maps available at a nominal price.  Login to "Member Area" and go to "Merchandise".

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.

Non-Profit Status Columbus Outdoor Pursuits has 501(c)(3) status. Contributions are tax deductible. Click here to see contributions made by Columbus Outdoor Pursuits to the community.

Copyright © 2012 - Columbus Outdoor Pursuits
1525 Bethel Rd Ste 100 · Columbus OH 43220-2054
614-442-7901