RamCamp brings together students and the outdoors
By Gabriela Reni
Love for nature and the desire to make new friends are the only requirements needed to join City College’s RamCamp Club.
Named after the college mascot, RamCamp was founded by students Elson Law and Richard De Amicis at the beginning of this year’s spring semester. While the club began as a small group of friends who enjoyed hiking and camping together, they eventually made it official and now meet every other Saturday morning.
“What’s so amazing about San Francisco is that there are so many beautiful places all around the city and because a lot of people are new to this city, they aren’t even aware of all these places,” math major and RamCamp treasurer Cordelia Carlisle said. “Even Mount Davidson. It is in the middle of San Francisco and has a beautiful view.”
Between math classes and working full time, Carlisle said for her, RamCamp is a literal escape into the wilderness where she can breathe fresh air and meet new people.
“It’s really special because sometimes you get so set on your routine, and you don’t have that opportunity,” Carlisle said.
The club’s current focus is on getting the word out, as it is ready to expand and big plans are drawn for the near future.
“The larger the group we have, the more exposure you have to meet new friends,” Carlisle said. “If we can make friends that will last past this experience, it will be amazing.”
Next trip will be to Muir Woods National Monument, north of San Francisco. Next semester when the weather is nicer, they will head to Lake Tahoe for three nights, where a large cabin is already reserved through fundraising by selling pizza in the Ram Plaza.
“We are going to do daytime activities like hiking depending on the weather, some snow activities, and at night, just hang out, grilling and having a good time,” Carlisle said.
“I think it’s great to bond and interact with other members of this school over something that we all have in common, away from any kind of stereotype, superficiality and all those kinds of things that people might have when they meet you,” RamCamp member Sara Morsy said. “So it’s great to be somewhere where it’s neutral and there is a beautiful scenery, and it is fully stress relieving. It’s a great experience. I am really excited to go on the next hike.”
Carlisle and Law are available during office hours in Room 209 at the Student Union on Ocean Campus, and through email at ccsframcamp@gmail.com for more information.