The University’s Outdoors Club ventured to Shark River State Park for an afternoon picnic on Saturday, Oct. 5 starting at 11:30 am.
Fifteen members of the Outdoors Club met on campus to carpool to the park grounds.
Upon arrival, the club members began their barbeque. Students enjoyed hotdogs, hamburgers, chips, donuts, and beverages, paid for by the club’s funds and budget.
“This picnic gave students the opportunity to relax in the picnic area while listening to music and enjoying the company of friends,” said Lindsey Pieschl, junior psychology major. “This was a great time to go for a picnic because the leaves are starting to change colors and it’s still not too cold out.”
After lunch, many of the members participated in competitive games of football, kickball, and even ultimate Frisbee.
While a good portion of the students chose to play games, a few others decided to go for a hike on one of the many wooded trails that make up Shark River Park. “The trail was full of unique foliage, photo-opportunities, and even a few water features,” said Jackie Leming, junior health studies major. “We crossed a really cool bridge that was messed up from Hurricane Sandy, but still intact,” she stated, “That was my favorite part of the hike.”
After the students returned from the hike and rejoined the rest of the club, the members all took part in yet another round of ultimate Frisbee and hung out around the picnic site. At around 4 pm, they finally began to depart for the trip back to campus.
The members of the Outdoors Club who attended the picnic found that the trip was a fun experience. Professor Reynolds, the faculty advisor for the Outdoors Club, agrees that it was a success, by stating, “It was a very relaxing time with wonderful people enjoying each other and the beautiful weather.”
Rachel Fox, Secretary of Outdoos Club, said, “The event was yet again successful. It differed from last year because not as many people attended, but it was understandable because it was parents weekend. The most appealing aspect about the picnic was that it is a free opportunity to eat food and spend time with friends in nature.”
Shark River State Park, which is located in Neptune Township, Wall Township, and Tinton Falls, is 946 acres of fields, trails, ponds, and picnicking areas.
The Outdoors Club is always engaging in activities. Within the next few weeks, they will be going on an apple-picking and haunted hayride trip, as well as participating in the University’s Big Event.
All students are welcomed to join the Outdoors Club and attend the weekly meetings in Bey Hall on Wednesdays at 3:30 pm to find out about even more of their upcoming trips and events.
PHOTO COURTESY of William Reynolds
