Hello Friends, last night a whacky world of woolly weirdos went wild with woodsy wonders. In other words, there was a PSOC meeting.

Better hit up the ATM – next meeting is our one-time only ***FLASH SALE*** Be there 10/20 at 8 pm in 108 Henderson. We’ll be clearing out the warehouse of PSOC gear and making room for new swag. Prices listed are as follows: All stickers – $1, Vintage patches – $2, Vintage beverage koozies – $3, All shirts – $8

TRIP REPORTS

Pool Session – PSOC’s first-of-the-year whitewater kayaking practice session at the McCoy natatorium went swimmingly, with several new boaters successfully learning to roll a kayak.

Spring Creek Kayaking – PSOC’s canoe division had an early morning practice session at our favorite whitewater hole. Despite cold temps, everybody got in some good practice.

Corn Maze – Some PSOCers got lost in a corn maze in New Jersey. Spooky!

Donation Rock – Some PSOCers scaled the cliffs safely and in style at this well-known climbing spot in Rothrock SF

Keith’s Springs – Some PSOCers ran into some horny honeymooners, who refused to share this spacious and amenable local campsite. This did not keep them from having a fun camping trip!

Tubing – Down near Coburn, a small crew walked through an eerie abandoned railroad tunnel and then floated around an oxbow in Penn’s Creek. Lacking tubes, a blow-up mattress and an inflatable orca made seaworthy substitutes.

Shingletown Gap – With only 2 hours between classes, some PSOCers fit in a quick loop from Shingletown Gap to Roman Tower and back.

Hunter’s Rock – some PSOCers donned the PSOC crash pads and went to practice bouldering at this local climbing spot.

Bellefonte Slalom – some of PSOC’s whitewater crew attended this local kayak race, founded by PSOC exactly 50 years ago. Aaron Fleishman won first in his division!!!

UPCOMING TRIPS

Cherry Springs – 10/16-17 – We will be camping where the skies are incredibly dark, doing some stargazing and a little hiking too. This trip is full, but email bsv5021@psu.edu to be added to the waitlist. This trip may be postponed until 10/24-25 so that we can get some good stargazing weather.

Kayaking Competion – 10/16-18 – Spots remain to compete for the glory in this National Collegiate Championship in Roanoke, Virginia. It’s a straight-ahead downriver race, so anyone who can stay upright should take this chance! All gear is provided by PSOC. Email ajf200@psu.edu if you’re even a little interested.

The Tap – 10/17 or 24 – This day hike in Rothrock will take advantage of the CATAbus to Tussey Mountain. We will be looking for a spot on the Tussey Mountain Trail where someone nailed a keg tap into a tree stump, a true symbol of the Outing Club spirit. Email kmc5949@psu.edu if you plan to come, but anyone is welcome to just show up at the bus station too – we will be catching the B bus to Boalsburg at 10:20 am. Date depends on ifthe Cherry Springs trip is postponed.

Kayak Pool Sessions – 10/21, 8-10pm – The first 12 people to give Aaron Fleishman $5 will be signed up to receive professional whitewater kayaking instruction. Gear is provided, and if you have your own gear feel free to just show up (with $5). Come to practice your rolls or other technical skills. Email ajf200@psu.edu to for more info. Future sessions will occur on 11/18 and 12/9.

Kayak Practice Sessions at Spring Creek – These will occur weekly. Email ajf200@psu.edu to get involved.

Tuscarora Trail – 10/23-24 – With a canning weekend cancelled, Rick Devery is planning a leaf-peeping overnight on this central PA long distance trail. Email him at rtd5077@psu.edu to sign up!

Hammersly Wild Area – 10/23-25 – This PSOC weekend backpacking trip will explore the same dark skies as Cherry Springs, some of the deepest darkest woods in the northeast. Email pmt5086@psu.edu to sign up.

Climbnasium – 10/24 – In preparation for the bouldering competition, Sam Devries will be leading a day trip to this awesome climbing gym Mechanicsburg. Email her at sjd5225@psu.edu to sign up, you do not have to be going to the competition to go with her.

West Rim Trail – 11/6-8 – This meandering 30 mile loop is a “sister trail” to the Black Forest Trail has many gorgeous views of the Pine Creek Gorge (aka the PA Grand Canyon with a lot less elevation change. Email mer5481@psu.edu to sign up, they are especially in need of drivers!

Rothrock Virgins – 11/6-8 – Pat Thornton will be leading a crew of  beginner backpackers into Rothrock on some favorite local trails. Anyone looking for a chill weekend of hiking should email him at pmt5086@psu.edu.

Guest Talk at Ferguson Elementary – 11/13, 4-5 pm – Spend an hour on this Friday afternoon teaching little kids about the great outdoors! Email ajf200@psu.edu to get involved.

Mt. Gretna Bouldering Competition – 11/21 – Join PSOC’s veteran climber Sam DeVries and compete in this outdoor climbing competition at  Governor Dick State Park. For $20 registration you get a t-shirt and a burrito. Email her at sjd5225@psu.edu to sign up.

Wild Women – date TBD – Annabel Drayton will be leading a beginners, all-girls backpacking trip. It’s still early in the planning stages, but email her at avd5431@psu.edu for more info, especially if you’d like to help plan it!

 THON Update

THON 5K – 11/7 – Our Thon group will be meeting up with our THON child at the creamery before taking a leisurely 5-kilometer stroll around campus with hundreds of other students and THON families. Be Sure to register onlinefirst, All proceeds directly benefit THON.

Crafting Potluck – a date will soon be set to rendezvous with food. We will all be very busy gluing our pressed flower cards and tying parachord bracelets, both of which we will sell to benefit THON.

Join the FACEBOOK GROUP to stay updated!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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!

Check out our facebook group!