ABOUT TMC
The Tufts Mountain Club’s (TMC) motto is “Go Outside”. More specifically, we connect members of the Tufts community with resources, knowledge, and friends to explore the outdoors. We welcome seasoned adventurers, first-time hikers, and everything in between.
TMC is one of the largest student organizations on campus. Founded in 1939, the organization is also one of the oldest on campus. We carry on many traditions from year to year, but also look for opportunities to offer new experiences to members.
TMC hosts events and trips locally and at our Loj in New Hampshire. Trips and events are publicized on our activities page. Club members can attend as many or as few events as they wish—there’s no minimum amount of participation to be part of TMC!
Trips are generally divided into five technical programs: hiking, climbing, aqua, skiing, and biking. The TMC board includes directors for each program, who ensure that skill sessions and trips are offered at a variety of levels over the course of the year. We also have a stewardship program, in which TMC gives back to the communities we are a part of through outdoor activities.
TMC members benefit from use of our many resources, including the Loj, the TMC office (Chet), two cars, and three roomfuls of gear.
Just about everything you need to connect with TMC is here on this website! See our FAQ to learn more about TMC resources and how to be involved and check out the activities page for the latest trips and events. If you want to learn more about our technical programs, our programs page has info on each one.
Ready to be a member? You can sign up for or renew membership on your profile page. Just click the membership tab to get started.!
OUR SPACES
Chet
The TMC office (“Chet”) is our home on campus, as well as the place where all of TMC’s gear is stored. It is located at 17 Chetwynd Rd, right near Fletcher Field. All board members hold office hours at Chet throughout the week. You can also find hangouts, study sessions, and movie nights in Chet, so check the activities page to see what’s happening!
Loj
The Loj is TMC’s off campus base for trips, located in North Woodstock, New Hampshire, just 2 hours away from Tufts. It’s fully stocked with food, friends, board games, bunks, and everything you need to have a safe and fun time in the White Mountains! Almost every weekend during the school year we have two caretakers running the Loj, so people can enjoy the outdoors.
FAQ
How can I become a TMC member?
To become a member you must first purchase a membership from the TMC Store (sliding scale, $15 suggested) and then register on our website.
At this time only Tufts undergraduates can become full members; however, both graduate students and Alumni can still sign up for the weekly newsletter and go to the Loj by contacting our wonderful Loj director!
How to become a member:
- Purchase a new membership from the Tufts Mountain Club store on Touchnet
- Make sure to fill in your graduation year and use your Tufts email when you checkout.
- Take a screenshot of your receipt
- Fill out the form on our Become a Member page and upload the screenshot of your receipt.
- If you are having trouble, contact the following email: tuftsmountainclub.contact@gmail.com
Do I have to be a current student to join?
Where can I find TMC on Campus?
The TMC office is located at 17 Chetwynd Rd, right near Fletcher Field. TMC gear is located at the office (often referred to as Chet). All board members hold office hours at Chet throughout the week. There are often movie nights and other hangouts going on there too, so be sure to check out the Trips Board for those.
What/when are office hours?
You can find info about office hours by scrolling down below!
Does TMC have a code of conduct?
Yes, you can view the code of conduct here.
I didn't do TWO (Tufts Wilderness Orientation), can I still be involved?
Of course you can! TWO is a pre-orientation program that is not affiliated with TMC. TMC is a student club, active year round.
What gear can I rent?
Check out the gear inventory to see what we have and what’s currently available. For specific questions, reach out to our gear director!
Does TMC get pro deals?
Yes! Orders only happen every once in a while and they will be announced via the weekly or some other form of communication.
How do I become a member?
To become a member you must first purchase a membership from the TMC Store (sliding scale, $15 suggested) and then register on our website.
How to become a member:
- Purchase a new membership from the Tufts Mountain Club store on Touchnet
- Make sure to fill in your graduation year and use your Tufts email when you checkout.
- Take a screenshot of your receipt
- Fill out the form on our Become a Member page and upload the screenshot of your receipt.
- If you are having trouble, contact the following email: tuftsmountainclub.contact@gmail.com
What are some membership perks?
