Skiing, snowboarding, camping, mountain biking, fishing, hiking – these students are having all the fun!
The Penn College Outdoors Club is among new student organizations established during the 2024-25 academic year. The group aspires to explore various outdoor activities during the different seasons of the year, instructing members on new techniques related to outdoor recreation and sports, and creating an environment where students can learn skills that will enrich their lives.
“This organization aims to create a space where students can easily get into outdoor activities, learn new skills and connect with nature,” said Johnmichael S. Weaver, PCOC vice president. “We plan to organize a wide variety of events throughout the year including camping, hiking, biking, fishing, and ski/snowboard trips.” The engineering design technology student from Greenville added, “I have always loved being outdoors and was very excited when I was presented the opportunity to become vice president. I hope that we can build a welcoming space to allow students to enjoy the outdoors.”
According to club president Mikya L. Stake, an emergency management & homeland security major from Port Allegany, highlights of the group’s Fall 2024 activities included a hiking trip to Jacoby Falls and a campfire at the college’s Schneebeli Earth Science Center. A trip to Holiday Valley Ski Resort was hosted as part of Spring 2025 events, and additional outings are being planned.
The PCOC’s advisor is Rob Cooley, professor of anthropology/environmental science.
Interested Penn College students can learn more about the club on the Office of Student Engagement’s Engage site, where students can find organizations and events and also track their campus involvement.
The next PCOC meeting is set for 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 3, in Room B2015 of the Hager Lifelong Education Center. The group will also meet from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, along with the Emergency Management Club, for a campfire and trail clean-up at the Earth Science Center.