Chances are, if you're reading this, you're a member of Columbus Outdoor Pursuits. But maybe you picked up this newsletter at one of the local bike or outdoor shops around town. Or, maybe your browsing through a copy at a friend's house. Still yet, you could be reading this off our website.

But, whatever the means, we're glad that your reading our newsletter. We're proud of the great selection of activities and educational opportunities we provide to our members and to the community. If you're a member, you already know about this. But if you're not, boy are there some terrific reasons to join and become a part of our outdoor community!

We offer a considerable number of outdoor trips (just turn to our Activity Schedule) and numerous schools, first-aid training, and special events. But, non-members can participate in most of these. So, why should you join COP, or send in a check when your renewal notification arrives this year? Well, read on:

Check out these programs that we've just worked out with the Benchmark Outdoor Outfitters:

• 10% discount on all regularly priced merchandise with current COP membership card

• Pre-sale notification for COP members. (To receive these, you'll need to send an email to the COP office with your name & email address. It will be forwarded to Benchmark along with a confirmation of your membership number and expiration date.)

• Be a Gear Tester! Yeah, that's right _ test the latest and greatest, give someone a piece of your mind (about the gear), AND if you like it, get 20% off when you buy it. Basically, pick your item & fill out a form, use & test it on a trip, return it to the store, write a review, and get a coupon for your 20% discount.

• Get $20 Destination Gift Certificates. Remember those outdoor magazine ads with people in really cool places, doing really cool things, and somewhere there's a banner or flag with a brand or company name? Well, that could be you! If you're headed to a great place, stop by the store before you leave. Fill out a form, pick up a Benchmark banner, and while you're having a great time on your trip, take a cool picture with you and the banner in you hands in front of some awesome sight. Then sign & date the banner with your trip info. When you get back into town, return the banner & your cool photo in return for a $20 gift certificate.

• The Benchmark Outdoor Outfitters store is located at 4550 Kenny Rd., Columbus, OH (at Kenny & Henderson Rd. intersection)

You can receive the following ONLY if you are a COP member:

• 10% discount on merchandise at Sabo's Camping with current COP membership card. Sabo's Camping is located at 775 Chambers Road, Columbus, OH (next to Lennox Town Center)

• 10% discount on merchandise at Beauty Mountain Sports with current COP membership card. BMS is located on Lansing Rd., Lansing, WV (½ mile off US-19, north of the New River Bridge near Fayetteville, WV)

• Significant price reduction on fees for COP schools, leadership & first-aid training, and special events (e.g., TOSRV, GOBA)

• Equipment rental privileges _ for boating, backpacking, caving, & winter activities

• Participation in most extended and overnight trips

• Participation in ANY Class III or greater whitewater trip (for insurance purposes)

• Post free classified ads in the newsletter and on our website

• Monthly post office delivery of our newsletter, Columbus Outdoors

But, besides these tangible benefits, you become part of our big outdoor community. So, for all you members, and especially our volunteers, out there _ thanks for you continued support, and enjoy your member benefits. And for you non-members browsing our newsletter, keep reading _ we think you'll like what you see. And when you're done, there's a Membership Application on the back!

Hope you enjoy this issue.

Sharon Seslar

Editor, Columbus Outdoors