With a membership, you can sign up for and lead trips, use the TMC vans, get free gear rentals, discounts to climbing gym & outdoor gear shops, and stay at the Loj at a reduced rate.
How much does membership cost?
Membership lasts for 1 school year, starting in September and ending in the following September. It costs $25 for new members and $20 for returning members.
Additionally, you can become a member during the spring semester without having to pay for the full year. It costs $15 for new members and $10 for returning members.
Is financial aid available?
Yes! Please contact the Treasurer for all financial aid needs.
Do I have to be a Tufts undergraduate to be a member?
Unfortunately yes, we can currently only allow Tufts undergraduates to become fully-fledged members. However, both graduate students and alumni can still travel to the loj by contacting our Loj Director.
I don't have any experience in the outdoors, can I still be involved?
How do I go on a trip?
First, become a member (see membership FAQ tab). Then, sign up for a trip on the Trips Board!
I don't have time to go to the Loj, how do I get involved?
TMC runs lots of local trips including hiking, climbing, running, and biking. Besides those activities, we also have community-building events including movie nights, baking, sledding on Prez Lawn, and star-gazing.
How can I lead a trip?
Any TMC member with required technical certifications can post and lead a trip.
To post a trip, log into your account and navigate to the Trips Board. Then click "Add a New Trip" and fill out the trips form. TMC will review your trip request and approve, suggest edits, or reject the trip. We always provide a reason for trip rejection.
Not ready to lead a trip on your own? Consider co-leading a trip with a fellow club member.
What are technical certifications, and how do I become certified?
In order to make TMC trips be as safe and enjoyable for everyone, we require certain trips to have trip leaders with technical certifications. Any hiking, climbing, aqua, skiing, and biking trip requires the trip leader to have the corresponding technical certification. This ensures that trip leaders are aware of all TMC policies and priorities before going on a trip, so they are better prepared to address any problems.
To become tech certified:
- Read through the guidelines for the activity
- Fill out the desired technical certification form
- Send the completed form to the corresponding technical director. The technical director will follow up with you after you have submitted the form.
Technical certifications last for a lifetime, unless the requirements are updated, at which time you will be notified that you need to renew your certification.
Hiking Guidelines | Hiking Tech Form
Climbing Guidelines | Climbing Tech Form
Skiing Guidelines | Skiing Tech Form
Aqua Guidelines | Aqua Tech Form
Biking Guidelines | Biking Tech Form
What is the Loj?
The Loj (pronounced "lodge") is a cabin owned by Tufts, located at 1 Potato Hill Road in North Woodstock, New Hampshire. Only two hours north of Tufts, you can find TMC members hiking, skiing, climbing, kayaking and relaxing all times of the year.
All relevant Loj policies and forms (Sign up, Payment, Covid rules) can be found on this document.
What is a caretaker, and how do I become one?
Every weekend two caretaker-certified students introduce people to the Loj, ensure that trips are going out and coming back safely, and stock the Loj with food. You can become a caretaker by going to a caretaker certification training. Caretaker training sessions have not yet started. If you have other questions about caretaking, please contact the Loj Director.
Can I go to the Loj whenever I want?
The Loj is regularly open every weekend during the semester. During these weekends, the Loj will be fully stocked with food and maintained by a caretaker. You must fill out the Loj Attendance Form before going to the Loj.
This form can be found on the official Loj policies document here.
Occasionally, the Loj will be open in the middle of the week or over breaks, but that depends on caretaker availability. Loj use mid-week and during breaks will be advertised by the Loj Director when available.
In order to keep the Loj safe and well-maintained, only caretaker-certified people can open up the Loj. No one is allowed in the Loj if there is not someone present who is caretaker-certified.
We also may have closed Loj weekends at certain times during the year, for groups or for cleaning.
What do I need to bring to the Loj?
The Loj has all the basics for your stay, so you'll just want to bring a sleeping bag, pillow, and whatever you would normally take on a weekend trip (toiletries, clothing, etc.). No shoes are allowed in the Loj, so you might want to bring some cozy socks or slippers for wearing inside.
Do I need to bring food to the Loj?
