GV’s ‘wanderers’ appreciate wilderness, promote environmentalism
As the world becomes more intertwined via technology, there are still those who yearn to wander.
These wanderers include members of Grand Valley State University’s backpacking club, which promotes exploration and reconnecting with nature. For some, it has been a life-long desire just waiting to be expounded upon. As for the current treasurer, freshman Caitlin Shannahan, the program has helped with her transition into university life and more importantly, pushed her to follow through with an interest in camping.
“I’d always been interested in camping, but I’d never actually done a backpacking trip,” Shannahan said. “I was pretty much sold after that.”
Aside from trips, the group promotes and helps carry out cleaning up the area, particularly the ravines off campus.
Joe Napolitan, president of the group, firmly believes that showing pictures helps students decide to join.
“In all reality as far as getting away for a weekend or spring break, it’s probably the cheapest option available,” Napolitan said.
Although there are not many trips left for the year, students are encouraged to still join and experience what it is like to go backpacking. Membership dues are $20, and all other expenses are divided amongst members on a trip-by-trip basis. Equipment is provided if students do not have his or her own.
There is a trip planned for the Porcupine Mountains in the Upper Peninsula the weekend of April 13. To be added to the group in time, signing up as a member and the trip are required.
For those who want to get a head start and practice before joining the group, hiking around the ravines and learning how to use a topographic map are suggested.
“It’s a pretty decent simulation as to what you might be doing,” Shannahan said.
Navigation courses are also set up in the ravines allowing students to follow checkpoints around and learn how to use a compass more thoroughly.
The group will be heading off to Isle Royale, Mich., at the end of the year.
“We need to do fundraising and volunteer hours to secure a position on that trip,” Napolitan said.
Part of this will come from the bake sale being held this week.
GVSU’s Backpacking Club meets every Thursday at 9 p.m. in Manitou Hall Room 123.
jcampbell@lanthorn.com
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Pictures of the Year 2012-2013


Courtesy Photo/Joe Kargula and Erik Peterson run the Marathon leg of the Ironman Triathlon

GVL / Robert Mathews Quarterback Heath Parling (12) leading the offense past Notre Dame College.

GVL / Eric Coulter Senior Jake Isaacson placed eigth in the Spartan Invitational. Isaacson's time of 25:04 was the highest among Division II athletes.

GVL/Jessica Hollenbeck Student Senate President Jack Iott speaks to the assembly during Thursday's meeting.

Courtesy / gvsu.edu President Haas and Montcalm Community College President Robert C. Ferrentino sign the transfer agreement


Courtesy Photo/ GVSU Athletic Department Sophomore Chris Cunningham lines up a putt at a past match.

Courtesy Photo / GVSULakers.com Andrew Darrell prepares to return the serve earlier this season.

GVL / Jessica Hollenbeck President Haas cooks pancakes during Family Weekend's "Pancakes with Presidents".

GVL / Jessica Hollenbeck President Haas cooks pancakes during Family Weekend's "Pancakes with Presidents".

GVL / Archive Forward Briauna Taylor (31) chases down a lose ball in a game last season

Courtesy Photo / Dean Breest Sophomore Allyson Winchester was named the GLIAC Women's Cross Country Athlete of the Year after finishing first with a time of 20:48.8.

GVL / Archive GVSU's Breland Hogan rises and fires over three defenders last season.

GVL/Bo Anderson Briauna Taylor leads the fast break during a game earlier this season.

GVL / Robert Mathews Associate Vice President for Facilities Planning, James Moyer, leading a walk through of the Mary Ideam Pew Library

Courtesy Photo / GVSU DII Men's Hockey Jeremy Christopher chases down a puck during a matchup last season.

GVL / Bo Anderson Students and faculty danced under the spectacular light show in the Devos Place Ballroom

GVL / Robert Mathews Martin L�wenberg, holocaust survivor, speaking at the Genocide Awareness Night presentation in the Grand River Room.

Courtesy / Dean Breest Senior Sam Lockhart finishes her indoor career with two individual national championships in weight throw and shot put at the 2013 National Championships.

Archive / Robert Mathews Giancarlo Brugnoni (40) rounding the bases during a previous game.

GVL/Bo Anderson Seniors Christ Koppenaal, Bill Madsen, and Mitch Weber measure the exterior of the Wesley House as part of an energy audit.

GVL / Robert Mathews Senior Anthony Campanella pitching against Tiffin University during the Lakers double header.

GVL / Eric Coulter Brother Jed Smock, a member of Campus Ministry USA, speaks with fervor to a student. Many students, all with differing views, came to watch the Campus Ministry members speak.

GVL / Sean Mouton A passing walker stops to admire some recently constructed pieces of Art Prize 2012.

GVL Archive Senior Nick Gunthorpe follows through and watches his shot at the Ardenson last year. This weekend the team will be playing in South Haven.

GVL / Bo Anderson GVSU's Katie Martin points to her teammate after safely reaching second base.

GVL / Robert Mathews Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons under construction.

GVL / Archive The Grand Valley Rowing Team during Spring Training in Florida last spring.

GVL / Robert Mathews Judge Glenda Hatchett, keynote guest for Monday's King celebration, speaks in the Grand River Room in Kirkhof.

GVL / Robert Mathews Judge Glenda Hatchett, keynote guest for Monday's King celebration, speaks in the Grand River Room in Kirkhof.
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