Samford Outdoor Adventure Club, SOAC, held its first ever “Outdoor Week” celebration last week, full of a variety of events designed to engage all students.
Many of the events were hosted at the central hub of campus, Ben Brown Plaza. There, students gathered as local outdoor vendors held pop-ups, the nonprofit organization On River Time talked to students and service organizations tabled.
Beyond hanging out on Ben Brown, students gathered to learn how to fly fish on the quad, heard from Samford alum Scarlet Stearns, rock climbed at High Point and finished the week up with a viewing of “The Lorax.”
At each event, new friendships were forged, and students were encouraged to step out with confidence into a life of adventure alongside the Lord.
What makes SOAC so special is the community. The group creates an atmosphere that allows students to feel free to try new things. This was especially evident during the climbing night at High Point.
Ashlyn Barrett, junior member of SOAC, attended the event even though she had no confidence in her climbing abilities. When she left, she had accomplished several new climbing feats. Even more important than her growth in climbing skills, she felt supported by her community. The lively atmosphere, getting to know new people and growing in relationships with old friends contributed to her success on the climbing wall.
“Everybody sat around and chatted while they weren’t climbing,” Barrett said.
Autumn Harms, a sophomore serving on SOAC’s leadership team, shared what she enjoyed about “Outdoor Week.”
“I love just getting to spend time on Ben Brown, everyone coming up to us and talking with us at the tent,” Harms said.
Stearns, who came as a representative of On River Time, is a friend of Harms.
“She was my Connections and Bible study leader… it was so sweet to be the facilitator for the convo event,” Harms said. “She has inspired me in my journey throughout college and Christianity. It was sweet for other people to hear her story and be inspired by it.”
SOAC’s community and adventures don’t end with “Outdoor Week.” You can join them every Friday morning for worship or on one of their many camping trips.
Staff Writer
