A big thanks to the many who came to the Outing Club meeting last night. We’ll be meeting again next Tuesday at 8pm in 108 Henderson (same place, same time). Next meeting, we’ll have a presentation on how you can lead a trip with the outing club, and guest speaker Kurt Smithgall talking about PSOC’s rich history of whitewater paddling.
TRIP REPORTS:
Black Forest Trail – On an official PSOC trip, 10 of us enjoyed the long weekend by hiking 42 miles near the Pine Creek Gorge. They enjoyed GORGE-ous vistas, rattlesnake sightings, perfect weather, and some-not-so-well-graded climbs.
Gatineau River – some people ran class 3 rapids in Quebec on pool toys, and no one died!
Rothrock – A few people went camping at sand spring and had a leisurely stroll around our local state forest
Poconos – A couple people went out to the poconos to tear it up in ATVs
Spring Creek – some whitewater paddlers went to some spots on spring creek to practice surfing and have fun!
UPCOMING EVENTS
King of the Beach — 9/11-13 — If you’re going on this weekend of chill camping at Assateague National Seashore, you know who you are. Email Kelly Culliney at kmc5949@psu.edu to be added to the waitlist.
Spring Creek Kayaking — TBD — PSOC officer Aaron Fleishman will be leading an beginner-friendly whitewater kayaking session at Spring Creek. This is an important session to sign up for so that you can be fitted for gear and embark on future PSOC paddling trips with less hassle. Email ajf200@psu.edu to signup.
Freshman Mt. Nittany hike — 9/14 — You don’t need to be a freshman to climb Mount Nittany with the outing club next monday afternoon. Email Zack Webb at zjw5042@psu.edu to sign up, especially if you can drive. Club membership is not required!
Stadium Cleanup — 9/20 — Early sunday morning after the rutgers game, the outing club will be cleaning up a section of beaver stadium. This is the club’s biggest fundraiser, and anyone who attends will be put on PSOC’s “VIP” list and granted access to a special reward trip later this fall. Email me at bsv5021@psu.edu to sign up, and please include your phone number!
PSOC Picnic Potluck — 9/23 (tentative) — We’ll be hosting cookout at Sunset park from 5 to 8 pm. Come hang out, and bring some food to share. We’ll have slack lines, hammocks, frisbees, fire, and more. They’ll be some informational sessions on basic outdoors skills too. Hope to see you there!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Summer Vacation Photo Contest — We are still excepting entries until 9/22, show us with just how awesome your summer was! Submit your photos here.
National Public Lands Day — 9/26 — Participate in this national environmental stewardship celebration by volunteering at Black Mo. In return for a hard day’s work, you’ll get free food, free camping, new friends, and a fun weekend. Pre-registration is required, click here for more information.
Trips & Gear — The officer board wants to remind you all that Outing Club doesn’t just lead trips, we are a resource for all your outdoor needs. If you’re wondering about a place you want to go, or need gear for a trip you are planning, talk to us or post on our facebook group and someone will be able to help you.
CPR/AED & First Aid Class — Get certified and become an offical PSOC safety officer. Every outing club trip needs at least one safety officer, so having the certification can give you a big advantage when trying to get on a trip. More info here
Check out the PSOC Instagram account @psuoutingclub. Hashtag photos #psoc to get featured!
Check out the collaborative spotify playlist. Perfect music to get you pumped on a drive out to the woods!
PAPERWORK
Membership
If you want to become an official member, please come to the next meeting with a completed participation agreement (in pen), and club dues in cash ($30 for year, $20 for one semester). All members must have health insurance, but are no longer required to provide proof.
Benefits of membership include:
– being able to go on trips
– free gear rental from Penn State Adventure Recreation
– 10% discount at Appalachian Outdoors
– discounted Rock Climbing at the State College YMCA
– being irresistibly attractive
– being involved in a community of outdoors-people at Penn State!
Safety Officers
– Provide scanned copies of your certifications for CPR/AED and First Aid. Certifications are only accepted from the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, and the Emergency Care and Safety Institute.
– Complete Safety Officer Form
Drivers
– Complete Vehicle Authorization Form
– Submit and print the Vehicle Authorization Form and have it signed by the vehicle owner (whoever’s name is on the registration)
– Provide scanned copies of your up-to-date Vehicle Registration, Auto Insurance, and Driver’s License
