GROSSMONT COLLEGE, Sept. 15– On campus with extra time on your hands, new to campus, don’t know anyone? Solution: look into the student clubs on campus. As of last year there were over 30 of them, ranging in interests from Orthopedic Technology to Fencing and beyond. Each club has its own distinct unique, quality, and feel.

New clubs are formed every year as student interests and population change. Recently, the various clubs set up information booths on the Main Quad, and there was much to be learned.  For example, how many people are aware that the Orthopedic Technology club has been ranked number one in the nation in training and employment? The club offers a one-year program beginning in August of each year teaching such skills as how to apply casts, splints, braces and so on. It is taught by working orthopedists who provide firsthand input on working in the field.

Another club is the Fencing Club, which also styles itself the “Society for Creative Anachronism.”  Members like to re-create the fun parts of the Middle Ages by wearing fancy costumes, engaging in archery contests, fighting with swords and shields , dancing, flirting, singing, cooking, and more.

The group is part of a world-wide non-profit movement that re-creates life in Europe and Asia before 1600.  Beverly Patrick, president of the Fencing Club for three semesters, says the club has no pre-requisites to join.  It’s slogan is  “because real friends stab you in the front.”

Another campus group, the International Club, extends its membership to everyone–not just to foreign students. Aydan Mahshid, the club’s vice president, said that the club with more than 100 members is one of the largest on campus and has numerous students of all races, ethnicities, and creeds.

The club makes a variety of field trips from the campus.  Destinations range from water parks, the zoo and Wild Animal Park  to hiking, sports, snorkeling, BBQ’s and more. The club offers discounted admissions for all its members.  This coming Friday, Sept. 17,  the club will have a snorkeling event in La Jolla.

Another of the intriguing campus clubs is Future Broadcasters of America. The club runs in conjunction with Griffin Radio. The club is comprised of MCom 119 students. Being in Future Broadcasters of America clubs has its certain perks, among them hanging around the Griffin radio station.

Joshua Jensma, the station’s manager, said  “if you have any general interest in radio, this is the club to be in.” The club and radio station run hand in and hand, offering music non-stop in all genres and without commercials.  It  has a top 30 play list that is never repeated. Because the station can be heard on the web , the shows may be heard all over the world.

To establish a club on campus, an organization must have at least 10 members. If you feel passionate about something—perhaps you and your friends are fans of scary movies–you can contact The ASGC,  and start you own club.

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Ellis is a student in Media Comm 132, the class that publishes the GC Summit