ABOUT THE
SYCAMORE ISLAND CLUB


THE ISLANDS
The Club owns two islands in the Potomac River: Sycamore Island and Rupperts Island. All club facilities are located on the lower Island, Sycamore. Rupperts Island, which is directly upstream, is home to beaver, cormorants, geese and other wildlife.


CANOEING
Flat-water canoeing can be enjoyed in the quiet water around the islands. It's recommended that members and guests canoe upstream, but never downstream. Less than a mile downriver from Sycamore Island is the Little Falls Brookmont Dam which should be avoided at all costs.

The club maintains a canoe-shed to store member-owned canoes. The club also owns several canoes which are stored separately that can be used by members and their guests.


SWIMMING
The swimming dock and float are located at the upstream end of Sycamore Island on the Virginia side. Though the current is generally mild, there are no lifeguards, so swimming is at your own risk.


FISHING
Catfish and carp are plentiful near the islands. Smallmouth bass, walleye, tiger-muskies and bluegills can be found in the swift water a short distance upstream.


GAMES
There is volleyball and croquet equipment for outdoors, and a pool table and a ping-pong table in the clubhouse.


EVENTS
Organized annual club activities include a springtime Wildflower Walk, Fishing Derby, the Sycamore Island Regatta, an Old Timer's Potluck lunch and the Spring and Fall Workfests. The club also annually co-hosts the Potomac River Downriver Race each spring with the Canoe Cruisers Association.


PARTIES AND GUESTS
Members may brings guests when visiting the island or host day-time parties on the island. Parties are restricted by certain scheduling rules to limit their number and duration. Guests must abide by the rules of the club and members are considered responsible for any infractions by their guests.


CARETAKER AND THE FERRY
The club is open to members and their guests during daylight hours. Ferry service is provided by a permanent caretaker and by members acting in relief if the caretaker is off.


PICNICS
Grills are available for barbecuing and picnic tables are located all over Sycamore Island for the use and convenience of members and their guests. Camping is allowed with advanced notice.


CAMPFIRES
Only deadfall or driftwood is used for campfires -- not standing wood (living or dead), unless authorized.


CLUBHOUSE
The clubhouse consists of a main large upstairs room with woodstove and ping pong table, a smaller pool table room and a kitchen. Downstairs has a covered screened porch, bathrooms and lockers for the members.


KITCHEN
Members can use the kitchen in the clubhouse for picnic and food preparation and must clean up after themselves.


TRASH DISPOSAL
Members should clean up after themselves and take away any trash produced when they leave. The principal rule of good camping applies at Sycamore: If you carry it in, pack it out with you when you go.


WATER ON SYCAMORE ISLAND
Water on Sycamore Island usually tests potable but members and their guests may bring down their own water for drinking or cooking.


SYCAMORE ISLANDER
All members and club applicants on the Waiting List receive the club's monthly newsletter, the Sycamore Islander. The newsletter informs on club activities, officers and rule changes.


MEMBER PARTICIPATION
All members are expected to assist in maintenance work on the buildings and grounds. Each year the club organizes a spring and fall work day called a "workfest." The spring workfest is to make the club's facilities available for the summer months and the fall workfest to secure the island for the winter. Other maintenance chores are also scheduled.


WHO IS IN CHARGE?
We are -- all of us. The club is a non-profit Maryland corporation. Decisions are made by the membership at open monthly meetings the second Wednesday of each month. During warm weather, these meetings are held on Sycamore Island, in winter months, in the homes of members. The club's officers are unpaid but elected members who have volunteered their time to maintain our beautiful islands.


PROHIBITIONS
Alcohol (this includes beer and wine), guns, archery and gambling are forbidden. Dogs are not allowed on Sycamore Island. There is no smoking allowed in the clubhouse or other out buildings. These restrictions also apply to parties held on the island.