March 25, 2008
Article by Trevor Eastin, Staff Writer, The Lance
Camping, backpacking and float trips: these are just a few of the many activities in which the newly-started Outdoor Adventure Group participates.
The group was started in the spring of 2007 as a way to help students on campus unleash the cabin fever that can build up after attending classes everyday. The group was founded by former Resident Director of Scott Hall, Chris McGough, and several students who felt that the school should offer more activities for those people who love the outdoors. This is the first school-sponsored group whose main focus is the outdoors.
The group is now sponsored by Dr. Lew Hall, chair of the social science department. Currently, the group has four student leaders: Jesse Brinkley, sophomore and president of the group; Julie Krisch, junior; Chantel Galipeau and Brennan Anderson, seniors. These four students are responsible for planning and guiding the trips.
Because this group is not a typical school club, there is no set number of total members in the group. The group welcomes anyone who wishes to come to its events.
Last fall, the group went on a float trip and took 21 people along, a record number of people they have had on a trip since it started.
The leaders of the Outdoor Adventure Group see the club as a ministry. All four leaders have a passion and love for the outdoors.
“Being a part of the Outdoor Adventure Group has helped me so much since I’ve been at school here,” Brinkley said. “It’s just been a good way for me to get away from school and studying. My favorite part is when we get to take new people out who have never had the chance or opportunity to do outdoor activities.”
As long as the weather is nice, the group usually focuses on five main activities. These include canoeing, spelunking (caving), backpacking, horseback riding and camping.
Tony Cunis, sophomore, who has been on several of the outdoor trips, has really appreciated his experience with the group.
“It’s just been nice to be able to get together with a bunch of people who are just as passionate about the outdoors as I am,” Cunis said.Republished with permission from The Lance, Evangel University's student-produced newspaper. Article originally published March 20, 2008, Vol. 53, Issue 23.