'Voyageurs' explore
Megan O'Donnell
Issue date: 2/5/10 Section: Features
As the new semester begins, the Bonavoyageurs has been gearing up for new adventures.
The Bonavoyageurs, an outdoors club, has been "resurrected," according to Tony Zambito, a sophomore political science major and Bonavoyageurs vice president.
Over the past few years, Bonavoyageurs membership has declined but interest has sparked recently.
The club goes hiking, canoeing, rock climbing, horseback riding and camping. Students in the Bonavoyageurs engage in outdoor activities that take full advantage of all the beauty that surrounds Bonaventure, according to the group's mission statement.
"It's so free-form, and we have so many opportunities in this area for outdoor activity," Zambito said. "It's all about exploring the space around us … there is never any commitment to the club."
Zambito stressed even if students are not experienced, they should not hesitate to join. The club focuses on people's new experiences with nature.
"We aren't horseback riding experts," Zambito said. "No one needs to be nervous."
According to Chris Radey, a sophomore English major and Bonavoyageurs member, students do not need to worry about money when they join.
"Just show up. (You) don't need to pay. Just enjoy," Radey said.
The Student Government Association (SGA) and private donations fund the club's trips and activities.
The Bonavoyageurs usually have a turnout between five and 10 people each trip, Father Harry Monaco, O.F.M., the club's faculty adviser, said.
Members hope to see Bonavoyageurs expand.
"I would definitely like to see more people getting involved, especially people who aren't familiar with the outdoors, and I would also like to see as many trips as possible," Zambito said.
Bonavoyageurs flourished when the club began, but in past years, membership has died out, Radey said.
Monday, the Bonavoyageurs held an interest meeting in University Ministries to recruit new members. At the interest meeting, 30 people attended, and the current group members hope interest will continue.
The Bonavoyageurs, an outdoors club, has been "resurrected," according to Tony Zambito, a sophomore political science major and Bonavoyageurs vice president.
Over the past few years, Bonavoyageurs membership has declined but interest has sparked recently.
The club goes hiking, canoeing, rock climbing, horseback riding and camping. Students in the Bonavoyageurs engage in outdoor activities that take full advantage of all the beauty that surrounds Bonaventure, according to the group's mission statement.
"It's so free-form, and we have so many opportunities in this area for outdoor activity," Zambito said. "It's all about exploring the space around us … there is never any commitment to the club."
Zambito stressed even if students are not experienced, they should not hesitate to join. The club focuses on people's new experiences with nature.
"We aren't horseback riding experts," Zambito said. "No one needs to be nervous."
According to Chris Radey, a sophomore English major and Bonavoyageurs member, students do not need to worry about money when they join.
"Just show up. (You) don't need to pay. Just enjoy," Radey said.
The Student Government Association (SGA) and private donations fund the club's trips and activities.
The Bonavoyageurs usually have a turnout between five and 10 people each trip, Father Harry Monaco, O.F.M., the club's faculty adviser, said.
Members hope to see Bonavoyageurs expand.
"I would definitely like to see more people getting involved, especially people who aren't familiar with the outdoors, and I would also like to see as many trips as possible," Zambito said.
Bonavoyageurs flourished when the club began, but in past years, membership has died out, Radey said.
Monday, the Bonavoyageurs held an interest meeting in University Ministries to recruit new members. At the interest meeting, 30 people attended, and the current group members hope interest will continue.
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