It’s 6:45 a.m. While many students are just waking up, some are beginning a quest into the forest.

This group of students are part of the new club at Watertown High School, the Expedition Club, run by English teacher Will MacLaughlin. The club was founded on the idea that students and teachers need to spend more time exploring nature, and less time attached to their screens.

The club, which began this October, has gone on two hikes so far: a morning hike and a nighttime hike, both in Waltham’s Rock Meadow Conservation. Members strapped on their hiking shoes, put away their devices, and took on the trail together.

“It was great to get outside before school. I felt energized and motivated to start the day,” senior and founding member Michael MacNeill said about the morning trip. 

Still small, the club has ambitious goals of taking on more challenging terrain later in the school year, such as hiking Mount Washington. They would also like to incorporate in some overnight trips. Members are thrilled about the possibility of expanding their expeditions. 

This club is like no other and has students excited to get out to experience the world around them.

If you’re interested in joining, talk to Mr. MacLaughlin in Room 346 or email him at [email protected]!

–Nov. 22, 2021–