New Club Gets Students Outdoors

Are you an outdoor enthusiast? Did you love LandSea and reminisce about the “good old days” when you lived off the land and everything you could fit into your backpack? Does your ideal date include hiking through the wilderness and camping out under the stars? You’re in luck—the Kalamazoo Outing Club is looking for you!

This brand new club is the brainchild of LandSea coordinator Ty Manegold. When Manegold came to Kalamazoo College in July 2008 he brought with him a wealth of experience gained while working in wilderness camps for several years. Before, during, and after LandSea, many expressed interest in furthering their own outdoor experiences.

“There was immediately talk of getting something year-round going here,” says Manegold.

After the completion of this year’s LandSea program, Manegold went to work doing research and presented a proposal for an outing club to Dean Sarah Westfall and Brian Dietz.

During his presentation, Manegold stated, “the mission of the Kalamazoo College Outing Club (KOC) is to provide all K community members the ability to experience the outdoors in a noncompetitive and supportive environment regardless of their ability, while at the same time complementing the general goals of the school by providing an important aspect of a liberal arts education.”

Although this isn’t the first time Kalamazoo College has had an outdoors-themed club, Manegold insists this one will be different.

Instead of “fading away once its creators and vested, active organizers either study abroad and/or graduate,” the KOC will be guided by Manegold himself, who is a staff member and thus can “assist as an adviser to the students [and] act as a bridge of continuity from one year to the next, allowing a smooth and stable transition to the next wave of upcoming student KOC leaders”.

The KOC held its first meeting Thursday, Feb. 19. A little over 20 students attended, as well as several more who got involved via e-mail. In addition to the goals and mission statement mentioned above, the KOA is divided into three sections: gear rentals, classes and seminars, and trips. Gear rentals range from tents to snowshoes to maps and field guides.

The proposed classes and seminars are dynamic and sure to enrich any member of the Kalamazoo College community. They include cross country skiing, wilderness survival skills, and such medical certifications as CPR and AED, as well as many more.

Trips are as simple as day trips or as intensive as “three day extravaganzas” held over the weekend. All of the classes and trips will be offered at three levels—beginner, intermediate, and expert.

When asked how KOC could potentially benefit the Kalamazoo College community, student responses were passionate.

“A lot of other schools have [an outing club]. People need to get out of their books and their dorms,” said JJ Weber K’11.

“[Having a club like KOC] is a good chance to get off campus. It’s a stress relief, and we need more things like that,” said Jo Robillard, K’09.

“A vital part of being a human being is being outside,” said Weber. “It’s important for your soul.”

For some good old-fashioned soul enrichment, the next meeting of the Kalamazoo College Outing Club will be held Friday, March 6 at 4 P.M. in Hicks 110. All are encouraged to attend, including faculty, staff, and students. No experience is necessary; beginners are more than welcome.

For more information, check out the Kalamazoo College Outing Club Facebook group, or contact Ty Manegold at manegold@kzoo.edu.