President Abigail Kessler (’26), Vice President Ethan Scrudato (‘26), and Secretary Samuel Jurcazak (‘26) run Adventure Club at AGHS. They meet on Wednesdays at lunch in room 707 and Science Teacher James Colgan is their staff advisor. At these weekly meetings, they typically see 30 to 40 students in attendance.
The student-run club is a casual environment. The club leaders hope this makes it an inclusive and inviting environment for new members, as well as for those who have been attending the club for multiple years. Kessler took over the presidency of Adventure Club after being asked to assume the position by the previous president.
Kessler knew the club would be a good fit for her, because she likes the outdoors.
“I do backpacking, camping, [and], in the wintertime, I snowboard,” Kessler said. “I do a lot outside and I’m a pretty experienced climber. Since I do a lot outside already, I just figured: why not do it with the club?”
Adventure Club aims to host monthly activities. One weekend, they host a hike that is recommended only for those with experience in hiking and climbing to partake in. On another weekend, they will host an outing that is suitable for those without experience.
So far, they have been to Big Falls and Rincionada Mines this school year. Kessler tries to only organize group-hikes on trails that she or someone in the group has done before, so there is, at least, one well-informed person in the group.
“Sometimes I’ll throw out suggestions or ask people if they have any [ideas] for what we do that weekend and we just go from there,” Kessler said.
There are between 10 and 20 students who attend the less-challenging hikes and significantly fewer who attend the more challenging paths.
“I’m trying to do a camping trip this year for the people who don’t have backpacking gear,” Kessler said. “Big Sur is the closest, but we can go up to four hours away.”
For Kessler, Adventure Club is another outlet to the outdoors.
“I just love being outside. It’s arguably my favorite thing to do, so it’s nice to be able to connect with people who have the same interests as me.”
The officers of Adventure Club promote it by posting on their instagram (@aghs.adventures), relying on word of mouth, lunchtime activities, and putting up posters throughout campus.
