When students hear the word “club,” the first thing they picture is a room filled with snacks and people sitting in chairs, listening to a lecture or presentation. But for Menlo’s nature-themed clubs, meetings aren’t constrained within four walls — walking to the edge of the redwood grove or managing a bee farm offer students an escape from mundane school routines and a chance to reconnect with nature.
Menlo Outdoor Club organizes field trips across Northern California and brings in guest speakers ranging from whitewater kayakers to Menlo alumni to teach practical outdoor skills and share personal stories from the field.
Junior and Vice President of the Outdoors Club Ryan Weinswig detailed how the club gave him a way to turn that interest into something real. “I’ve really always wanted to kind of have the opportunity to go on these hikes. […] When my friend approached [asking] me to join this club and potentially lead it, I thought it was a perfect opportunity,” Weinswig said.
Beekeeping Club has also grown in popularity among students. During afterschool meetings on Mondays and on weekends, members care for the hives, bottle honey and make beeswax products like candles and balms.
According to junior Inaya Abdulkariem, leader of Beekeeping Club, her nature awakening stemmed from this involvement. “Knowing that our work directly supports the environment made me want to be more involved and committed,” Abdulkariem said.
She feels that managing real tasks — from organizing events to caring for the bee colony — has allowed her to find a purpose. “I learned that when people feel trusted with real responsibility, they step up, and that creates a stronger sense of community,” Abdulkariem said.
Inspired by his goal to try new experiences and appreciate as many nature areas as possible, history teacher Nicholas Merlesena became the faculty advisor of the Climbing Club, which involves finishing up a DIY climbing wall located in Redwood Grove, as well as providing more opportunities for climbing outdoors and indoors.
“I am a big fan of the outdoors […]. Going to areas like shoreline or Castle Rock or all the different hiking slash trails in Pacifica and Half Moon Bay have all been amazing experiences,” he said.
Weinswig’s motivation also stems from the dissatisfaction of constantly staying indoors, buried in homework and stuck in the same school day routine. “I’m on my screen, on my phone, my computer, doing work and having the opportunity to step back and get out in nature on a hike is really relaxing,” Weinswig said.
While Outdoors Club offers more hands-on adventure, Beekeeping Club proves that helping the environment doesn’t have to be complicated. Small, hands-on activities like packaging honey can make a difference in the community. “Connecting with nature doesn’t have to be extreme. It can be simple, welcoming and meaningful,” Abdulkareim said.
