Camp Hydaway holds grand opening
Student Activities provided the chance to participate in biking, a ropes course and other outdoor activites
Students gritted their teeth as they ran, crawled and even carried logs to complete the adventure race at Camp Hydaway Saturday afternoon, Sept. 3. The grand opening of Camp Hydaway at 936 Camp Hydaway Road showcased the recreational opportunities offered to students, such as biking, a ropes course, canoeing, kayaking and a waterslide.
Paddle — An adventure race challenged 10 teams of six students through running, carrying a log and kayaking across the lake at camp. Photo credit: Courtney Russo
Student Activities (SA) hosted the event and provided students with free funnel cakes, a variety of inflatable toys and music.
“This facility will add to the student experience at Liberty, because it gives students more options for what they can do off campus, and it gives them the opportunity to be active outside and enjoy the beautiful weather,” Joshua Saunders, a junior exercise major, said.
SA hosts events for students throughout the entire school year, including the annual Block Party, concerts, open mic nights and other events to keep the student body united.
“I came here today because I wanted a new experience, and I like how this is more outdoorsy than being on campus and gives a fresh adventure,” Natalie Scott, a freshman nursing major, said.
Earlier in the day, students also had the opportunity to participate in the adventure race at the facility that included log races and kayaking.
During the race, 10 teams of six ran to the intramural fields and back to Camp Hydaway facing various challenges along the way. Each team had three females and three males. Gift cards were awarded to first-third place finishers.
“Our goal at (SA) is to give students a sense of community. Camp Hydaway helps us do that, and it gives students the chance to do activities they could not do otherwise,” Abigail McWaters, an SA employee, said.
According to McWaters, the Camp Hydaway property includes a beach, a student center, an ATV Track, bowhunting, and canoe and kayak rentals for students, faculty and staff. The facility is open during both the fall and spring semesters.
Gold — “The Sassy Six” took first place in the adventure race. Photo credit: Courtney Russo
Additionally, more than 50 miles of single and double track trails spanning approximately 5,000 acres run adjacent to the facility and the area part of the Liberty Mountain Trail System.
Camping sites are also available Friday and Saturday nights. There are four locations with four fire pits. If students want to use the campsites, they must fill out a request form a week in advance.
“Camp Hydaway is a positive experience for students and is moving in a good direction in terms of what it offers students when they need a study break,” David Fonseca, a Camp Hydaway employee, said.
According to Fonseca, Liberty purchased the property over the summer from Thomas Road Baptist Church in order to offer more outdoor activities to students.