I think you should stop going to that group. As some have mentioned, maybe you can get another one started where you initally began, LQS, and bring your friend with you.
I was a member of a nation wide group, but did not care for the people that were organizing the local chapter. It did feel like a "clique" where I was an "outsider".
It seemed like people were just thinking of a reason to "B..tch" and if there was not one, they would invent it! It's funny because I heard I was in the middle of some "issue", and had never even heard about the issue!
I join groups to have fun, make friends, and enjoy my project. If it's not working, it's time to get out.