No, the Loj is fully stocked with food during the school year. Some classic Loj dishes include quesadillas, chili, Loj-chos (AKA nachos made at the Loj), peanut butter & jelly sandwiches and baked goods!
If you have food allergies or other dietary restrictions, please contact the Loj Director before heading up. We can accommodate anyone!
How much does the Loj cost?
How can I get to the Loj?
You can either sign up for a ride on the Trips Board or drive your personal car.
Can my group do a retreat?
Yes! See here and contact the Loj Director.
What are Big Weekends?
On these themed weekends TMC organizes rides, leaders, trips, and food.
What are the rules at the Loj?
Given that the Loj is owned by Tufts, the code of conduct is followed while there.
How can I use one of the TMC vans?
Contact the van director (513-722-6565) for information on how to get van certified!
Does TMC offer any financial aid?
Absolutely. Contact the Treasurer with questions.
How do I become a paid member?
Note: Anyone with a previous TMC account needs to make a new account through our new website.
To become a member you must first create a website account and then purchase a membership from the TMC Store.
How to become a member:
- Click the Log In button that appears in the top right corner of each page.
- Create an account by typing in your first name, last name, Tufts email, and password, even if you had an account on the old TMC website.
- Visit the Tufts Mountain Club store on Touchnet
- Find the Membership Fee item
- Select add to cart
- Fill in your graduation year
- Checkout (as a guest or you can create an account) with your Tufts email!
- Your TMC membership will be activated after you have paid the membership fee on the TouchNet website. If you are having trouble using your account, contact the following email: tuftsmountainclub.contact@gmail.com
How do I pay for Loj Stay?
- Make an account on the TouchNet Website
- Log-in to your account
- Visit the Tufts Mountain Club Store
- Navigate to the Loj Stay item
- Select how many nights you will be staying at the Loj
- Enter whether or not you are a current Tufts undergraduate
- Complete the checkout process
- Show the caretakers the confirmation of your purchase upon arrival at the Loj. Either printing or showing it from your phone works!
Does TMC have merch for sale?
There is not currently any merch for sale, but we will likely release something over the course of the year so be on the lookout for announcements!
How do I get reimbursed for a sanctioned club purchase?
Please contact our Treasurer with any questions!
TMC BOARD
Xander Orth
President
Read More:
Xander (he/him) hails from the 50th largest State, Rhode Island, though he swears it’s even larger at low tide. Some things that Xander happily enjoys doing for hours on end are hiking, sleeping, blasting music, and jumping in any and every body of water. He’s fired up for this next year, and always happy to grab a meal or take a hike!
Contact:
✉️ alexander.orth@tufts.edu
📞 (401) 580 – 8074
Emma Selesnick
Vice President
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Emma Selesnick (she/her) is a sophomore from Pleasantville, NY, TMC’s current VP, and– of course –your friend. She likes to enjoy the outdoors through kayaking, swimming, and rock climbing. On campus, she can often be found sprawled out on prez lawn or nestled in a corner by the sink. Emma looks forward to another awesome year on board and is excited to get to know each and everyone one of you!
Contact:
✉️ emma.selesnick@gmail.com
📞 (914) 208 – 6611
Sam Lev
Hiking Director
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Sam (he/him) is a first-year from Bethesda, MD. He loves all things outdoors-related, and you can find him skiing, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, camping, swimming, stargazing, or sitting by a fire (or more likely putting more things in the fire to make it bigger). When not studying or actively enjoying the outdoors, he is an avid curator of outdoor-focused Instagram reels and has an extensive saved collection of exotic bucket list trips, trails, rivers, views, and adventures that may or may not ever be realized but he would be happy to share with you! Outside of TMC, he is on the club water polo and ski teams, dabbles in ultimate frisbee, and serves on the TCU Election Commision. He is super excited to get TMCers outside in as many ways as possible, both around campus and in the Whites! Please reach out with any questions, plans, or thoughts about hiking, backpacking, camping, going outside, random shower thoughts, or life in general!
