a class of endurance, strength and fun
– Staff Writer –
In this age of cell phones, digital television and MP3 players, sometimes a person will forget the simple gifts the world has to offer. At STLCC-Meramec, students can abandon the world of technology and jump head-first into their natural roots. The physical education department offers several chances for students to become acquainted with nature. PE 106: Backpacking and Hiking is one of them.
The one-credit-hour course is taught by Ambre Tiggs, the owner and trip coordinator of Ginkgo Adventures, who has led several backpacking expeditions in Missouri. Tiggs started the outfitting company in hopes that Missourians would take advantage of the state’s remarkable beauty.
“I learned that the backwoods of Missouri are beautiful, and I’d like to spend more time there,” said student Doug Larson, who grew up camping with his family and had recently returned from a summer backpacking expedition in Yellowstone National Park. Compared to his adventures, Larson said PE 106 “was a walk in the park.”
The course consists of one mandatory orientation meeting, where students meet at the Meramec campus and review the syllabus and supplies. A few weeks later, the class gathers at Castlewood State Park in Ballwin for a brief lesson on proper campsite preparation and first aid. Then they hit the trails for a day’s hike through the woodland hills.
Although some may find Castlewood trails strenuous, the actual level of students’ endurance is tested when the class meets for a final time at Meramec State Park, where they participate in an overnight excursion that includes a hike into the backwoods of Missouri.
While most students that enroll in the course have an interest in camping, few are experts, and many have never backpacked long distances. “It doesn’t take any experience to go backpacking, but you should go with someone who knows what they are doing,” said student Emily Curry, who had never backpacked before taking the course. “Very few of us had backpacking experience, but our instructor told us what to bring ahead of time so that we were all prepared.”
Leading more than 20 students through the trails, Tiggs kept a quick pace while all equipment was carried in backpacks. “When we set up camp, it was like we built a whole village and we carried everything on our backs,” said Curry. “It was awesome.”
General equipment included tents, flashlights, sleeping bags and, of course, food. Larson, who carried a camping stove, fed many campers when he made beans, rice and salsa. Curry shared Trader Joe’s canned chili, and others brought corn, potatoes and even coffee. “The most difficult thing for me was planning the meals because I like to eat and I didn’t want to run out of food. We actually brought plenty of food and shared it all so we weren’t eating too much of the same thing,” Curry said. “And of course we had s’mores, too. It was a feast.”
While the students were instructed to pack as lightly as they could, Tiggs allowed them to bring one luxury item to enjoy on the overnight trip. Larson brought his calculus textbook, Curry brought her coffee percolator, and one student even brought his guitar.
While the trip was exhausting for some, each student proved high endurance and strength while working as a team. “Everything was a group effort,” said Curry. “It took a lot of stamina, but everyone made it through. We drank lots of water, kept the morale high, and got through it together.”
