Norton Outdoors Adventures held a leadership expo and gear giveaway last Thursday in the Quad where students could come out and enjoy some outdoor activities.

The event consisted of various activities such as bike riding, hammock relaxation, safe and fun archery, foam sword fighting, and other various games and activities.

Recreation Professor Aaron Conover staged the activity for students with the help of members from NOA.

“It’s an opportunity just for students to come out, hang out, relax, and have some fun and we’re doing a gear giveaway to draw people with that,” Conover explained. “It’s good for students to have a break but to also help students understand that these things are available during the school year.”

First-year Marguerite Perdue’s favorite part was the archery but also the chance to take a break from classes.

“It helps me engage with other students, and it also helps me mentally relax and not worry about stuff,” she shared. “I think it will help me through college, but it also would help others if they came out and did something instead of doing nothing.”

Conover said he enjoys seeing the students be actively engaged.

“My favorite part is seeing students have fun and connect with nature but also seeing students take an interest in Norton Outdoors Adventures”. Conover explained. “We do programs like these in the evenings and on Sundays in the afternoons but once they know what we have here they participate more.

Norton Outdoor Adventures will be doing these activities through the fall and hope to see students come out and become one with nature.