Be forewarned that this column is written by a member of the Outing Club, and that I am writing to represent the Club, with the whole group’s knowledge and permission. I hope that those who read Hunter Hague’s letter last week take the time to hear our reply. It’s easy to generalize and stereotype: change a few words in Hunter’s letter and it can apply to anyone on campus. I believe that was what Hunter was trying to say, and I hope that in defending my house, everyone will see he simply choose a poor example.
The only genuine criticism Hunter laid out was that the OC has an intimidating group presence.
I was once a freshman and I too felt that the Outing Club was intimidating. As Hunter said though, we are not intimidating individuals. I admit that this has been a problem the OC has dealt with for a long time, but I am completely sincere in saying that we want to change that fact. We are all here to provide a service for campus, we are all human, and I believe we are making great improvements to out image. Ask any junior or senior you know, they will tell you that the OC is tamer and more open than ever before. This isn’t a mistake, or an illustration of how we have lost our edge; this is an example of our ongoing efforts to better our club.
We have been leading more trips than ever, and we are committed to not being intimidating. If you think we are intimidating Hunter, then come on an OC trip. If you think we are exclusive campus, then remember our parties, our events, and our trips. As a house we don’t take the privilege of living together lightly; we spend much of our free time not only enjoying the out of doors, but also facilitating others enjoyment. Though our community may seem intimidating because we are friends living together, it is not because we are mean or arrogant, or because we want to appear to be. Look at any house or dorm on campus; it is an unfortunate fact that the greater campus is cloistered and “click”y. But it doesn’t have to be. I mean shit! I actually thought the library was intimidating, until I gave it a try. After I got royally screwed on an OC trip my freshman year, I gave the club another shot. Now I’m asking you to. Give the Outing Club a chance to prove that we provide and inclusive service to campus. Please take us up on a trip, or come to our house.
And PLEASE, give the embattled mustache a home on your upper lip. Please join us at our party on Friday the thirteenth. Everyone is invited and welcome.
Enjoy the outdoors for your own reasons, and so what if our rain jackets are name brand. We know that outings aren’t about clothing, they’re about having fun.
-Your friendly neighborhood Outing Club
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