Stephanie Staines, Yvette Satteson, and Jenice Hildebrand accompany MUAHS students on a hiking trip during the 2025-26 school year.
By NEVAEH BOYD | Journalism Student, Mount Union Area Senior High School
Mount Union, Pa. — MUAHS teacher Stephanie Stains is introducing a new Outdoor Club this year with hopes of creating a welcoming environment where a diverse group of students can come together and enjoy the outdoors.
The Outdoor Club is open to senior high school students. It will include fishing, hiking, learning outdoor skills, participating in local cleanups, visiting state parks, and going on many more exciting adventures. The club will meet year-round, and different fundraisers will be held each season. In addition to Stains, staff members Autumn Byler, Raquel Ernest, Ben Smith, Yvette Satteson, and Danielle Solt will help with the club.
Stains was inspired to create the club through her work as an emotional support teacher in the Special Education Department. She used to take her students on walks, small field trips, and hiking trips to get them up and moving. After seeing how much they enjoyed those experiences, she wanted to create similar opportunities for all senior high school students. She got the Outdoor Club approved and is enthusiastic about making it happen.
Stains wants to create a community where all senior high school students can have fun, spend time outdoors, and build new skills. She explained, “I hope the club will bring a diverse group of kids together, help them make new connections with one another, and allow them to see what Huntingdon County really has to offer.” Stains also hopes to encourage students who do not usually enjoy going outside or hiking to give it a try and discover how engaging it can be.
The Outdoor Club’s first adventure will be a trip to Whipple Dam State Park in Jackson Township, approximately 20 miles from the high school. Whipple Dam is a quiet, family-friendly place known for its beach, picnic areas, and scenic setting. It is a good place to introduce students to the outdoors. The trip will take place Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026.
Throughout the year, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will assist the Outdoor Club. In October, the department will help with activities such as making apple cider, having campfires, and telling old folklore stories. There may also be an opportunity to continue the Outdoor Club during the summer so families can picnic together and get to know one another.
“I just want everyone to have fun,” Stains said.
This article was published as part of Ms. Dimoff’s Journalism class at Mount Union Area Senior High School.
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