Pay to Join my local REI group or pay for a BP Pro membership?

[Stacey Thomas]

Hi everyone :) 

I'm just getting started and I'm curious to know your thoughts on where to invest a few hundred dollars. 

My local REI group costs $329 for the year and affords me the opportunity to attend local events, classes, and network. A pro membership at BP also provides a lot of valuable education and I would really like to attend the Bootcamp with Ashley which would cost $489 for both.  

Torn between the two as far as best next steps to take as a beginner. If you were starting over today, which would you pursue?

Thanks in  advance!

Stace