Susquehanna Rovers
Volksmarch Club
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What is a Volksmarch?
A Volksmarch is an organized hike, or walk, which usually covers a distance of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) with a shorter option of 5 kilometers (3.1 miles). The host club marks the trail and provides water at the checkpoints. People of all ages take part, as it is not a contest of speed or endurance. Participants go at their own speed, and may begin anytime within the stated registration period (usually a 4 or 5 hour timeframe). Everyone must complete the trail before the stated finish time.
At registration, all participants receive a start card which is carried and validated at the checkpoints along the trail. This card is turned in at the end of the walk to keep an accurate count of the walkers and so the host club knows how many people are out on the trail.
When participants turn in their card they may receive a special award and have their IVV record books stamped. The special award is a memento of the walk. Awards are usually a commemorative medal, sun catcher, mug, plate, pin or patch designed especially for the event. For the award, the cost is usually about $7.00 if you register in advance and $8.00 if you register on the day of the event. IVV record books are $6.00 each to purchase. For participants that do not collect awards but do keep track of the event and distance, there is a $3.00 charge to get their event and/or distance book stamped at the end of the walk.
If you do not collect awards or record book stamps, you may walk absolutely free.
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What are the AVA and IVV?
The Susquehanna Rovers are part of the American Volkssport Association (AVA) and the International Federation of Popular Sports (IVV - International Volkssport Verband). There are over 200 clubs in the USA and hundreds more in many other countries.
Volksmarching as an organized sport began in Germany in the 1960's and in the USA in 1976. Volksmarching was brought home by returning military people and has spread across the USA as a recreational sport.
The IVV maintains a system of record keeping and periodic achievement awards for regular volkssport participants. Each walker, if they wish, may keep official IVV records books of events and distance. At the end of an event, the books are stamped to give the person credit for the event and distance. When the book is full, it is sent to the national headquarters of AVA and a certificate, patch and pin are returned to the participant.
You don't have to join the Rovers to go on our walks, but membership has several benefits. We send out our award winning newsletter every other month which has information about our upcoming club events as well as other clubs in the region.
By becoming a member and attending the monthly meetings, you can have a say in picking locations for future walks, planning the trail, designing the award and meeting people with similar interests. Do you have a favorite spot which you think is perfect for a walk? Join the Rovers and turn your ideas into reality!
Come walk with us! Membership is inexpensive. To receive additional information about joining the Susquehanna Rovers, send an email to our Membership Manager, or call 717-234-7765. When you are ready, download our Membership form and send it in!
The next few club meetings over the winter are being held via the internet. They start at 6 pm on the last Tuesday of the month. There is no meeting in December. Contact Bill to get the internet connection link at 717-847-3567 All are invited and encouraged to attend.
The Susquehanna Rovers Volksmarch Club promotes walking as an activity in which the entire family can participate and gain an appreciation of the outdoors as well as the benefits of aerobic exercise. We have an interest in environmental issues and a commitment to preserving natural areas. We are also committed to leaving our event locations cleaner than when we arrived. Walking has gained popularity as a sport simply because it is something everyone can do. It brings you in touch with your surroundings in an immediate way which you cannot experience by driving your car. As the number of walkers increases, so does the concern for safe, clean, scenic areas in which to walk. Organizations such as the Capital Area Greenbelt Association, the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, and the National Parks and Conservation Association are actively promoting responsible development and conservation practices.
We applaud and support their efforts. We also encourage our members to become aware of local issues involving the preservation of natural areas within neighborhoods where residents can enjoy walking, biking and other outdoor activities.
ENJOY!