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Whether it's backpacking along the Appalachian Trail, kayaking down the Maury River or spelunking a local cave, Western Virginia offers breathtaking scenery and a myriad of experiences. Matt Rosefsky decided that more fun could be had if the great outdoors were shared, so he founded Outdoor Adventure Social Club, a membership-based organization. "We lead all kinds of trips. We go all over," Rosefsky said. "Charlottesville is the center, so that's where we start. But we're happy to pick a member up along the way, or meet them there." The Adventure Club routinely offers one or two events each day. For a monthly membership fee, members can use the club's thousands of dollars worth of equipment, leaders' expertise and knowledge. "And it's fun," said Rosefsky, who along with being CPR-certified and having completed a 21-hour cave rescue course, holds a master's degree in mechanical engineering, another master's in East Asian Studies and an MBA from the University of Virginia. He says he loves life, different cultures and exploring. The other 21 leaders also offer a variety of expertise, including one emergency medical technician, a kayaking teacher, a lawyer who knows American Sign Language and an environmental educator. "They're just a great group of people. Two leaders have hiked the Appalachian trail all the way to Maine," Rosefsky said. Whether it is mountain climbing, caving, rock climbing, white water rafting, or just about any other outdoor sport you can think of, this adventure club offers training and comradeship. Many of the more than 170 members, ranging in age from 20-60-something, have hiked abroad, often with the group. They have been to Vietnam and Peru, along the Inca trial, and plan to visit the Grand Canyon and Yosemite National Park on two separate trips later this year. "There's couples and singles. Everyone just has a common outdoor bond," Rosefsky said. "My goal is to continue to support this club of people where everyone is having a wonderful time exploring the outdoors, while making new friends."
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