Even after about 71 years, the Penn State Outing Club is still going strong with almost 200 members.

"We're looking for new members all the time," said Outing Club President Kurt Lathrop.

When the organization began in 1920, its members said their purpose was to hike and appreciate the environment. This first outing club lasted until it disbanded in 1932. The PSOC re-formed in 1953 with a broader intent than the original organization -- to stimulate appreciation of outdoor activities.

Lathrop said the club is divided into seven main divisions: canoeing, biking, cross-country skiing, hiking, equestrian, alpine skiing and mountaineering. The club tries to have a major outing each week in one of the divisions, he said, and all ability levels are welcome.

While most of the members are undergraduates, 16 percent are graduate students and 10 percent are State College area residents, Lathrop said.

Some members said they joined the club to get closer to nature.

"The people are down to earth and it gets you away from town," said club member Charlotte Jeffreys (sophomore-environmental resource management).

Lathrop echoed her sentiments.

"It sounded like fun," he said, adding it is a way to meet a lot of different people.

Since some activities depend on the weather, the club sometimes has to cancel or reschedule outings, Lathrop said.

A Cross Country Ski Fest planned for Feb. 3 was cancelled due to lack of snow and because many people do not like to hike when it is very cold, Lathrop said.

Canoeing, which is the most popular division, can occur year-round because many canoeing activities are held in the McCoy Natatorium, he added.

Although most planned activities occur within the State College area, the Alpine Skiing Division is planning two ski trips during spring break -- one to Vermont and one in the West, Lathrop said.

Lathrop said the group stresses safety in all activities.

The club recently held a "Learn to Ski Night" at Tussey Mountain, he said. "No one wants to see anyone get hurt."

Besides outings, the hiking and cross country skiing divisions rent equipment to students at low prices, Jeffreys said.

The club's next major outing will be the Penn State Pool Slalom at 9 a.m. on Feb. 24 in McCoy Natatorium.