Do you find yourself spending too much time in Libs? Are you cooped up in a little cubicle, studying for hours on end? Maybe it’s time you emerge from the depths of the basement and step foot outside. Breathe in the fresh air, feel the grass beneath your feet, and spend time with friends in nature.
Over the past two years, Davidson Outdoors (DO) has given me the opportunity to do just this! My involvement in DO has added a fulfillment to my college life that I never knew was missing. From being a participant to now leading trips of my own, I have deepened my connection with the outdoors and gained valuable life lessons.
My first interaction with the organization came before my move-in to campus, when I embarked on Outdoor Odyssey. Going into this five-day backpacking and whitewater canoeing trip, I was filled with nerves and excitement. I wondered what everyone would be like. Would I get along with the other participants in my crew? Would the awkwardness in the beginning subside? Would I enjoy the physical aspects of backpacking and paddling?
After just a few short days, my worries subsided. My crew began to laugh together, talk together, and enjoy one another’s company. Despite some challenges, I learned to love the intensity of being on the water and navigating the Appalachian Trail. As the trip came to a close, I reflected on the valuable skills and unforgettable memories that I had gained, such as learning how to set up a mosquito tarp, cooking in the rain, and karaoke singing on the trail. The experience kindled my love for the outdoors and sparked my desire to get involved.
With this newfound passion, I sought out more opportunities to engage with DO, such as their Trip Leader Training (TLT) course. Through weekly classes and several backpacking trips, I learned essential outdoor and leadership skills, met some really cool people, and built self-confidence.
TLT began with classroom-style learning that involved weekly lessons taught by DO trip leaders and staff members. As the course progressed, so did my leadership and outdoor skills. With each new class and trip, fellow TLT participants and I took on more leadership roles. We taught our own lessons, such as navigation, compass reading, blister care, and weather preparedness. By the end of the semester, we were able to plan, prep, and lead an entire backpacking trip on our own.
In preparation for leading my first trip, I also became certified in Wilderness First Aid, CPR, and van driving. In the fall of my sophomore year, another trip leader and I led our first ever day hike to the top of Pilot Mountain in North Carolina. It was incredibly rewarding to see all the training I had completed being put to use. Sitting on top of Pilot Mountain, eating trail Lunchables, engaging in meaningful conversation, and admiring the beautiful landscape is a memory I will never forget.
In addition to leading this trip, I was fortunate enough to travel to the Florida Everglades with DO at the beginning of this year for a week-long canoeing trip. Each morning, the crew would disassemble camp, cook breakfast, create a plan for the day, and load the
boats, all before setting sail. One of our daily tasks involved devising a float plan, where we selected certain routes to take between mangroves and islands, calculated bearings with a compass, and estimated paddling time. Once on the water, we utilized these float plans to help captain the boat and canoe in the proper direction. This adventure helped me gain a deeper appreciation for conservation efforts in this national park and its surrounding areas.
The rewarding nature of these trips have inspired me to continue leading with DO. I hope to create meaningful experiences for the next generation of Davidson students so that they too may experience the beauty of nature and the sense of community that comes with outdoor adventures.
DO has opened doors to endless opportunities for me. I am forever grateful for the knowledge, skills, and friendships I have gained along the way. It’s never too late to get involved! No prior experience is needed to immerse yourself in DO. Everyone is welcome. So, next time you are books deep in schoolwork and longing for a break, consider making your way over to DO and embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime outdoor adventure.
Hannah Foley ‘27 is a chemistry major from Naples, FL and can be reached for comment at [email protected].
