Exploring Elon Outdoors
The weather is warming up and it is almost officially spring time. With ENO hammocks strung between the oak trees and students beginning to study by the lake, it’s clear that we are all grateful for the nice forecast.
Springtime at Elon is arguably the best time of the year and there are always different outdoor events happening on and off campus. What better way to enjoy the beautiful North Carolina spring than with our very own campus organization, Elon Outdoors!
Elon Outdoors has been helping Elon students explore the outdoors for years now.
From nearby day hikes to Pilot Mountain, to weekend kayaking trips in Virginia, to spring break scuba diving adventures in Florida, Elon Outdoors offers something for everyone. Trips like these are offered and available to any Elon student, though they are very popular and therefore fill up fast!
All Elon Outdoors trips are suited for different skill levels. As their website notes, “Elon Outdoors aims to involve participants of all skill levels–everyone is welcome!”
Outdoors refers to their trips in three different levels: Introduce a Skill, Learn a Skill, and Practice a skill.
The website continues to note that "the level refers to the specific skill of that trip (kayaking, rock climbing, backpacking, etc.), although other skills will likely be needed during the trip (setting up a tent, outdoor cooking, etc.). The levels are meant to provide an insight into the trip, however we welcome anyone of any skill level on our trips.”
Not only does Elon Outdoors offer incredible trips where students are able to enjoy the beautiful outdoors, but they also offer outdoor gear and equipment for personal rental. Many students on campus love to take advantage of this and take their own trips!
Georgie Roll, an Elon sophomore from Bloomington, Illinois, is an avid fan, member, and employee of Elon Outdoors. Roll pointed out that Outdoors is not only an incredible resource for students, but that it is also an escape for students.
“We give people the opportunity to test their comfort zones, challenge their limits, and meet other students wanting to do the same thing that they may have never met outside of our program,” Roll said.
Not only has Roll seen others enhance their Elon career through Elon Outdoors, but she has found a number of amazing opportunities through the organization as well.
“What I love most about Elon Outdoors is that it has provided me with the opportunity to work with a cohort of students that have the same passions and desires as myself which has been such a breath of fresh air.”
As an employee of Elon Outdoors for over a year now, Roll has been able to see how the organization has impacted not only her perspective of herself and others as Elon students, but it has also given her a greater perspective for life after college.
Roll said that working with Elon Outdoors “shows people that you can truly find a job in something that you love and that you should never settle for anything less”, a lesson that is crucial to remember throughout your college years.
From the incredible trips offered to the lessons that they teach; Elon Outdoors is truly a special place on campus. Their office is located in Koury 106 and is open 12-6pm Monday-Friday. Something, and that of course is our first focus.
Picture credit: https://elon.campuslabs.com/engage/event/2956200