The Dickinson Outdoors Club, which offers students an opportunity to experience a variety of outdoor adventures, has seen its membership grow significantly in the last five years, indicating a spark of student interest in the outdoors.

The president of the club, Jack Marcus ’17 said, “There were over 300 sign ups this year alone, and they were mostly first-years.”  Marcus has been part of the organization since his first year at Dickinson and is committed to growing the club and making it an experience that members won’t forget.  “My freshman year we had meetings of maybe 10 people, now we have meetings of over 100.”  From hiking through Carlisle’s vast forest trails to kayaking on the Susquehanna River, the Outdoors Club provides numerous outlets to students who want to get off campus for a while and enjoy the relaxation of the outdoors.  Marcus said he doesn’t know exactly what has caused the large rise in membership, but he thinks it has something to do with how well the organization has structured itself over the last few years.  “We spent a lot of time reorganizing the club… and started holding ourselves to higher standards as well.”  Membership is open to all Dickinson students and faculty with annual membership dues of $10.  A large investment is not necessary in order to participate in club activities.  “We have a really well equipped gear room that has gear for almost every outdoor activity and any member of the club can rent the gear whenever they want,” said Marcus.

Second year member, John Falvey ’19, had this to say on why he joined the club: “I really wanted to get off campus more as a freshman, as well as meet a new group of people I hadn’t met before.”  Falvey said that his experience in the club has been spectacular.  “The outdoors is a great platform for bringing people together,” Marcus added.

For example, recent excursions have included a fishing trip to the Conodoguinet Creek in the Cumberland Valley, canoeing and kayaking on Laurel Lake and a sunset hike.  Members of the club can suggest a trip and, if selected, they can serve as the leader and organizer of the outing. The club meets every Monday night at 8:15 PM in Tome, room 115.  To learn more about the Dickinson Outdoors Club, check out their website at http://blogs.dickinson.edu/outing-club/ which features photos and information about their activities.