Although its name implies a club dedicated to people who love to ski, the Brandywine Valley Ski Association (BVSA) also offers its members activities such as kayaking, bike riding, picnicking, attending concerts and golfing.

"We are a group of year-round outdoor enthusiasts based in Chester County. Many of us ski, (but) many members do not," said Harold Lamb, a member of the BVSA activities committee.

BVSA will hold a prospective new member informational meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 4, at 7 p.m. at the Thorndale Inn, 430 Bondsville Road, Downingtown. At the meeting, attendees will learn about the club and its purpose. "It's really a social organization for people who like to be outdoors and (want to) meet new people," said Lamb, when describing the nonprofit organization. "We have people that do a lot of different activities, and we try to tailor the activities we offer."

The meeting will also provide information about upcoming trips. The club, which is affiliated with the Eastern Pennsylvania Ski Council (EPSC), is currently organizing ski trips to Salt Lake City and Kitzbuehel, Austria. "(At the meeting), we will have informational flyers of trips that are available," said Lamb. "We still have (spaces available) on both our trips."

Past club activities have included golfing at Kimberton Golf Club and Moccasin Run Golf Club in Atglen, kayaking at Marsh Creek State Park in Eagle and listening to music at local venues, including the Eagleview Town Center in Exton, which offers a free summer concert series. "There is a group that likes to do kayaking and bicycling and hiking," said Lamb. "I organize the music, so we go to free concerts in the park (in Eagleview) and bring a lunch and we have a nice time."

Fall activities are also in the works. "One of our members owns a horse farm south of Coatesville, and she is going to host a pig roast and bonfire in early November that is open to members," Lamb noted. "After that, we have a couple that lives in Chester Springs, and they will have a bonfire at their house."

BVSA members are asked to pay an annual fee, with separate prices for individuals and couples. In addition to a monthly newsletter that lists club activities, members receive reciprocal membership to the EPSC and the National Ski Council Federation.

BVSA is open to adults of all ages. "We have members that are from the southern part of Chester County, and we have members from Gap, Honey Brook and Pottstown and from everywhere in between," Lamb noted. "We cover all of Chester County and a little bit into adjoining counties."

Lamb noted that during the pandemic, club members continued to find ways to meet socially. "We started doing (get togethers) in people's backyards. People brought lawn chairs and something to eat and drink, and we sat apart," he stated. "It gave us an opportunity to be out and get a little social activity in a safe manner." He added that trips resumed, with restrictions, in 2021.

BVSA, which was established in 1975, currently has 300 registered members. The club meets on the first Wednesday of each month from September through May at the Thorndale Inn. Guests are welcome.

"One of the advantages of the club is to meet new people," Lamb added. "It's nice to see new members - new members of all ages."

For more information about the club, visit https://bvsa.wildapricot.org. Readers may also join the "Brandywine Valley Ski Association (BVSA)" Facebook group.