Since 2016, when two former Boy Scout parents ran into each other at the Acton Transfer Station one Saturday morning, the Acton Men’s Outdoors Club (AMOC) has organized nearly 100 monthly local outdoor recreational activities.
While depositing recyclables, Steve Long suggested to Gary Kilpatrick it would be a good idea to form a hiking group. Being empty-nester parents of college-age former Boy Scouts (Troop 32 and 284), they had missed getting outdoors with friends.
Starting with a half dozen friends, they mapped out and selected outdoors activities, and divvied up coordinating events. Events are generally held on the third Sunday of every month.
Activities include mostly hiking (light to moderate) and some kayaking, cycling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Some activities are nearby, some farther away, and have included Great Brook State Park in Carlisle, the Nashua River Rail Trail, and Mt. Wachusett.
Some trips have six men and some up to fifteen. Today AMOC has a roster of over 50 members.
The group has nurtured many new friendships, fostered good-natured needling, kept lazy-bones off the couch, and provided spouses with a 4-hour break each month. While out and about, they share our interests in nature, history, camaraderie, and good trail snacks.
All participants are volunteers and there are no fees or requirements for membership (you don’t need to be a former scouter). We welcome new men to our group, whether you are from Acton or close by. To join our email distribution list, email Steve at Longsk@comcast.net.
Gary Kilpatrick is a founder of the Acton Men’s Outdoors Club.
