4x4 Explorers
Est. 1972 · Reynolds County, MO
Est. 1972 · Reynolds County, MO
Everything the club's got going on — next meeting, upcoming rides & events, active property projects, and dues — in one place.
Queue up items for the club to cover — these become the Old & New Business at the next meeting. Cleared after each meeting, except items you mark ↻ carry over.
Revised & adopted June 2026 · Ellington, Missouri · replaces the original By-Laws of Nov 11, 2004.
These By-Laws and Rules govern the 4X4 Explorers Four Wheel Drive Club ("the Club"), a non-profit dedicated to responsible off-road recreation, safety education, environmental conservation, and fellowship in the Ozark region and beyond, in accordance with applicable Missouri and federal laws.
The organization is the 4X4 Explorers Four Wheel Drive Club. Its purpose:
Two classes: Regular and Associate Members.
Any person 16+ who owns or has regular access to a 4WD/off-road-capable vehicle (incl. UTV/SxS where appropriate); is sponsored by two Regular Members in good standing; completes an application and agrees in writing to these By-Laws and the Code of Conduct; attends at least two runs and one meeting as a guest; and is approved by majority vote at a regular meeting. The Club may request a basic background disclosure/reference check.
Sponsored and approved but not meeting all Regular criteria; may participate in runs/social functions on a pro-rata cost basis but may not vote or hold office.
Current on dues, attendance met (or waived), no pending discipline, and in compliance with the By-Laws and Code of Conduct.
Voting & office: Regular Members in good standing may vote; only they may hold office. To vote on property matters or amendments, a member must have been in good standing at least one (1) year.
Annual attendance: at least four (4) meetings (virtual counts), three (3) runs, and help with at least one (1) social function or clean-up. The Executive Board may waive for good cause.
Insignia & conduct: members are encouraged to display approved club insignia and shall uphold the Code of Conduct at all times.
Elected from Regular Members: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer. Nominated at the May meeting, elected in June; one-year terms. The four officers form the Executive Board, which may act on routine matters between meetings, subject to ratification.
President — presides, signs documents, general supervision, ex-officio on committees, oversees risk/insurance.
Vice President — acts for the President when needed; assumes the office if it's vacated.
Secretary — records minutes, keeps attendance and membership records, maintains the official roster, coordinates digital communications.
Treasurer — receives moneys, pays approved bills, keeps financial records, reports each meeting, coordinates budgets/insurance.
Vacancies: officers (except Treasurer) may resign in writing at a meeting; Treasurer gives one month's notice. Vacancies filled by special election with notice; VP assumes a vacant Presidency.
The President may appoint committees. The Executive Board may establish standing committees (e.g., Runs & Safety, Social, Conservation/Trail Advocacy, Technology).
Grounds: willful violation of the By-Laws or Code of Conduct, or acts detrimental to the Club (unsafe conduct, environmental damage, harassment, criminal activity).
Due process: written notice of charges and a chance to be heard; expulsion requires a two-thirds (2/3) vote of Regular Members present; the member may appeal in writing within 14 days.
Each applicant is sponsored by two Regular Members who introduce them at a meeting. Applicants attend two runs and one meeting before a vote; approval requires a majority of Regular Members present.
Regular meetings: the first Thursday after the first Sunday of each month at 7:30 PM, unless changed by resolution; run under Robert's Rules. Hybrid/virtual participation is allowed and counts toward quorum and attendance.
Order of business: call to order → approve prior minutes → Treasurer's report → old business → new business → committee reports → Runs & Safety → Social/Conservation → adjournment.
Quorum: 50% (±1) of Regular Members in good standing.
The Club operates as a non-profit. Dues are set annually by the membership at the December meeting, payable in January; late fees may apply. Members three (3) months in arrears lose good standing and may face expulsion. Active-duty military are exempt from dues during service. The Executive Board prepares an annual budget and maintains general liability insurance.
Amendable by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of Regular Members in good standing present, after being read at one prior regular meeting. The Club reviews these By-Laws each January.
At least one run monthly, typically the first weekend, scheduled by the Runs Committee/Executive Board (single-day or overnight). A Wagonmaster is appointed for each run — responsible for route planning, safety briefing, member welfare, and rule compliance. Watch the vehicle behind you and signal stops; no tailgating on public roads; courtesy at all times.
Conservation: obey all conservation laws; littering is grounds for immediate expulsion; pack it in, pack it out; the Club supports trail maintenance and clean-ups.
Traffic/trail laws: obey all applicable laws, especially safe caravan practices on public roads.
Guests: host members are responsible for their guests; guests and minors need signed releases/consent.
Trail advocacy: the Club supports responsible public-land access and may work with groups like the United Four Wheel Drive Associations and local land managers.
Members conduct themselves to reflect well on the Club, promote safety, and respect others and the environment. Zero tolerance for harassment, discrimination, reckless behavior, substance abuse on runs, or actions that damage trails or the Club's reputation.
Social media: no content that harasses, defames, or brings the Club into disrepute; use approved channels for official coordination; resolve personal disputes privately or via leadership.
Enforcement: warnings, suspension from runs/events, or expulsion per Article VII.
Digital tools: email, website, apps, and messaging (e.g., Discord, GroupMe) may be used for official notices, run sign-ups, attendance, and communication; electronic notices are official.
Virtual participation counts toward quorum and attendance when members can participate meaningfully.
Data privacy: member info is used only for Club purposes; rosters and contacts are not shared outside the membership without consent.
Safety apps & GPS: Wagonmasters encouraged to use/share GPS apps (onX Offroad, Gaia); members encouraged to carry satellite communicators/PLBs for remote Ozarks travel.
Insurance: the Club maintains general liability coverage appropriate for off-road activities, incl. officers/events, reviewed annually.
Waivers: all participants (members and guests) sign a liability waiver/release before participating; digital execution allowed; minors need guardian consent; signed waivers are retained per law.
Assumption of risk: off-road activity carries inherent risk; members participate at their own risk and are responsible for their own gear, vehicle maintenance, and personal insurance.
Vehicles on Club runs should carry:
Also recommended: full-size spare, air compressor, tire repair kit, fire blanket, multi-tool, gloves & eye protection.
Suggested functions: BBQs/cookouts; dances or social gatherings; annual/semi-annual clean-up runs; jamborees or larger events; fun competitions; and educational clinics (recovery, first aid, navigation).
On dissolution, assets remaining after liabilities go to one or more organizations with similar purposes (trail advocacy, conservation, off-road education) as determined by the Executive Board and approved by the membership. No member receives a personal distribution of assets.
Our private club property sits in the Ozark foothills of Reynolds County, Missouri, near Ellington — miles of trails, two open fields, campers with electric hookups, a big fire pit, and the legendary rope swing (a.k.a. "The Man Hole").
Members keep it running: mowing, trail maintenance, clearing downed trees, and the occasional recovery when somebody gets stuck (or flips on their side 😅). Weekend dues + electricity keep the lights on; guests are always welcome for a small fee.
Keeping the property in shape is a team effort. Below are this year's maintenance duties by date — put your name on the ones you'll cover. Per the by-laws, every member pitches in on at least one clean-up or work project a year.