History 

About QCWOC: Our History & Membership

Empowering Women Through Outdoor Adventure

The Quad Cities Women’s Outdoor Club (QCWOC) was founded in response to a growing interest among local women seeking opportunities to participate in sports and outdoor activities together. In late 2006, Matt Ostrom, owner of Active Endeavors, began connecting with athletic-minded women and exploring the possibility of forming a women’s-only club.

By early 2007, Kim Funderburk started reaching out to women from both Active Endeavors and other Quad Cities athletic clubs, including the Bicycle Club, Cornbelt Running Club, and Saukenuk Paddlers. Their efforts led to the first QCWOC planning it’s first event, held on March 22, 2007 at Palmer Hills Clubhouse, which drew over 30 participants. The club was officially incorporated on April 26, 2007, and the inaugural outdoor activity—a hike at Blackhawk Historical Site—took place just two days later with 17 women joining in.

QCWOC launched its website at www.qcwoc.com on May 18, 2007. With insurance coverage secured and not-for-profit status achieved in Iowa, the club quickly became recognized in the community.

After a busy first year—hosting outdoor activities and appearing in local newspapers—the club went dormant for six months in 2008. In October of that year, Matt Ostrom gathered both former and new board members to discuss reigniting the club’s mission, although Kim was unable to continue as president at that time.

QCWOC was relaunched in January 2009 and has experienced steady growth ever since. Today, our membership stands at 403, with members ranging in age from 18 to the upper 70s. We welcome all women seeking camaraderie and adventure in the great outdoors.

Annual membership dues are $25, and many club activities are free. Some events may require additional fees for equipment rental or instruction. We bring members together at two large meetings each year: a winter social in January—where board elections are held—and a summer social in July at a local park, featuring a variety of fun activities. We invite you to join us and discover the joy of outdoor adventure with QCWOC!