The Outdoors Club will be going on their spring trip on Friday, April 19 until Monday, April 22 at Hawkins Bridge Campsite in Wharton State Forest. Wharton State Forest is the largest single tract of land within the New Jersey State Park System.
President of the Outdoors Club, Greg Cenicola, senior and criminal justice major, commented, “We use our funds/budget to make trips as cheap as possible for students and to supply them with the gear to use.”
Cenicola has been involved with the Outdoors Club since his sophomore year when he attended his first trip and was secretary of the club last year. “We have done camping trips such as this one that double with an activity such as kayaking, ziplining, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, snowboarding, and skiing.”
There was no fundraising involved with this trip. The cost is $20 per student for the three days. This cost includes a one-day kayak rental, seven meals, and their stay on the campsite. However, if the students have their own kayak, the price is reduced to $10. The trip was limited to 25 students on a first come, first serve basis. Members and nonmembers of the Outdoors Club filled all 25 spots.
Mike Kulik, sophomore health and physical education major, said, “I’m really pumped for this trip; unfortunately, due to Hurricane Sandy, we had to cancel our fall trip and these outdoor nights are long overdue. Everyone is excited to get their heads out of their books for a weekend of hiking, camping, kayaking, and good times.”
Friday is planned, whereas Saturday is free, allowing the students to explore the campground and hike on their own. On Sunday, the students will go kayaking for five hours. The option to sleep over that Sunday night is open for students who want to relax and regain their energy before leaving on Monday morning.
“I am excited for the upcoming trip to Wharton State Forest because I will be able to spend time with friends in a relaxing environment right before the stress of finals,” said Rachel Fox, sophomore English and p-3 education major with an endorsement in teaching students with disabilities. “I am especially excited to go kayaking on Sunday because I’ve never been kayaking in that area.”
To get involved in the club, meetings are held in room 132 or 133 in Bey Hall the first and third Wednesday of every month at 3:30 pm.
“I’ve been lucky enough to serve the club as vice president surf chair this year and it has been a blast to be involved on the e-board,” added Kulik. “I have recently been elected president of the Outdoors Club for next year and I am really looking forward to continuing the club’s success.”
Professor William Reynolds is the advisor of the club. The Outdoors Club’s description is as follows: The purpose of the Outdoors Club is to promote the growth, understanding, awareness, and appeal of nature through the various activities we sponsor. Activities may include hiking, rafting, camping, surfing, and more.
“We do a lot of fun things and are open to new ideas. We don’t discourage people,” said Cenicola. “We allow members and students to come and go as they please.”
PHOTO COURTESY of William Reynolds