Contact:
✉️ Samuel.Lev@tufts.edu
📞 (301) 532 – 2361
Tasha Sudofsky
Biking Director
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Tasha (she/her), a freshman from Marion, MA is ready to help with all things bikes. She loves to be outside whether that’s biking, sailing, skiing, walking around a city, hiking, or sitting in a hammock somewhere. While being outside is great, Tasha’s true loves are transit maps, knitting, and reading. Send her a text with any questions & anything biking!
Contact:
✉️ Natalia.Sudofsky@tufts.edu
📞 (508) 273 – 5236
Anushka Gupta
Student Outreach and Inclusion Director
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Anushka (or Noosh, they/she) is a newly christened TMCer and junior from the absolute best place on earth: Portland, Oregon (not Maine)! As inclusion director, Noosh is excited to increase the diversity, accessibility, and overall community club by centering BIPOC voices, and carving out space for intentional and widespread diversity, equity, and inclusion work. They enjoy running around (especially across rocks at the coast), cooking (in the kitchen and otherwise), and olive bread with a nice cappuccino. If you can’t find her on the squash courts, rock wall, or buried under a pile of biology textbooks, please text/email/call anytime about anything DEI or otherwise!
Contact:
✉️ Anushka_C.Gupta@tufts.edu
📞 (503) 509 – 8676
Jacob Spivack
Techwiz
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Ruby (she/her) is a sophomore from Western Mass and she’s your techwiz! Her love of the outdoors sprouts from stargazing, walking, hiking, picnicking, biking, skiing, snow tubing. Basically, any outdoor activity that ends in -ing. Feel free to reach out to her if you have any web related questions or just for vibes!
Contact:
✉️ Jacob.Spivack@tufts.edu
📞 (215) 776 – 8474
Ellis Bedsworth
Climbing Director
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Ellis (she/her) is a first year from Oakland, CA and is so incredibly stoked to be climbing director! She loves taking pictures of things, strolling/hiking/running, and (of course) climbing rocks. When she’s not running, climbing, or photo-ing you can often find her in a studio at SMFA, chatting away at the sink, or biking to and from the mystic. She welcomes any and all climbing related queries/comments and also would love to chat about fungi, tea varieties, the state of her right knee (currently abysmal, will keep you posted), and anything else on your mind! Please please please reach out!
Contact:
✉️ Ellis.Bedsworth@tufts.edu
📞 (510) 990 – 5582
Tamara Setiadji
Communications Director
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Tamara Setiadji (she/her) is a first-year who is so so excited to be TMC’s Communications director. She is Indonesian but was born and raised in Singapore, so she never grew up with much access to the wilderness. Tamara loves getting to know new people, laughing, talking, and smiling together. She hopes to learn alongside others how to enjoy, give back to, and explore nature. Tamara appreciates a good hike but loves to simply be surrounded by nature, and wishes to get more into snow sports and climbing. Outside of TMC, Tamara enjoys reading, watching movies, and relaxing on the beach. Please feel free to reach out to her with any inquiries regarding the weekly, socials, or anything TMC.
Contact:
✉️ Tamara.Setiadji@tufts.edu
📞 (781) 921 – 4497
Sydney Taylor
Community Director
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Sydney Taylor (she/her) is a sophomore hailing from the great state of Colorado and is absolutely ecstatic to be on board! Sydney’s favorite past time is wandering anywhere and everywhere. When she is not running around between her seven clubs, she can be found grabbing meals with friends, adopting more plants, being outside, and attempting to hit her year goal of reading 35 books. Aside from being TMC’s new Community Director, Sydney is on the E Board for Εco Art (not so subtle plug) and can’t wait to make the TMC community more cohesive and inclusive. She is very open to suggestions/feedback and is here anytime if anyone has any questions or just wants to grab lunch and chat!
Contact:
✉️ Sydney.Taylor@tufts.edu
📞 (719) 551 – 9158
Jeannine Pecoraro
Loj Director
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Jeannine (she/her) is a junior from NY with the drive and spunk to do absolutely anything outside as long as she can go far and then a little further. Ultra running, biking, swimming—she can’t get enough! While many of her friends will be studying abroad overseas spring semester, she’ll be studying in the great state of New Hampshire as loj director! She wants to make the loj an accessible place for anyone to enjoy the serenity of the White Mountains amid the chaos of a mid-semester breakdown (don’t worry, we’ve all been there). She very much encourages you to reach out via email, text or—preferably—handwritten letter.
