The UB Explorer’s club, started at the commencement of the Fall 2004 semester by Professor Eric Lehman, is an organization devoted to promoting the participation by UB students in outdoor and extreme activities. Since the club’s commencement, the daring participants have experienced an indoor rock climbing trip as well as two hikes, one of which was at Larsen Nature Sanctuary and the other to Osbourndale State Park. Currently, the club is also planning a weekend camping trip in northern Connecticut on April 9-10.
Professor Eric Lehman, the club’s faculty advisor and founder, had nothing but positive aspirations for the club. Being experienced in hiking and other outdoor activities himself, he decided to provide an opportunity for students to experience the outdoors as well. So far, his idea has been successful among the campus community. The club has approximately 30 to 40 members including club president, Jimmy Chung, who is also enthusiastic about the clubs plans.
Thus far, the club has organized two hiking trips. The first, around mid-November 2004, was to Larsen Nature Sanctuary. Aside from the exhilarating experience and the wildlife spotted, the group was also lucky enough to have snow on the ground, and thus, learned brief information on tracking animals. A second hike in early-December 2004 to Osbourndale State Park in Derby, Connecticut proved successful as well as enjoyable when the participants put their orienteering skills to the test as they navigated through the park. The club, though, is not all about hiking. Just recently in mid-February, the club dared to test their adventurous limits when they participated in a trip to a local rock climbing gym.
Currently, the club is planning to expand on their adventures by finishing out the academic year with a weekend camping trip to upstate Connecticut on April 9-10. The trip will consist of a hike to a cabin located in the area and then finish with a climb to the top of Bear Mountain (the highest point in Connecticut). The trip will not only test the physical exertion of the members but also encourage teamwork among the group as the work is evenly distributed.
The UB Explorers Club is generally open to all UB students. However, in regard to the camping trip in April, the club unanimously decided to limit attendance to solely current club members because of the factor of the occupancy limit on the cabin. However, if you are interested in joining in the future or currently, to assist in planning enriching outdoor activities, feel free to request information. If interested, contact Professor Eric Lehman in his office on the top floor of Dana Hall (next to the Academic Resource Center). Club meetings are on Wednesdays at 6 pm in the Student Center lobby. However, these meeting are on an as-needed basis only.
University of Bridgeport
Monday, July 14, 2025