The Nature Club is a new way for kids to learn about the world around them by being out in nature.

The Nature Club goes on frequent hikes and volunteers often, but their most popular event is the campout. The fall campout was not an official event because there was no adult present. Still, many members of the Nature Club went on the campout. Six members met on Saturday November 14^th at 12:30 p.m. Then they headed to the campground at Purtis Creek State Park in Eustace, Texas.

“When we first got to the campsite, it started raining on us and our supplies. Once the rain stopped, we hiked around the park and then set up for dinner. In the morning, we cleaned the campsite for the people who would camp there after us. By going on the campout, I learned a lot about how to have a successful camping trip by leading my friends and solving problems along the way,” junior Gretchen Gottsacker said.

Before they could go on the campout, students had to fill out an application that included a list of supplies that they already owned as well as suggestions of where to go for the campout. People who were attending the campout brought multiple supplies for hiking, cooking and sleeping. The officers went out and bought supplies including folding chairs, tents, hammocks and both breakfast and dinner food for those who didn’t own all the items needed. They also had to make sure that everybody who wanted to come could attend the campout between Saturday and Sunday.

“Before the campout, I bought food for everybody, and tents for everyone who didn’t own one. On the trails that lead to the campsite, we got lost in the park. Before finding our way to the campground, we found new hiking places and discussed the nature around us. All six of us set up camp and hiked together in order to bond. It was amazing to get closer with other Nature Club officers outside of our typical hikes. I gained better camping and leadership skills from going on the campout because of the setbacks that we encountered,” senior Madison Scarbrough said.

There are multiple meetings per semester that discuss all the new club opportunities including service projects, hikes and campouts. There will be another campout next semester at a different location. Although both members and non-members are welcome, there are a limited number of spots available due to liability. The campout is a great way to bond with other students and officers as well as escape from everyday life.