Contact:
✉️ Jeannine.Pecoraro@tufts.edu
📞 (914) 432 – 6191
Patrick Hennessey
Skuaqua Director (Ski + Aqua)
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Patrick (he/him) is a sophomore from Connecticut. By winter Patrick loves spending hours climbing mountains for 7 really icy turns on the way down. And by summer loves being by the water whether it be sailing or trying to even out his famers tan he said wouldn’t happen this year. He’s very excited to get as many people out on the snow and water as possible and nerd out about gear and weather forecasts so don’t hesitate to reach out about anything frozen or liquid water related.
Contact:
✉️ Patrick.Hennessey@tufts.edu
📞 (203) 896 – 0412
Syvonne Forgette
Events and Big Weekends Director
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Syvonne (she/her) is a sophomore from Buffalo,NY studying Biomedical Engineering. She enjoys swimming in lakes, hiking, and skiing, any day outside is a good day! She can not wait to see new faces enjoy the loj and explore New England beauty! She looks forward to helping everyone take the next step in their outdoors journey!
Contact:
✉️ Syvonne.Forgette@tufts.edu
📞 (716) 322 – 8102
Amelicha Trinidad Gonzalez
Treasurer
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Hope (she/her) is a sophomore from MA who loves tapping into her wide database of campfire songs while hiking or strolling as long as it doesn’t drive the people around her crazy. She loves a good book (so reach out with recs), any avocado moments, crazy board games, and taking the long way to get places on campus. She is looking forward to being TMC’s treasurer this year, and is excited to get as many people to the loj as possible with the help of financial aid. Please reach out to her with any aid related questions or stop by the trees near president’s house where she will most likely be hammocking if it is above 50 degrees and she doesn’t have class.
Contact:
✉️ hope.coleman_plourde@tufts.edu
📞 978-835-4381
Theo Prince
Gear Director
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Theo (he/him) is a sophomore from Minnesota where he grew up biking everywhere he could and swimming in as many lakes as possible (a never-ending quest). In his free time he enjoys playing frisbee, climbing rocks and trees, getting a little too competitive in board games, and hiking, especially if there’s a snow field to slide down. He’s very excited to help people get geared up and ready for all kinds of incredible adventures, big and small, and to meet as many people in the club as possible. Feel free to reach out to him if you have any questions, gear-related or not, and pop by gear hours anytime to say hi!!
Contact:
✉️ Theodore.Prince@tufts.edu
📞 (612) 323 – 5926
Alex Robinson
Stewardship Director
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Alex is a proud New Haven, CT resident with a history of running away into the great outdoors. He’s more than excited to take on the role of stewardship director, and to find even more to find love about the outside. He loves to hike among friends and outdoor creatures, but also finds immense joy in excessive walking through the greater Medford area taking in sights and appreciating the land we live on. Please reach out with any questions or ideas related to protecting and educating our communities on how to keep ourselves among lush outdoors!
Contact:
✉️ Alexander.Robinson@tufts.edu
📞 (203) 492 – 9984
Shai Eastman
Van Director
Read More:
Shai is a first year from Berkeley, California, and had never thought of herself as someone capable of wielding a 12 person van. As soon as she got to Tufts, she knew TMC was a community for her to continue exploring the outdoors, have fun in the sun (snow, and rain) and feel supported in her endeavors as she further discovers herself. One of these endeavors is being the van director for TMC! Shai is so excited to get everyone who wants to be outside in the beloved Vincent (the van), to be a welcoming presence and drive anyone to the loj, or any outdoor spot (surprise, she is not only capable of driving the van, she LOVES driving the van). She looks forward to certifying those who want to drive, and being in the outdoors with all of you 🙂
Contact:
✉️ Shai.Eastman@tufts.edu
📞 (510) 422 – 8228
Office Hours
President and Vice-President Office Hours by appt…email
alexander.orth@tufts.edu
Gear Hours:
email theodore.prince@tufts.edu
*All gear must be returned by the beginning of reading period.
