What equipment do I need?

First, you do not need to already own everything - equipment such as tents, backpacking packs, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads can be borrowed from the organization, or if there is not enough for everyone, equipment can be rented from Aggie Outdoors at the Rec Center for a low price. Second, it is best that you already own a large water bottle and shoes that you can walk several miles in. 

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Is experience required?

You do not need to have experience to join! In order for this organization to be a good experience for you, it is recommended that you are able to walk 3-4 miles for day hikes, and 10-12 miles for backpacking trips. It is also recommended that you can tolerated uncomfortable camping conditions such as cold, your gear getting rained on, and campsites that may not have access to a shower.

 

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I don't have a car, will I still be able to join?​

Meetings: our meetings are right across the street from campus, so they should be accessible to on and off-campus students

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Events/socials: Before campouts or our service events, we meet in Lot 51 on campus and carpool! Additionally, if you are not able to make it to Lot 51, you will be able to get picked up by someone - we will organize rides in the GroupMe. 

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What will I still need to pay for?

If you have to rent gear, you will have to pay for this yourself. Additionally, we eat out before leaving for campouts or after meetings, and members will have to pay for themselves (all other meals that are planned during campouts are included in dues). 

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Are you associated with Boy Scouts?

While we are primarily a university organization, we have been a Sea Scout Ship since the founding of National Eagle Scout Association in 2003.  Currently, Sea Scout Ship 1876 is chartered with A&M United Methodist Church (this is why we meet at the United Methodist Church for meetings). Because we are registered with the scouts, our two services events are for the local Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts. YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE A BOY SCOUT TO JOIN! We try to make camping accessible to as many students as possible, and our members range from Eagle Scouts to first-time campers!

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How often do you meet/how often do you go camping?

Our meetings are always the Tuesday before we have events. This ends up being about twice a month. Meetings are recommended, but not required. Meetings are a good way to get to know everyone before going on any campouts, but we understand that everyone is busy so the information will always be provided to those who are not able to attend.

Because of COVID-19 restrictions, we are unsure if we will be able to host meetings, but updates will be available in the GroupMe.

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What do dues go towards?

Dues pay for campsite fees, groceries for camping meals, and gas reimbursements for the spring break trips. 

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Where do you go camping?

During the semester, we will drive approximately 1-3 hours to places like Bastrop State Park, Inks Lake, and Georgetown.

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For our annual Spring Break trip, we usually travel out of state to either New Mexico or Arkansas, but we have gone to Big Bend before as well.

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