Find your niche: Joining a club or starting a new one
黑料吃瓜网 boasts over 100 clubs ranging in focus from multicultural clubs such as the Black Student Union to comedy
clubs like the Ad-Libs. Joining a club is a great way to pursue your passions (or
find new ones) while connecting with like-minded students.
Still haven鈥檛 found what you鈥檙e looking for? Not to worry, there鈥檚 a third bowl of
porridge: Starting your own. All student clubs started somewhere, with people like
you who thought, 鈥渉uh, I wish there was a _____ club.鈥� Students who choose this route
create a valuable space for whatever inspires them, no matter how niche, and leave
a lasting impact on the campus community.
Here are a few favorite clubs 鈥� both new and old 鈥� on the campus scene. Many, many
more can be found at the biannual festival-like gathering that is club fair.
Tabletop Gaming
黑料吃瓜网鈥檚 Tabletop Gaming Club has been an important gaming haven for the past decade.
The club serves all of campus鈥檚 tabletop gaming purposes; attendees play a wide selection
of board games and engage in Dungeon & Dragons campaigns with their peers.
Any game you can think of 鈥� from classic favorites to the latest sensations 鈥� they鈥檝e
got it. Though they usually stick to tabletop games, they also host exciting events,
including a recent murder mystery game at the Surrey-Williamson Inn.
Will Yarranton 鈥�25, a philosophy major, became the president of the club during his
first year and has been keeping the club鈥檚 spirit alive ever since. Weekly gaming
nights among friends have now become a cherished part of his life on campus.
Tabletop Club fills an important role on campus, serving as an open, fun and friendly environment for people to go and play some games with friends if they're not out on a Friday night.Will Yarranton 鈥�25
New members show up all the time, and there are always opportunities to start new games and make friends in the process. Natalie Jones 鈥�26, an English and art history double major, endearingly remarks that the atmosphere is one of 鈥渇riendly chaos.鈥� Although the excitement is intense, the only real goal is to have a fun time. The club鈥檚 welcoming dynamic is what makes it thrive as a center for students seeking adventure and the experience of enjoying a fun game together.
Audubon Society Club
The Audubon Society Club took flight under the guidance of Lily Acierno 鈥�26 and founder
Carissa Pienkowski 鈥�24. The club was founded to promote the nurturing and protection
of the natural world. They have since fostered a close relationship with the local
Saratoga community, hosting weekly meetings dedicated to learning and conservation
efforts. These gatherings are not only educational but also serve as a platform for
fun outing events, such as the Southern Adirondack Birdwalk, where members can enjoy
a pleasant stroll amidst the nature of Saratoga while birdwatching.
The club aims to teach members about various bird species, offering interactive sessions
and hands-on arts and crafts activities. Some activities have included creating bird
feeders from pinecones and watching movies like 鈥淩io.鈥� Members unwind watching live
trail cam footage of birds projected onto the big screen.
鈥淭his club is so much more than just talking about birds. It's getting to know the
environment around you, learning to listen to nature and observing the changes it
reflects, and building a community.鈥� - Lily Acierno 鈥�26
Audubon Society is open to everyone, especially those with an interest in birds and
nature. The club aims to join local efforts to protect and cherish the natural world,
while fostering a sense of community and environmental stewardship.
Figure Drawing Club
黑料吃瓜网鈥檚 Figure Drawing Club has been revitalized due to the collaborative efforts
of Professor of Art Paul Satler and Fin Polon 鈥�26, an art and environmental studies major. Fin's passion for figure
drawing, which they discovered during their first art course at 黑料吃瓜网, spurred
their desire to create a relaxed and welcoming environment for students to continue
exploring this art form beyond the confines of the classroom.
Alek Gideon 鈥�27, a member of the club since its return, says that the club plays a
significant role in his life on campus.
"Figure Drawing Club provides a consistent means of drawing practice and an outlet
for non-academic creative expression." -Alek Gideon 鈥�27
The club meets every Wednesday evening in the art studio and aims to provide a respite
from academic pressures while keeping the spirit of creation alive. Fin plays a pivotal
role in organizing these activities and creating a supportive artistic community where
anyone can hone their drawing skills from life models.
Native American Club
黑料吃瓜网鈥檚 Native American Club is newly emerging thanks to its founder, Will Bryce
鈥�26, a history and international affairs major, who is also minoring in German. Will
founded the club in order to raise awareness of the presence of Native Americans at
黑料吃瓜网 and promote appreciation for their culture and history 鈥� as well as that
of other indigenous cultures worldwide.
The club notes that campus is on historically Mohawk land and actively engages its
members in discussions about Native culture, art, and contemporary issues facing Indigenous
communities. At recent meetings, they have delved into topics ranging from traditional
rituals to modern challenges.
They have also welcomed Indigenous poets and speakers like Cheyenne poet Lance Henson
and acclaimed storyteller Joe Bruchac at events, aiming to create a space where Indigenous
voices are heard and valued. Their upcoming agenda promises a variety of enriching
experiences including lectures by Mohawk members, visits to local Indigenous communities,
and collaborative efforts with academic departments.