A new era has begun for Point Loma Nazarene University’s outdoor clubs, as they are now functioning under the Loma Outside program. The merger unites the three clubs, Loma Hikes, Jesus Rocks and Loma Water Sports, in its event planning, leadership and dedication to the outdoors.
Previously, there was a program called Outdoor Leadership, which functioned out of the ARC on campus; it offered students many ways to get outside. Trips involved surf camping, night kayaking, mud caving and Wilderness First Aid Certifications.
After shifts in leadership, the program lost staffing, and without the support it needed, it diminished. Even though the Outdoor Leadership program dwindled, PLNU students’ desire to be outside didn’t. Clubs like Jesus Rocks, a climbing club, and Loma Hikes, a hiking club, were created by students in an effort to fill the void.
This year, Loma Outside is reemerging by sponsoring the three outdoor-oriented clubs, as a way to make outdoor involvement more accessible for PLNU students.
Milton Karahadian, director of Nicholson Commons, is leading this restructuring. Last year, under his leadership, the clubs partnered and shifted under Loma Outside sponsorship. According to Karahadian, the merger allows them to have more funding, use school vans and have access to more gear.
“The last couple years I have really seen the value and importance of outdoor programming for students,” Karahadian said. “They are really super hungry to be outside.”
Asher Lawson, a third-year applied health science major, is the student manager of Loma Outside. His role is to handle the background and logistical details of Loma Outside, meet with staff and research trails.
Lawson got involved with Loma Outside last year as a volunteer and was able to help run trips because of his EMT certification. He ended up planning trips and got fully immersed quickly. He was then hired by Karahadian as a student manager.
Lawson and three other students chose 18 volunteers to run the three clubs, each with their own coordinator. They reached out to the climbing and hiking clubs that already existed to facilitate the merger by offering more financial support, according to Lawson.
“It was kind of a no-brainer,” Lawson said. “We all have the same goals of getting people outside and showing people the Lord’s love through the outdoors. So why not come all together and do that?”
Malia Morris, a second-year applied health science major, attended the backpacking trip hosted by Loma Hikes over fall break late last month and said the merger has benefited the clubs.
“I had heard that they’re trying to do more with the merge,” Morris said. “I think it is awesome; they should definitely make it bigger; everyone should go on a Loma Outside trip.”
The teams each plan a monthly event and hope to continue bringing students out into nature regularly, Lawson said. Karahadian said he also hopes to reestablish a program called “The Way,” which previously existed under the Outdoor Leadership program, but would now be run by Loma Outside.
“The Way” is a summer outdoor wilderness orientation for first-time students before coming to PLNU. According to Karahadian, it would be an opportunity that leads to stronger student relationships and fellowship.
Students can find more information about upcoming club trips on Instagram at @lomaoutside, the MyPLNU app and the Loma Outside website.
Isa Darisay