When I first started backpacking (still pretty new at it) I once tried to sign up for a backpacking trip with the sierra club and they said I should go on a couple of day hikes with them first to get familiar with their traditions. Then I really should be a member to go on overnight trips with them but its not mandatory. I just wanted to go on an overnight trip they had scheduled I can learn as well. Never had an interest of joining.
Well later I sent them an email asking about a previous backpacking trip they had gone on and where the trail head was and never got a response back. Oh well. This of course was my local sierra club.

So instead just got a bunch of friends to go on a few overnights. All of us where new to backpacking but now should be going on my 4th overnight next month and on my first long trip, 4 days, in May. Pretty excited. I also tested some of my gear at home also. Wife thinks I'm a dork.