Canoeing, rock climbing, caving, camping, ropes courses and hiking are just a few of the exciting scenes displayed in the 104 pictures posted on the Outdoor Adventure Club's Facebook page.
It is obvious after looking through these pictures that Auburn's OAC is not your grandma's campus organization.
As written on the club's Web site, www.auburn.edu/oac, "The primary purpose of the Outdoor Adventure Club is to provide regular outdoor activities, promote interest in the outdoor activities and encourage the practice of limited impact outdoor ethics for Auburn University students."
Members of OAC participate in activities that would make Bear Grylls of Discovery's "Man vs. Wild" grin.
"I've always tried to plan backpacking or climbing trips for me and my friends, but they always back out on me at the last minute," said OAC President Kristi McCorvey, a junior in marketing and sustainability. "Now, with OAC, I have a whole group of people who love these activities as much as I do."
Auburn student Drew Nelson organized OAC a few years ago, and it has since become a popular organization on campus. It boasts 130 members and has a high attendance rate for its outdoor trips as well as other club activities.
"This past February, Outdoor Adventure Club went on a trip to Little River Canyon in Northeastern Alabama," said Secretary Rob Coleman, a junior in political science and French. "We went spelunking, hiking, camping and rock climbing, which made for a great time."
OAC is open to any Auburn University student, faculty or staff member with any level of outdoor experience.
"You don't have to know anything about the outdoors to join," said Treasurer Derrick Stone, a sophomore in mechanical engineering. "Our organization works diligently to plan trips that cater to hardcore survivalists as well as beginners."
Dues are $30 per year, and the benefits of membership include a 32-ounce wide-mouth Nalgene bottle, reduced cost on outdoor trips and discounts at local outdoor stores, including Alabama Outdoors, Southern Trails, The Bike Shop and Adventure Sports Scuba.
A complete list of these discounts can be found on OAC's Web site or Facebook page. Going on trips with OAC is affordable.
"Depending on the type and length of the trip, the cost usually varies from $20 to $60," McCorvey said. "Non-members are welcome on our trips for a greater cost if there are enough spots open."
OAC's first meeting will be held on Monday, Sept. 14 at 6 p.m. in Haley 3195.
Following the first meeting, OAC will meet on the first Monday of every month at 6 p.m. in Haley Center room 1203.
"With only one meeting a month and the ability to choose which trips you want to go on, there is no better club than OAC when it comes to finding a fun organization that will fit into your schedule," Stone said.
Outdoor adventures are no longer only available to hardcore professionals or daredevils. OAC provides a way for Auburn students to embark on affordable excursions, regardless of their level of experience or skill.
"I've been in the club for two years now and have loved every minute of it," Coleman said. "We've got some enticing plans for this fall and spring."
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