Welcome Back VOCO!
Hey VOCO crew, a big hello to everyone returning and all the new faces joining us this year! VOCO is back for Fall 2025 with a stacked lineup of epic events and we’re beyond excited to kick off another year with you all.
First off, a huge thank you to everyone who came out for our season-opening BBQ – It was a sizzling start to the season with a great night of food, frisbee, and new friends!
As we enter the fall, we're looking forward to being able to cook up some awesome events. Expect a mix of hands-on clinics, outdoor adventures, nights around the campfire, and plenty of time to exchange tips, gear, and stories with other VOCO members. We believe that the best moments are being present, showing up, and sharing the experience—so come as you are, bring your questions, and get ready to make this year unforgettable.
From backpacking Mount Begbie, rock climbing at Skaha Bluffsto, unwinding at Halfway Hot Springs and partying at Gneiss Gym, we’ve got events for everyone. New or returning, this website has the key dates, gear tips, and sign-up details to go on an incredible semester. Whether it’s your first time here or you’re a long-time member, let’s cheers to another year of fun and friends!
Below is a quick look at some of the large events we have planned for our 2025 fall semester. There will be more details to come for each event as the time comes, as well as sign up info. No gear? Check out the gear locker – free gear sign-outs are included with your membership! No car? Don't worry! We will have carpool sign-ups to come!
Club Expo
When: September 17th
Begbie Backpacking Trip
When: September 20–21 (Info night will be held on September 18th at 6:30 at the gear locker)
Location: Monashee Mountains, Revelstoke, BC
Details: 6 km to camp with ~1300 m elevation; challenging, cooperative hike
What you’ll need: hiking boots, warm layers, headlamp, tent (shared), sleeping bag/pad, food, water, gear storage plan (reach out to the gear masters if you’re unsure what to bring!)
Getting there: Transport coordinated; meet at designated starting point
Intro to Rock Weekend
We’re coming up to our big Intro to Rock event weekend designed for everyone. It’s the perfect chance to get comfortable on the wall, meet belay partners, and pick up essential safety skills—all in a supportive, beginner-friendly environment. Whether you’re brand new, looking to learn a few new techniques, or volunteer to teach – this weekend has something for you!
When: September 27 - 28th (Volunteer Info night will be held on September 25th)
Where: Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park, Penticton, BC
What to bring: climbing gear (if you have some), food, water, camping gear, warm layers
Highlights: top-rope belay safety, beginner-friendly clinics, opportunities to meet other climbers and form groups
Additional: Volunteers and carpool coordination will be organized via a shared volunteer/booking sheet
Note: Signups will open soon. Gear lockers and Gear Masters will be available to help you borrow what you need. Volunteer night will be hosted Thursday the 25th.
STO Ride Group Ride
When: Early October (flexible)
Caving in the Kootenays
When: October 3rd - 5th
Bike-packing Trip
When: October 4th - 5th
Halloween Gneiss Party
When: Oct 31, 2025, 6:00pm–close
Where: Gneiss Gym
What to expect: Climbing in costumes, prizes, festive vibes
Tofino Surf Trip
When: November reading week
Have an idea for a future event? Shoot us an email!
At VOCO, our values are what inspire us to connect with the outdoors and grow as a community. We're stoked to call the outdoors our home and have each other's back while we learn and explore.
Leave No Trace: We care about the places we play. Pack out what you pack in, minimize waste, and leave spaces better than we found them.
Sustainability: We choose practices that have minimal harm and promote long-term stewardship of trails, sites, equipment, and communities.
Safety: We value safety, equipment, and help each other learn new skills safely.
Learning: We're here to learn! Our club is here to share information and keep building skills for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. We strive to create a friendly, supportive environment where everyone feels safe and are encouraged to try new things.
Accessibility: We make every effort to ensure activities and events are open to everyone regardless of experience or background!