SECRET SHUCKS
SOCIETY

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Cottage Club House Conditions | High Tide —High — | Wind speed Wind — | Water temp Water —
Illustration of the Secret Shucks Society clubhouse
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Painting of a club boat sailing towards the island cottage

The journey is part of it. Painted by Art

APPLY FOR MEMBERSHIP

Secret Shucks Society is a private but welcoming co-operative club, born on the shores of British Columbia.

Our community is made up of ‘Shuckers’: kind, curious and ambitious people willing to open themselves up to opportunity. Much like shucking an oyster, they know life takes work to uncover new opportunities. They may come away with a few nicks and an empty shell, but every so often, they find a pearl.

“Why, then the world’s mine oyster, Which I with sword will open”
Shakespeare, Merry Wives of Windsor

We pride ourselves on being welcoming to all. Our City Clubhouse and Vancouver pop-ups are open to everyone, subject to capacity. Come to work, take an interview or have a few drinks and meet like-minded people.

Membership admission takes you further, with entry to the Island Cottage Clubhouse and access to the club sailing schedule and boat to get you there from the city.

Membership is about more than just oysters. It is about taking part, lending a hand and showing up for one another.

Cottage Club Map

  1. Main House
  2. Oyster Terrace
  3. Bunk Cabins
  4. Gym
  5. Hot Tub and Plunge
  6. Games Lawn
  7. Lookout
  8. Campfire
  9. Boat Shack
  10. Main Dock
  11. Beach
  12. Courts
  13. Putting Green
Illustrated cottage island map

Apply for Membership

We’re delighted that you’re considering joining us. To submit your application, please complete the form below.

Applications can take anywhere from 48 hours to two years to be accepted or declined. Please check your junk folder for updates, as the Society’s correspondence has occasionally been mistaken for spam.

As a co-operative, we pride ourselves on being kind and welcoming. While your application is being reviewed, we’ll invite you to a gathering so you can meet the Society for yourself.

Note: Due to high demand and an entirely unnecessary voyage to Nanaimo by the person handling applications, there is currently a significant backlog. They have shown little interest in returning to their desk until the weather shifts.

ACCESS TO THE ISLAND CLUBHOUSE IS ONLY ACHIEVED VIA MEMBERSHIP

BULLETIN

Art Cockburn · GroundskeeperA note on the clubhouses

To: Dear Secret Shucks Society Members,
From: Grounds Keeper
Date:  Thursday, 31st September 2026

Subject: A Letter from the Secret Shucks Society Grounds Keeper on the current work being carried out on both club houses and some reassurance for members.

Summary

The Muskoka chairs are finished. And I can’t wait for you to sit in them and enjoy the view at the Island Clubhouse.
Before we get into the rest, I do owe you an apology. I said we’d have the place ready for summer. In hindsight, I should have specified which one.

Club House

The clubhouse roof now admits rather more daylight than the architect intended. I’ve moved the furniture away from the affected area, which has created a very intimate arrangement at the other end of the sitting room. The buckets are doing their job. We could do with more buckets.

The bunky door is sticking again. It opens if you give it a firm shoulder, though I recommend putting down your oysters first.

Outside

The tennis court has become a meadow with a net. I’ve located the baseline, but finding the other one will require another afternoon. Until then, we’ve removed “championship standard courts” from the membership offering.

The putting green has developed a slope towards the sea. I tested it on Monday and was four over par before I’d touched the ball. We’ve also got seven holes, only three of which I put there. Something is living in the fourth. I’m leaving that one alone until I know what.

I am unsure why have we got a gym on the map? The spot marked on the map is currently a pile of rocks and logs waiting to be cut. I’ve asked are we proposing that members move the rocks and cut the logs, fine. That would be a considerable help. For the members who keep asking for a rowing machine… I’m still repairing the dock so you can use an actual boat. One form of rowing at a time, please.

The hot tub remains cold. You’re welcome to call it a cold plunge if that helps.

Now, the chairs. What I’ve spent the summer on

You will, however, be reassured to learn that I have spent the summer painting the Muskoka chairs.

Every chair has been sanded, primed and given three coats of navy. There was a brief discussion about priorities, but the tin was open and I don’t believe in leaving a job half done. They look splendid. I’ve arranged them facing the water. This gives members the best view and puts the outstanding works conveniently behind them.

I know you’d rather be here than reading about it. I’d rather you were here too. The place is meant for muddy shoes by the door, arguments over tennis scores and someone asking whether there’s time for one more.

We have changed the status to “Coming soon”. I’ve done that. Easily the quickest job on the list.

In the meantime, enjoy our Vancouver events, open to Members and Prospects.

Thank you for your patience.

Regards,
Arthur 'Art' Cockburn
Grounds keeper
Secret Shucks Society

BASKET

CLUB SHOP

The Island Clubhouse requires a new roof, the City Clubhouse needs a new light so members can find it, and the sailing boat that once travelled between Vancouver and the beach now requires replacing following the Membership Secretary’s entirely unnecessary voyage to Nanaimo.

The co-op is therefore raising funds to support its members, maintain the clubhouses and, with any luck, acquire a vessel capable of surviving the Secretary’s future expeditions.

Please note that the products below are somewhat unusual. Every purchase will be honoured, gratefully received and will help support the club members, spaces and questionable ambitions of Secret Shucks Society.