With an open invitation to join and participate, University of the Fraser Valley (UFV)’s Student Leisure Outdoor and Wilderness (SLOW) club is changing how students see campus life. In a world where screens and deadlines have taken over our daily lives, SLOW offers an opportunity to go outside, interact with nature, and forge lasting connections. No matter how inexperienced you are with the outdoors, SLOW is here to make the wilderness feel accessible, enjoyable, and like a breath of fresh air during your university experience.
Led by President Sophia Halas and Treasurer Mikaela Barnes — both of whom are up for re-election — SLOW strives to get students outside and link them with other nature enthusiasts. According to Halas, the club’s goal is straightforward, stating that they want “to get people outdoors and make friends with people who like to be outside.” Halas also added that “not everyone who joins our events is super athletic, but they’re all willing to try, and I love that.”
SLOW was started by Halas’s brother and his girlfriend, Stephan Halas and Heather Kelly, five years ago, with Halas leading the club since they graduated. Attracted to the club by her passion for hiking and outdoor pursuits, Barnes joined last year and is now an integral part of its overall management. The club hosts a range of outdoor activities, from easy get-togethers like skating, to strenuous treks and rock climbing. They host events that are open to everyone wanting to try their hand, regardless of what they are capable of. In addition, Barnes emphasized how important inclusivity is, particularly for students who might not have access to a vehicle. “We often choose locations close to campus, and we help students with car-pooling so that everyone has the chance to join, even if they don’t have their own car.”
The ultimate frisbee game, one of SLOW’s latest events for the fall semester, was held on Friday, Sept. 20. The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the club commenced the event, which then came to a close with a fun game of frisbee. “It’s a great way to spend time outside with friends,” said Halas.
To those who might be reluctant to participate, Barnes added, “Our hikes are beginner-friendly. We don’t do anything too intense, like 35-kilometre treks. We keep it easy and fun, so anyone can join.” Halas further explained the club’s purpose is to enjoy the great outdoors rather than focus on winning sports. “We’re all in it together, and we just want to have a fun day. You don’t have to commit to every event — you can pick and choose which ones you want to join.”
When discussing their most treasured memories while being a part of the club, both members emphasized the sense of involvement they felt. Halas also shared about their time on a snowy mountain hike together and talked about how even though things got rough, they managed to stick together and reach the summit. Barnes also mentioned that although rock climbing is not something she often does, she was happy to try it out with the club and experience something she wouldn’t usually go for.
In the future, SLOW hopes to hold events more frequently and keep providing a variety of activities. “In the next semester, we hope to increase the regularity of our events,” added Halas. They intend to draw in even more students who are interested in exploring the outdoors but may not know where to begin. The message they have for UFV’s students is to give it a try. SLOW offers something for everyone. “You don’t have to be athletic or adventurous to join. Come, enjoy yourself, and make new friends,” said Barnes.
SLOW continues to be an essential part of the UFV community, providing students with an opportunity to take a break from their hectic schedules and reconnect with the world around them.
Hello, I’m Gauri Sethi, a passionate staff writer at the Cascade responsible for writing content that resonates with the masses. Currently, I am pursuing business administration, but deep down, I am a person who loves expressing herself through writing.