SCOA in Panama!

When Dario and I started SCOA back in April of 2008 we had no idea it would grow to be the group it is today. We are growing: our membership is 2000+, we are executing over 350 events/year and now sponsorship . Yep Columbia Clothing has reached out to us with a sponsorship. We are confident our relationship with them will continue to grow. "That's nice Chris but how does that help me - a SCOA member?"

I am glad you asked. Sponsorship can help SCOA in several ways:

• We get to use gear that we normally wouldn't have access to for cheap and in some cases free
• We get to go to places like Mammoth and Mountain High for super cheap with a gear rep who teaches us about the latest in equipment
• We get instruction on the latest techniques and considerations of various sports

We are glad you said yes because we need your help. Building a community takes time and energy in short we need your input. See for us to take SCOA to the next level we need your participation. Those pictures you took while backpacking this summer need to be posted to the site. The video from the day of windsurfing in North Africa needs to be uploaded. We know you have a voice - write that blog you have been meaning to for the last year. Uncle SCOA is gonna reward you too. . .

SCOA has installed and integrated a new system called the Points Reward Program for all you members! For each completed task, you'll be credited with a certain number of points. The more tasks you complete, the more points you'll accumulate. Earn enough points and you are eligible to go on select adventures for FREE.

For example, when you upload a photo, you'll get 10 points. When you sign up for an event, you'll be rewarded with 30 points, and so on. Other ways you can obtain points are:

• Uploading videos
• Start a discussion
• Referring a friend
• Logging onto the site
• Submitting and voting on the monthly picture and video contests on the site

For a full explanation of the Points Reward System login to www.SCOAOutdoors.net and point your browser to: www.scoaoutdoors.net/user_points_faq.php

Each month, the top earners will be eligible to win mountain biking or sea kayaking adventures. Winners will be randomly chosen by a SCOA member at a SCOA Happy Hour during the last week of the month. Simple - eh?

In addition to the activity points give away, we are going to have photo and video contests. The photo and video contests will be held each month. Members will post the URL link to their favorite photos in the Photo of the Month Discussion Group. After all submissions have been entered, a SCOA administrator will create a poll with all the submissions. SCOA members will choose their favorite photo/video by poll voting. Winners as voted by the group will receive a free SCOA tee!

So what are you waiting for? Go start earning those points and reap the benefits of being a registered SCOA Member! SHARE, DISCUSS, PARTICIPATE!