Outdoor Society is one of the most creative and beneficial clubs you can find at HHS. This club, founded in 2020, stemmed from an idea three Journalism 3 students had during the COVID lockdown. Mrs. Crecelius, the advisor of Outdoor Society, shared that the club was created by now-graduated students Reagan Timko, Quinn Delamater and Mia Dinardo who were first inspired by watching freestyle canoeing videos. After some planning, the club was officially approved by the board of education. Shortly after, Outdoor Society went into full swing, and has now grown to 95 members.
The club’s first official outing was an international trip to Iceland. Crecelius explains, “We decided on Iceland because it was more remote, and we wanted to go somewhere very outdoorsy and open. Iceland is also very safe.” This trip was a hit, so much so that Outdoor Society plans to travel there again next year and continue to frequent the country in the future. Upcoming is the club’s 2024 Spring Break trip to Costa Rica and their Summer 2024 trip to Italy. Sophomore club member Morgan Mcstay stated, “I am going to Italy in 2024 with the club and I am very excited. All of my friends are going as well so I know it’s going to be a great bonding experience.” These travel opportunities build lifelong memories and break students away from their usual routines. “It gives students a chance to be themselves away from home and learn new things,” agrees Crecelius.
Junior club members Emily Goodman and Mia South can attest to this. They both attended the club’s Summer 2023 Arizona and Utah trip where they made countless memories. They retold stories ranging from sandboarding down pink sand dunes, listening to ghost stories in Flagstaff and even holding snakes in Sedona. “My favorite memory was when we went on a boat ride in the Colorado River and took a dunk in the 45-degree water, which was really cold. Then we got lemonade and our tour guide was holding it underwater in a fishnet to make it chilled,” described Goodman. The list of incredible memories goes on. South recommended that students experience one of the trips Outdoor Society offers because, “You become friends with a lot of people that you wouldn’t expect to become friends with, and it’s a good way to experience different places outside of Hudson and learn about other cultures.” Goodman agreed and said that she joined the club in the first place because of, “The trips, the volunteering, how you’re able to go to cool places, the great group of people and the really nice environment.” Goodman and South obviously don’t regret their decision to join and plan to attend more volunteer opportunities, including at their favorite destination of “Shaker Lakes,” where they’ve volunteered for various Christmas and fall events. They are also both excited to travel with the club to Italy this Summer.
By joining Outdoor Society, students open the door to numerous opportunities. There are many occasions for students to be able to volunteer and participate in fun outdoor activities. Not only does the club plan trips, but, “It’s a good balance of traveling and getting outside. It’s good physically and for mental health. We also do a good amount of community service,” states Crecelius. The club welcomes anyone, whether it’s someone who wants to go on an extensive trip, get some volunteer hours or looking to make new friends when on any of the many activities the club offers. Sophomore club member Kelsie Moore loves Outdoor Society because “it’s a very fun club and it gives you so many opportunities to improve your life and get fresh air.” Some of these opportunities include zip lining to see fall foliage, sunset hikes at various local parks, Wednesday morning yoga at First and Main and skiing/ tubing trips at Peek’n Peak in New York. Spending time outdoors has countless benefits such as being a good source of exercise and Vitamin D, reducing stress and anxiety, a chance to be social and increased energy levels. By partaking in these activities, students are reaping more benefits than they would’ve imagined. Plus, what other club gets unbridled access to our backyard national park, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park?
To spread the word about upcoming adventures, the club meets once a month, during which the club officers share slideshows and encourage feedback from society members. Everyone brainstorms together and creates cohesive group ideas. Crecelius explains, “We have people vote and use Instagram polls to decide the destination of the national and international trips.” This gives everyone a say in what they want to gain and take away from their experiences in the club.
If you’re looking for a good excuse to get outdoors, join Outdoor Society to explore the world and make unforgettable memories.
