Hiking, camping, paddleboarding and kayaking are not usually what come to mind when thinking of a school-affiliated club. At Linfield, that is exactly the activities students can participate in as members of the Outdoor Rec Club.
The Outdoor Rec Club aims to get students outside and unplug from the stressors of everyday college life. Getting outside is great for mental and physical well-being. Fresh air and sunlight boost immune systems and sleep regulation. The great outdoors is its own type of medicine.
Not only does the club emphasize well-being, but it also puts great importance on experience. They want students to take advantage of all that Oregon has to offer.
“I think we are so fortunate to go to school in such a beautiful place,” said the club co-vice president Kieryann Mattson, a junior psychology major. “It is important that we take in the scenery around us and get as many people outside as we can.”
Unknown to many students, Linfield has an Outdoor Recreation building located across from Campbell Hall. This building holds amazing resources such as backpacking gear, kayaks, paddle boards, life jackets, sleeping bags, bikes and even more. The Outdoor Rec Club supports the opportunity for students to use these incredible resources.
While the club seems like a new addition to Linfield’s club catalog, it actually has an active history at the university. However, the effects of COVID-19 caused a struggle for the club due to a lack of participation. This ultimately led to the club becoming inactive.
It wasn’t until last January that two students decided to use their passion for the outdoors to restore the club. Current president Reese Jones, a senior biochemistry and molecular biology major, and her now-graduated friend Maggie Berry decided to bring the club back after their trip to Patagonia.
“We wanted to bring more adventure back to Linfield,” said Jones.
Growing up in the Northwest, Jones wanted to spread her passion for nature with her fellow Wildcats, and she has. Among the favorite events the club has hosted are the sunset yoga, led by Linfield yoga professor Christy Strong, and the God’s Thumb hike in Lincoln City. Club members can look forward to rock climbing, snowshoeing and camping in the winter and spring.
“People should join the club if they’re wanting to get outside and try things outside of their comfort zone,” said co-vice president Gabby Matic, a sophomore exercise science major.
Whether exploration and adventure are in your wheelhouse or not, Outdoor Rec Club could be the community for you, to make memories, have fun and get outside.
“There is something outside for everyone,” said Mattson.
