input from current Middlebury student re outdoor club

Can a current student comment on the ease of joining clubs at Middlebury, particularly the outdoor club? Daughter of a friend (who is a current student with extensive outdoor experience) said the group is quite cliquey/exclusionary. My daughter is hoping this is not the case. She is also interested in water polo, if any current students are involved. Thank you!!

Has your D been accepted off the waitlist?

Not sure how many current students are actively responding to this forum so I will chime in. My daughter does a lot with the Mountain Club. There probably is an element of perceived cliqueiness (?) since many of the same students like to spend time together pursuing tons of different outdoor experiences. I can see how they could get that reputation since those kids are into outdoor adventures and people are often drawn to others who share the same interests. The club sponsored activities are open to everyone, however, as it isn’t a closed group in any way. Students who want to get involved certainly can… they just have to show up.

Recently, my daughter mentioned the club is making a concerted effort to offer activities with less intense outdoor experiences hoping to appeal to anyone who simply likes to spend time outside… Drawing/painting, bird watching, flower ID, even sitting under a tree singing if that’s what gets enough interest. When winter camping, backcountry skiing, mountain climbing etc. seem too intimidating to some they want to make sure they are offering enough activities to reach out to students who might want to experience the outdoors differently. I hope it works and that more Middkids take advantage of all the Mountain Club has to offer. It’s a great resource at Middlebury and my daughter has experienced many happy adventures with the club.

No @WhataProcess, she is still waiting, but checking out issues that concern her.

Thanks @lr4550. Very helpful. Daughter (and the friend who is a current student) both did a 2-month long wilderness trip in Alaska so have extensive experience. I am getting this third-hand but the vibe was that not everyone can join even if interested/put in effort, which surprised/concerned my daughter who wants to share her passion with others and any/all levels. @lr4550, could I PM you to see if your daughter would be willing to email with my daughter? She was only able to visit Middlebury during spring break last year when there were very few students on campus so she is looking for more contacts.

You bet!