You might check out the AMC Chapter for NY& North Jersey. They will have local hiking and camping events, as well as events that they sponsor to the White's in NH. You can find a pointer to their home at the AMC's main site:
www.outdoors.org
Generally really friendly folks, many have decades of experience to share, others just starting out. It might be a good way to be able to have some fun, get outdoors, and learn some new skills with some old hands around. I don't know how active that chapter is, but, I know the ones in Mass and NH are always doing something.