The Milpitas Camera Club office offers numerous activities and programs for the enjoyment of club members, guests and prospective members. Please follow the guidelines listed below when participating in field trips and other club activities.

Field trip Protocol:
The Milpitas Camera Club assumes that field trip participants are able to participate independently in the trips. The field trip chair or designated group leader reserves the right to evaluate any participant's ability to participate based on his or her physical abilities and/or demonstrated behaviors. It is expected that all participants will conduct themselves in a dignified, cooperative and congenial manner.

In the field:
Participants usually come up with a consensus regarding where they wish to shoot. Usually there is a designated group leader who should have a list of participants and access to contact information. (Group leader is only an informal title and does not mean "tour guide.) Participants may opt to travel or hike with the group or go off on their own. Those opting to travel alone, however, are asked to tell the group leader where they are going in case something happens. (The group leader is not going to check whether you get back home or not-once you go off on your own it becomes your personal responsibility).  Be sure to bring along some snacks and ample water if the group is going to a wilderness destination or on a long hike.

Checkpoints:
Most field trips have an initial meeting checkpoint for carpools to organize, or two or three checkpoints during the day so participants can rejoin the group. If you are late for the initial checkpoint you'll have to try to catch up with the group. The group leader will usually allow you a ten- to fifteen-minute grace period before the group leaves (unless there is a specific start time, as in the case of a tour or event).
If this is your first field trip, please give the group leader (a very informal title) a sheet of paper with some basic emergency contact information on it so family or friends can be contacted in case of emergency. It would also be advisable to let the group leader know if you have any allergies or physical conditions that could cause problems out in the field. When others are informed those who are with you will be able to tell rescue providers details when they come. (We've not had any bad things happen so far and we want to keep it that way!)

Cancellations due to weather:
Here is a general rule: If it is suspected that it may be raining heavily at our destination then the field trip is cancelled. If there is a light rain or drizzle then the hard-core photographers will usually decide to go anyway. (Some of the best pictures are taken when the weather is bad!) If you decide to go with the "extreme crazies" and shoot in the rain then it is up to you to have adequate moisture protection for you as well as your camera. Bring sufficient Zip-lock bags to seal up all your camera bodies, lenses and accessories. If it's raining bring a rain poncho for yourself and also a dry change of clothes, which you can put in your car or in a pack in case you get drenched and become cold. Never underestimate Mother Nature!

Long-distance trips:
On long-distance trips you are responsible for your own meals, lodging and transportation. Car pools can be arranged between participants. Remember, the field trip leader is not a travel agent.  Long-distance field trips are generally preceded by at least one organizational meeting to discuss logistics. Please show up at that meeting so you are aware of the latest developments.