10 Reasons to Join a College Outing Club

There is absolutely nothing like a student-run outing club. These clubs exist purely for the joy of sport and community; not some elective people take to fill a credit. After you have narrowed down your choices of schools based on your future career interest, check to make sure your college has an outing club. If you’re in school and your college has an outing club, what are you waiting for? Go sign up!

10 Reasons to Join your school’s Outing Club:

1.) You’l make new friends
An outing club consists of people with the common interest of doing things outside. That means that if you share that interest, you’re welcome- making for a very inclusive bunch.

Photo Credit: David Desmond

2.) You will never be bored
Outdoorsy kids know how to have fun. “Hey, there’s some fresh powder and the OC kids are going to try to ride an old canoe down the ski hill. You in?”

Photo Credit: Clarkson University

3.) You can learn new activities
Always wanted to try rock/ice climbing? Fly fishing? Backcountry skiing? Kayaking? There’s someone trained who would love to teach you. Go ahead, give it the ol’ college try.

Photo Credit: Danylo Jaremczuk

4.) You can rent gear
Don’t have tens of thousands of dollars laying around to do all the activites you want to try? Thats ok! You can rent gear from the outing club!

Photo Credit: 46Climbs

5.) You’ll always have something to do on the weekend
If drinking doesn’t interest you or you feel like doing something a little more constructive on the weekend, see who is going on a trip!

Photo Credit: David Desmond

6.) You can blow off steam
Just bomb a test? There’s nothing like some fresh air to release some of the stress from school. Check out the climbing wall for a mid-week outlet.

Photo Credit: 46Climbs

7.) You can stay in shape
For those who find it hard to stay motivated to go to the gym, mountain biking, cross country skiing, or hiking with friends may be a great way to avoid that “Freshman 15” and maybe even get in some really good shape.

Photo Credit: Michael Ryan Hanley

8.) You can meet guys/girls
There is no better way to get to know someone than spending time together in the outdoors. A long hike can tell you a lot about a person; you can engage in some deep conversations or see how they handle adversity when something doesn’t go to plan. Plus, a date in the mountains is sure to be more memorable than dinner and a movie.

Pro Tip: Guys- If you find a girl that still wants to hang out with you after a few days without a shower, you’ve found yourself a keeper.

Photo Credit: Cassie Wells

9.) You can add to your resume
When employers look at your resume, they want to see that you are well rounded. If you get involved with the outing club, you can add your cool activities that could help you stand out from the rest.

Photo Credit: Adam Graham

10.) You will make memories you will never forget
By the time you know it, you will be holding a diploma and thinking back on how you spent the last four years. Will you remember the times you spent the indoors, or will you remember the moments you spent huddled around a fire with your closest friends after a long day in the mountains?

Photo Credit: Evan Bilsback