(828) 262 3431
Student Life

Little known clubs at Appalachian State University

App State boasts over 400 campus clubs for students to join. Some students come to college knowing what they like to do and what they want to do after graduation, which makes it easy to find organizations that fit their interests and professional development goals.

For some, traditional organizations like Student Government Association or sororities and fraternities aren’t a good fit. If you’re still exploring your interests or just want to learn something new, try meeting with some of these lesser known campus organizations. If you still can’t find the perfect club, visit Club Council to find out more about starting your own.

App State Swing Dance Club

The App State Swing Dance Club is keeping the 1920s style dance alive with free lessons and dances every week. No experience is required to join the club or attend the various dance workshops held throughout the semester. Swing is a fast-paced partner dance, so this club is perfect for people looking to make new friends or looking for a fun way to stay active. Meetings are in the Varsity Gym entrance from 7:30-10 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday. Monday’s dance is the lindy hop, and Wednesday features west coast swing.

App State Knitters and Crocheters

If you’re looking for a club that makes you feel warm and fuzzy, even when you’re away from the friends you made there, the App State Knitters and Crocheters is the group for you. Each Monday from 7:30-8:30 p.m. this organization continues the tradition of creating all kinds of fiber arts — knitting, crocheting, sewing, embroidery, and cross stitching. All materials are provided and officers can teach people who are new to the craft how to create hats, scarves, stuffed animals, and wall art step-by-step. The App State Knitters and Crocheters meet in the New River Room of Plemmons Student Union.

ASU Printmaking Club

Non-art students probably aren’t aware of the printing lab in Katherine Harper Hall. The Printmaking Club brings students of all majors and Watauga County residents into the printmaking space to practice art. Members of the club can design T-shirts, patches, and other artwork and use different various printing techniques at each meeting. Escape overpriced, environmentally damaging fast fashion products by repurposing fabric and giving new life to your clothing. Maybe your art will even be published in The Peel, a campus literary arts magazine. The club also organizes print sales, so you can share your artwork with the rest of Boone. Meetings are at 6 p.m. on Mondays on the second floor of Katherine Harper Hall.

High Country Herpetology Club

Appalachian State is located in the Southeastern U.S., a biodiversity hotspot for amphibians and reptiles — especially salamanders. The herpetology club is the place for students who love scaly or slimy critters to observe and discuss what they find in nature. Many animals can be found on campus, but the club also partners with the biology department for travel and research opportunities. Meeting times vary based on weather and location, but visit the club’s Facebook page to join and learn more about the often misunderstood animals.

Appalachian Trail Crew

Looking to spend time outside, get dirty, and help sustain the outdoors around Boone? The Appalachian Trail Crew is just the organization for you. The crew travels to popular hiking spots near Watauga County like Grandfather Mountain and the Appalachian Trail. Trail maintenance is hard work, but you’ll feel good about providing an important service to outdoorsmen in the area. The crew also occasionally takes hiking and camping trips for fun — no conservation work required.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by App_State_Trail_Crew (@appstatetrailcrew) on


________
Articles written by students, for students

Nora Smith graduated ASU in December 2019 with a degree in Journalism after living with The Winkler Organization for 2 years. She is currently working in Pittsburg, PA. Follow Nora on Instagram.

Featured photographer

Wes Hicks is a local photographer currently based in Charlotte, NC. Follow Wes on Instagram to learn more about him and his photos of the Boone area.

Do you have a story to share?

Email us with your ideas and we’ll feature your article on our site!