For over 10 years, the Outdoor Adventure Club has been on the UIUC Campus, but it was not until two years ago  that the club really took off among students. Over 1000 people have joined the Facebook page and 1,700 are now on the OAC email list. For those unaware, the Outdoor Adventure club is a registered student organization that allows students to come together for a weekend of hiking, backpacking, camping, canoeing and many other outdoor activities. 

OAC has anywhere from 15 to 90 people at each event, and they try to hold an event each weekend, with one large scale event each semester. In the upcoming weeks the club is camping, taking a day hiking trip at Wolf Creek, a weekend camping and hiking trip in the Shawnee National Forest and a caving trip to Maquoketa Caves State Park in Iowa. Last year, the club held the separate spring break trips. Members went to the Smoky Mountains, where they climbed mountains in addition to horseback riding and white river rafting. The students on the other trips, went canoeing and swimming with manatees in the Everglades and camping in New Orleans. 

We interviewed Jordan Koziol, OAC vice president of communication and AEPhi ’15, for more information on the club.

How much does it cost to join? The OAC has no dues and students simply pay for the events they go on, which are very inexpensive -- usually ranging from $10 to $40, depending on the event. Students are also responsible to pay for their own food, and pitch in for gas.

Do you need your own supplies? Yes, depending on the activity. If you do not have your own supplies, the Outdoor Adventure Club gives members the option to rent tents, sleeping bags and other equipment from them, at reduced prices -- per day, or for a $25 flat fee per year. You can also rent equipment from the ARC. 

Is prior experience necessary? Not at all! Lots of the students who join are people who like to camp and hike, or those who have never had the opportunity, but have always wanted to. We encourage everyone to join us. 

Does the club still meet in the winter? Yes! Last year we went snow hiking, indoor paint balling and to an indoor rock climbing gym. 

What’s your favorite experience from past trips? Last year, I led a group of 26 students to the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and North Carolina. It was probably one of the most exciting experiences of my life and, by far, the best time I ever had on a spring break trip. The hiking was beautiful and the people who came were great! We were having so much fun and we didn’t want to leave, so those who could decided to stay an extra day!

How can Odyssey readers find out more information about the club? We have a Facebook group and an email list. Email IllinoisOAC@gmail.com to be added to the list. Our website is illinoisoac.wix.com/home for more information and to see our YouTube videos from past trips.