Club Information

The Northern Virginia Volksmarchers were founded in 1983 by Ralph Hibler and Tom Ogles, U S Army officers newly returned from Germany and living in Burke, Virginia. Originally called the Burke Centre Volksmarchers, the club's first walk was on the April 31 and May 1, 1983 weekend in Burke. There were 1137 participants.

After holding 3 volksmarchs in Burke, the club decided to broaden the location of events and changed its name to Northern Virginia Volksmarchers.

The club's events were held mainly in Fairfax County, until crossing the county line to hold an event in Winchester during the Apple Blossom Festival in April 1988. Since then the club has held walks in the entire Northern Virginia area.

The Northern Virginia Volksmarchers have always been known for the selection of interesting places to walk in, the careful marking (or directions) of their trails, and the attention to the pleasure of the participants. The club's mascot, Charging Charlie, has appeared on many of the club's awards and sales patches in many different activities and costumes. The Northern Virginia Volksmarchers were the first club in the AVA to offer a t-shirt award -- Charlie conducting the Wolf Trap Animal Symphony. This shirt can still be seen on the trail.

Northern Virginia Volksmarchers club members have been very active in the national, state, and local volkssporting arena. It was the Northern Virginia Volksmarchers who led the effort to win the 1991 AVA Convention for the Atlantic Region. The convention committee was chaired by Mary Lou Benzel and many club members held committee positions. Northern Virginia Volksmarchers are also active in the 2005 AVA Convention which is also sponsored by the Atlantic Region. Club members have also held positions on the state level in the Virginia Volkssport Association, serving as President and Vice President.

Numerous club members have been awarded Certificates of Service, Meritorious Service awards, and a special President's Award at AVA conventions.

Club Meetings: At 7:30 on the second Monday of each month except July, August, and December. When school is closed on that Monday, it is the following Monday.

Location: Fairview Elementary School, Burke, VA. Corner Route 123 and Burke Centre Parkway.