About us
Welcome to the Outdoor Club of South Jersey’s Hiking/Backpacking
More information: becky.ocsjhikes@gmail.com
The OCSJ is a dues-paying club that uses Meetup to schedule all activities. You must be a paid member to join the hiking group and RSVP to hiking events. Visit ocsj.org for more information about our club and how to become a member.
Membership in the OCSJ allows you unlimited free access to the hundreds of activities we offer in hiking, biking, trail maintenance, backpacking, paddling, and cross-country skiing.
Please visit our other Meetup groups to see what they offer. These are included with your paid membership, although you must join each group individually:
Biking:
https://www.meetup.com/Outdoor-Club-of-South-Jersey/
Kayaking/XC Skiing:
https://www.meetup.com/Outdoor-Club-of-South-Jersey-Canoeing/
Becky Strickland, OCSJ Hiking Chair
becky.ocsjhikes@gmail.com
Upcoming events
173
Casual Low and Slow at Batsto
Batsto Village, 31 Batsto Rd, Hammonton, NJ, USNotes from reconnaissance hike at noon on Monday 2/2: 1) HIKE IS ON. 2) Parking lot is clear. 3)HIGHLY recommend wearing micro spikes (see photo of my shoe). If you don't and you are slipping, I'm going to ask you to leave the hike. I'm 185 pounds and I did not break through much, (other then the long bridge) just a few times. 4) Due to the conditions, expect this hike to be very slow and only about 2.5 miles. Where the snow is broken through, I had to lift my rollator up, which takes time. 5) the plowed dirt roads through the village have ice on them, not frozen snow; another reason for the micro spikes. 6) We will be out in the open for about 1/2 this hike (no wind break) so dress appropriately. 7) The plan is to do the Red loop, go down and through the Village to Batsto River Road, up a bit and back through the meadow.
We will meet in the Batsto Village parking lot on the end nearest the picnic Grove. We will explore a series of trails around the village and in the woods. This is a reschedule from 1/20. Hopefully, the bitter cold goes back north!
Hike leader: Dawn Tepper
Anticipated Distance: ~ 4 miles
Expected Speed: SLOW 25-30 minutes per mile
Number of planned breaks: as needed, approximately every 1.5 miles
Bathrooms: Flushies near picnic grove building and gift shopBe sure to bring plenty of water. I also recommend at least a snack for the break or lunch.
Be sure to be prepared for the weather.
Please plan to arrive ten minutes ahead of time to sign in and use the bathroom. I start the safety talk 5 minutes before and then start.
Take your preferred tick, chigger, and flying insect precautions.
If we're in the woods, hunting season is October 1st-March 31st. Highly recommend wearing bright orange somewhere during this time.
I drive a dark blue/gray Toyota Sienna minivan. I wear a skirt.
Any questions ahead of time, email theteppers@comcast.net. Problems the day of, you can text 609-742-8803.
Constant rain, heat index above 85 degrees, wind chill below 30 degrees or other nasty weather of the same ilk may cancel. If above 60 degrees and only isolated showers or mist, hike will be on but may be modified.
The nitty gritty:
- As anyone who has hiked with me in the past knows, I have Multiple Sclerosis. MS is a chronic disease of the central nervous system. It is an autoimmune disorder, a condition in which the body attacks itself by mistake. MS is an unpredictable disease that affects people differently depending on which nerves are being attacked. I am blessed to still be able to walk and get out in nature. The location, types of hikes, distance, and pace that I choose are generally based on my current symptoms. Occasionally, I will need to adjust a route or take more frequent breaks. If appropriate, I may use hiking sticks or a rollator. (The rollator provides balance and a convenient seat if I need to give my leg a break.)
- On November 16, 2025 I had a relapse which was brought on mainly by stress and doing too much. I had to take it easy for a few weeks but now I’m back. I will be taking it easy even though it has gotten cool/cold.
- One of the more prominent side effects/symptoms of my MS is heat intolerance. And for me, depending on humidity levels, it can start around 80 degrees. I will be slow and taking frequent breaks.
- I have developed ataxia on my left leg associated with my MS. This is causing some knee/ankle pain since my gait is being altered and they are trying to compensate.
- My pace will vary on how I’m feeling and the makeup of the group that day. I like to look at nature, take time for photos, spot interesting things and don’t mind stopping for comfort breaks. If you want to go fast, you picked the wrong leader/hike. If I title my hike as slow and I’m going faster than ‘advertised’. Please let me know and I’ll slow down.
- Dogs: I’m neutral. Your well behaved, leashed dog is welcome to hike with me at the back of the group. It is YOUR responsibility to determine/confirm that dogs are permitted on a specific trail. If you plan to bring your dog, please note it in the comments such that people who prefer not to hike with dogs are aware.
- If a hike is titled as a family hike expect at least one of my elementary school aged children to be accompanying me. The pace will be on the slow end of moderate.
- If a hike is labeled as slow, not just casual, expect the hike to be slow not moderate.
3 attendees
Past events
7729
