Adventures beyond the kitchen: The Culinary Institute of America Outdoors Club
By: Hayden Moore
Since 1946, the Culinary Institute of America has been known for its renowned food. With the largest staff of certified master chefs in the country and students united by their passion for cooking, food is woven into everything they do and teach. With a student body of around 3,000, the campus is an inspiring melting pot of faculty and students representing every U.S. State and over 30 countries. At the CIA, students enrich the campus with their diverse backgrounds and viewpoints, and you’ll find all the ingredients you need to make an unforgettable college experience. For Eddie Steele and an adventurous group of individuals, they are looking to offer students an opportunity to step outside the confines of the kitchen and into the natural beauty that surrounds the campus.
Steele, a sophomore majoring in Food business and Culinary, is the president of the Outdoors Club. The club was founded in 2022, however, it wasn’t until Spring 2023 that the club was in full swing. “I’m excited about this club because it gives people a chance to experience the outdoors whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned outdoorsman,” said Steele. “It gives them new experiences that they never had growing up letting us almost reconnect to our natural roots for a bit of time.”
The outdoors club is labeled as the “coolest club on campus.” Starting on February 4, students will be able to explore the beauties that the Hudson Valley has to offer. From Mt. Beacon to the FDR farm trail five minutes up the road, the club members will finally be able to step away from the kitchen and connect with people of similar interests, as well as serve as a means of stress relief. Typically taking place on Sunday mornings, the group gathers at the CIA tennis courts where they carpool to the location. From there, the journey begins. Hiking and enjoying the outdoors, it is a great opportunity for anyone to see life outside the CIA. “It makes you feel alive,” said Emma Gugliotta, vice president of the outdoors club. “I played softball for 10 years and always loved being outdoors and exploring the Hudson Valley with my friends.”
In addition to hikes, the club meets in the multi-purpose room on campus in the Egg once a month to discuss upcoming hikes and unofficial trips. This is a good time for board members to catch up with student members and potentially recruit new members to the club. Unofficial trips are still in the works and until the group can recruit a chaperone to join them, the group cannot go on unofficial tours. With a chaperone, the club will look to offer fishing and camping trips. The CIA also offers club con to students on campus. Much like a student activities fair, it is a great way to learn about clubs on campus and meet new friends. Look out for the outdoors club! The club in the past has offered awesome prizes including waterproof speakers, hiking backpacks, and hiking first aid kits. And of course, you can’t have a Culinary event without food. Harrison Taylor, a sophomore culinary science major, enjoys baking brownies and cookies and frequently pulls up to hikes with delicious treats for the group.
With warm weather on the way, it’s a great opportunity to join the coolest club on campus. You’ll find passionate, hardworking cooks who are looking to make the CIA more than just a place of good food. You’ll learn all about the great outdoors and what it has to offer, and you’ll learn more about the community you live in like never before. Not much is needed to join the club, just a good pair of walking shoes, a bottle of water, and the energy to take on the beautiful Hudson Valley region.
