Last weekend, a small group of Howard College students traded their usual routines for backpacks and hiking boots as part of the Adventure Club’s latest outing, a two-day backpacking trip to Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The destination: Guadalupe Peak, the highest natural point in Texas at 8,751 feet.  

Unlike a typical day hike, this was a full backpacking trip. That meant carrying everything needed for two days of hiking and an overnight stay. The necessary gear included tents, sleeping gear, food, personal items, and plenty of water, since the trail has no natural water sources. Most packs weighed between 30 and 40 pounds. 

“We could’ve picked an easier trail,” one student said during the climb. “But where’s the fun in that?” 

After hiking to the backcountry campsite on Friday afternoon and cooking a quick meal, the group turned in early. “On Saturday, we were up at 5:30 a.m. to make the final push to the summit, reaching the peak just as the sun started rising.” stated Mick Sudano, Advisor for the student organization. “After celebrating and taking in the view, we returned to camp, packed our gear, and made the long hike back down.” 

“That sense of pushing through something difficult and succeeding is a big part of why we do trips like this. What I enjoy most about these trips is watching people surprise themselves,” added Sudano. “They take on something hard, something they weren’t sure they could do, and they work through it. That moment shifts how they see themselves. It’s not just about the hike. It’s about what the journey uncovers in yourself.” 

Thanks to the funds raised during this year’s 5K Community Fun Run, this backpacking trip was possible. The first annual 5K, which was held on campus earlier this semester, was planned and organized by members of the Adventure Club. Events like that don’t just help raise money, they give students the chance to lead something from start to finish. 

“Planning the 5K was a challenge of its own,” said one student. “There’s a lot more that goes into it than you expect – logistics, marketing, volunteers – but it was worth it. Seeing people show up and support the event while personally challenging themselves felt great.” 

One of the most valuable parts of joining a student organization like the Adventure Club is getting to take personal ownership of a project. It’s a different kind of learning experience than what happens in a lecture hall. Whether you’re leading a community event or hiking on a mountain, you’re making decisions, solving problems, and learning what you’re capable of. 

Since its start in 2018, the Adventure Club has grown into a steady part of student life at the Big Spring campus. Every year, students help plan and lead a range of activities from a large annual student event in the Fall, to the annual 5K, to a few off-campus outdoor recreation opportunities like camping, backpacking, or hiking. Last spring, the group took a day hike to Palo Duro Canyon’s Lighthouse Trail. 

The Adventure Club is open to all Howard College students at the Big Spring campus. You don’t need outdoor experience — just a willingness to participate, get involved, and try something new. If you’re interested in joining this Fall, stop by the Student Life office or sign up on the club’s web page at https://hc4.life/adventure.