The Camera clubs in the Toronto area are overflowing. Some have a waiting list and have placed limits on how many can join. The halls they rent can only accommodate so many people. This is due to the popularity of digital and the fact that even simple point and shoot cameras can be used. Of course many have purchased the cheaper DSLR's. And this is where most new people begin.
You have to remember they are made up of volunteers and there is a lot of work involved to do simple seminars, shows, or competitions. We have forty volunteers in my club. In my experience, the advanced set of photographers in any club (they break down into groups of beginners, intermediate and advanced), approach the pro level. Freeman Patterson, the great Canadian photographer, said as much and he came from the Toronto guild club.
I dare say, whatever faults you find in camera clubs you will find on this forum. Everyone gets disappointed when they don't win with what they think is a winning shot. I have won or placed in many competitions, yet I recognize that many other entries were as good or better than my winning shot. But in the end, you can learn a lot, have the ability to share your work with people who really care about photography, socialize and make new friends, find new places to shoot, etc. Everyone knows who the good and/or great photographers are, even if they don't win. The most enjoyable thing to me, is when people make a show with their images. Then we see not a few images, but a whole body of work, presented in a cohesive way. Even the beginners can surprise you with their shows, often being very interesting even if their images are not all great. So, give it a try.
JMR