GLASGOW, Ky. — For some students, the classroom is where learning begins. For others, it might be a trail, a lake or a quiet stretch of woods.

At Glasgow High School, a new club is hoping to bring those two worlds together, giving students from all backgrounds a chance to step outside, explore the outdoors and learn along the way.

“It’s new, and us being so close to the national park, I think we have to take advantage of that,” said Trace Brooking, one of the students who helped start the club.

Brooking teamed up with another student to pitch the idea to the high school’s site-based decision-making council. He said the council approved the club without hesitation and even expressed interest in taking part.

“We talked about like digitalization and how a lot of students need to unplug and reconnect with nature,” Brooking said.

From a student’s perspective, Brooking said he sees many of his peers consumed by technology, whether they are on their phones or computers. He said he helped start the club to show students there is a world beyond their screens.

“When we get too distracted by what’s on our phone or what’s on our laptop, we can forget our roots and we can forget what’s natural in the world,” he said.

The idea appears to have struck a chord with students. A recent club sign-up drew about 95 signatures, far more than club leaders expected at the outset.

Working with English teacher Jaime McMillan, students have already begun building the club, creating a logo, setting up social media accounts and planning activities for the year ahead.

“I would just love for this to be where they develop that love of nature and that desire to be adventurers and to explore,” McMillan said.

McMillan said she wants the club to remain student-led while sharing her own passion for hiking and the outdoors. She plans to help students develop their ideas, including finding community service opportunities, while encouraging them to take the lead.

Beyond exploring Kentucky’s trails, the group hopes to give back through community service projects and fundraisers.

“This is a club about being outdoors and enjoying nature,” McMillan said. “Part of that, though, is the responsibility of taking care of what we have.”

Getting off the ground

The club is starting from scratch and has plenty of ground to cover.

An anonymous $1,000 donation is helping the group get its footing, but organizers say additional community support would help provide the supplies and equipment students need.

Among the club’s current needs are basic supplies such as bottled water, snacks, a rolling cooler and cooling towels to help students stay prepared and comfortable on the trail.

The group also hopes to purchase a Garmin inReach satellite communicator. The device can provide two-way communication and emergency messaging in areas where cell phone service may be limited, giving club leaders another way to stay connected during hikes.

The club plans to meet during designated Club Days and after school. Organizers are planning one or two hikes this fall, followed by three more during the spring semester.

Those interested in supporting the club can contact McMillan at jaime.mcmillan@glasgow.kyschools.us or call Glasgow High School at 270-651-8801.

The bottom line

Glasgow High School’s new Hiking Club is giving students a chance to unplug, explore Kentucky’s outdoors and take part in service projects.

About 95 students have already expressed interest, and organizers are seeking community support as the club gets started.