San Jacinto College North Campus launched a new club last fall that introduces students to backpacking and camping in rural environments. The Great Outdoors club allows students to travel out of Houston and discover new landscapes while helping them develop survival skills in unfamiliar surroundings.

The group’s next excursion is a weekend trip taking place Oct. 13-15 in the Hill Country State Natural Area. This outing is the first of many leading up to a weeklong trip to Big Bend National Park at the end of the semester.

Dr. Liana Boop and Cody Pogue are faculty advisers for the Great Outdoors club and have experience with backpacking and camping. Boop said the goal of the trips is to foster confidence and independence and “train people, so they don’t need me to look after them.” 

New member and club Vice President Linda Bernice Torres said the trips bring about self-discovery that leads to personal growth.

“It’s always a challenge mentally because every time I’m on a trip, I learn something new about myself; whether good or bad,” Torres said. “It gives me a chance to grow as a person.”

Meanwhile, Boop proudly noted, although the group is in its infancy, it garnered recognition as Club of the Year and an Adviser of the Year nod for herself.

Moreover, she said she sees a bright future for the club full of growth and opportunities.

“So, basically more, more, more,” Boop said. “Sky’s the limit. Hopefully.”

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