MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS & DUES
Paddlership Fund – No breast cancer survivor should be prevented from joining the Machestic Dragons because of the cost of annual membership dues. To assist those who demonstrate a true financial hardship, the Paddlership Fund is available to BCS members confidentially on a case-by-case basis. paddlerships@machesticdragons.org
Insurance – Covers Machestic Dragon members at practices, races, and other Machestic events.
Equipment – Basic equipment, paddles, personal flotation devices (PFDs-life vests), butt pads, and boats used at practices.
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We use full size (40’) dragon boats for 20 paddlers, a drummer up front and a steerer/coach in back.
Our first dragon boat came to us in 2003 courtesy of ICEA of Long Beach California.
We got our second boat on May 10, 2011 and our newest boat on June 23, 2016.
In July 2016, we donated our original boat to the River Sisters in Camden, our “sister” BCS team.
Coaching/Practice – The paddling season (mid-April to mid-October) offers coached practices Tues and Thurs eves and sometimes on a Sunday morning the team practices on its own in a more “relaxed mode”.
Races – The Machestic Dragons participate in festivals/races primarily on the U.S. east coast. The Breast Cancer Survivor (BCS) team races in the BCS division, or an all-women’s team (BCS and female supporters) race in Women’s Sport. If we have women and men we may race in an Open Sport or Mixed Sport division. The Machestic Dragons pay race registration fees as the annual budget allows.
Winter Fitness Training – Before paddling season starts we may offer fitness training for a minimal fee for registered members who are welcome to participate as space allows.
Lymphedema Sleeve – The Machestics will reimburse BCS members for a lymphedema (arm swelling) sleeve/gauntlet up to $50 each year that is not otherwise covered by insurance.
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Communications – In addition to customary email, telephone and meetings, the Machestic Dragons use an electronic sign up program for practices, races, team fundraisers and events and text alerts for practice changes. The Machestic Dragons have two websites – www.machesticdragons.org and www.paddleforpink.org and are on Twitter and Facebook.
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Volunteer, Fundraising Social Events – (Paddle for Pink, Golf Outing, Food/Wine events, etc.) Being a Machestic is not just about physical recovery, but also about emotional recovery enhanced by social interaction with fellow survivors and supporters. We love to laugh!
Camaraderie – it can’t get much better! The members of the Machestic Dragons believe in savoring the moment – without any pity parties – and embrace a nurturing, mentoring, supportive environment. The members are strong, resilient, people who care about others and are determined to take care of themselves in order to be strong for others.
We are NJ's First Breast Cancer Survivor Dragon Boat Team!
Dues
The Machestic Dragons Board of Trustees strives to keep annual dues reasonable and affordable.
Returning Members       $100
New Members               $150
Family Membership       $175 (family members who live in the same household, but may include college students).
Minors under 18 y/o (minimum 14 y/o) must join with a family member who accompanies them at every practice/event.
Non-Paddling Member*   $60
*A membership option offers a Non-Paddling Associate Member at a reduced membership fee. This member plays a supporting role on the team and receives all benefits listed except those related with participation IN the boat (i.e. may not be a paddler at any practice or event).