Garden City Wanderers Volkssport Club

What is Volkssport?

Introduction to Volkssporting

If you are among the growing majority who believe that regular outdoor activity in congenial company can improve one's health, fitness and quality of life, then volkssporting is for you.

Volkssporters share your belief and enjoy walking as members of a volkssport club. We also believe that the physical activity and social contact available through volkssporting is a significant beneficial part of our lives. To us, and millions of others world-wide, volkssporting affords opportunities for adventure in active living, healthy recreation, fellowship and fun.  Garden City Wanderers is proud to be  a member of the international volkssporting community.

Literally, "Volkssporting" translates as "people’s sports". It all began over 30 years ago in Europe where a need was recognized for healthy, organized, non-competitive activities, suitable for people of all ages. Efforts in several communities resulted in the development of local "volkssport" clubs, which sponsored events for walking, cycling, swimming and cross country skiing. The movement grew rapidly.

Now, across Canada,. throughout the United States, and in more than 50 countries around the world, unique opportunities are available for safe, healthy exercise without the stresses of speed and strain of endurance. A hallmark of volkssports is that all participants who successfully complete the event of their choice at their own pace, are recognized as "winners"!

GCW primarily hosts walking events which are by far the most popular activity among volkssport club members in Canada. GCW sponsors two types of walks: Year Round Events, and Map Walks.

Year Round Events.  These are permanent routes which are walked as a group several times per year. In addition, you can enjoy these walks on your own anytime throughout the year.

Map Walks.  We meet at a specified place and start time. Maps and directions are supplied for each participant. The group will start off together and then spread out as participants walk at their own pace.

The Volkssport Structure

	Internationaler Volkssportverband - International Federation of Popular Sports (IVV) IVV is the parent body of volkssporting. They coordinate volkssport events in over 60 countries around the globe. Events include walking, cycling, swimming, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.  Go to their website to learn about events and activities in all volkssporting countries.
	Canadian Volkssport Federation (CVF) Formed in 1986, CVF now has over 50 member clubs plus two provincial organizations, and sponsors hundreds of events across the country each year. Go to their website to learn more about Canadian volkssport programs, clubs and events in other parts of Canada.
	Volkssport Association of British Columbia (VABC) VABC was formed in 1990 and is responsible for coordinating events put on by clubs in the province of British Columbia. They also sponsor over 30 YREs of their own. As of January 2011, VABC has 10 member clubs and affiliate members. Go to the VABC website to learn about clubs and walks in every part of British Columbia.

Trail Ratings

                            Note:  Extreme weather conditions could raise the difficulty of the routes.

Achievement Awards

A unique feature of volkssporting is the optional achievement award programs. This personal achievement program allows you to record the distance and number of events that you participate in. You may purchase

 Every time you send Lea a completed book, you will receive a pin, patch, and certificate to recognize your achievement. The first time you send a completed book, you will receive a Canadian Volkssport Federation “Passport,” in which your achievement will be recorded.  This passport should be included for updating each time you send Lea a book.

Walking Programs

CVF have a number of Special Walking Programs which encourage you to explore some of the scenic wonders of Canada. Participants receive special pins and certificates to recognize their achievements. Full details can be found on the CVF website by clicking here. 

Summary of CVF Special Walking Programs 

         
BC Programs

In addition, British Columbia (VABC) has two special programs. One challenges you to walk with every BC club, the other challenges you to complete every YRE and seasonal walk in British Columbia!  This is a significant challenge that could take several years but in so doing you will explore most of the corners of this beautiful province. Full details available from any BC club.

WALK Fees

 Map Walks

• Fees are $2 per walker for those who collect event or distance credits
• Walkers not collecting credits pay $1

Year-Round Events

• Fees are $1 per stamp for event or distance credits. An event stamp for a particular YRE may be received once in the first 6 months of a calendar year and once in the second 6 months.
• YRE discount cards may be purchased allowing 20 distance stamps for $10.
• Walkers not collecting credits pay a $1 participation fee. 

New Walkers

• First 5 walks are free.