Plans have been underway for over a year for the biennial celebration at ATC Cullowhee 2013. It will be held at Western Carolina University (WCU) July 19-26, 2013, in Cullowhee N.C. The five AT trail maintaining clubs in North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee have been working on all aspects of this event. TEHCC is responsible for organizing the workshops while other clubs are handling volunteers, hike selection, excursions, entertainment, housing, etc. We expect near 1000 people to attend this week long event.
Volunteering is fun. It is a great way to meet people, to learn something new, to really be a part of this event. You can volunteer to lead a hike or an excursion, moderate a workshop, or help at the information desk or registration to name just a few possibilities. Volunteering is easy, just complete the convenient online form at appalachiantrail.org/2013biennial and someone will contact you with more information.
On the same ATC web page, there is a list of all activities in the planning stages. As hikes, excursions, workshops and entertainment are finalized, this page will be updated with the latest info, so check back often.
Cullowhee is surrounded by beautiful mountains, with access to many hiking trails. There are opportunities for tent and RV camping, or you may stay in the air-conditioned dorms at WCU. There are also hotel and motel options nearby. Come for the whole week or the weekend or any number of days. Start planning a 2013 vacation at the biennial and plan to volunteer one of the days you are there.
And while you are thinking about the biennial, do you know a company that sells a product or service outdoor lovers use? Do you have a personal contact at a major corporation that is a potential sponsor for the biennial? If you have answered “yes” to both or either of those questions, you know a potential sponsor. Several sponsorship levels are available, each with different benefits. Let us know the future sponsor’s name by sending an email to Cullowhee2013sponsorship@gmail.com.