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New River Clean-Up. Paddlers retrieved trash from the water and banks of the New River in Onslow County, NC. Filled bags of trash are hoisted from
kayaks to larger New River Foundation boats. Club members removed tires from the New River in clean-up efforts with the New River Foundation.

Aware of the challenges to participation, community college- class IV rapids to navigate. Te eXtreme in the club name refers
sponsored clubs could encourage club participation by to completing an activity despite less than desirable conditions.
single mothers and/or working mothers by including family Club members are never put in dangerous weather conditions, but
members in events, providing activities at non-traditional if it is raining, the activity continues in the rain. If the weather is
and varied times, and encouraging participation even if that hot or cold, the club members dress accordingly. Tey do get wet
participation is intermittent. and dirty, but most of the club members will be quick to ofer that
one of the most difcult tasks is awakening in time on a Saturday
First-generation students. Hankin (2003) stated in many morning to be at the van in order to depart by 0400.
instances, community college students are the frst member of Interested students are instructed to send an email stating
their family to attend college. Tese frst-generation students are why they want to join and in what types of activities they
uncertain about what will be involved in their college experience. are most interested in participating. Students have suggested
Many do well, but they are less confdent when they begin. For activities such as fossil collecting, bird photography, crime scene
some, club participation will assist in overcoming individual fears. investigations, museum trips, and never fail each semester to
Aware of the advantages of club participation and these and request a canoe and kayak paddle. Te student responses are
other impediments to participation, the eXtreme science used to guide the eXtreme science club advisors in planning
club implemented some changes. Coastal still has Club Rush the events for the semester. Prior to an event, there is a series of
each semester and students can join the eXtreme science club emails that provide the club members with event particulars such
during the event, but they are not limited to just Club Rush or date, time, necessary apparel, any associated costs, and if family
joining at the beginning of the semester. Students can join the members and/or friends are welcome to join in the activity.
eXtreme science club any time throughout the year. Tere are Within the local community, partnerships were formed that
no club meetings; with the exception of a Student Government signifcantly reduced or eliminated any costs associated with
Representative, there are no club ofcers; there are no club the club events and activities. For example, the eXtreme
dues; there are no fund raisers; however, there are one or more science club partners once each semester with the New River
experiential science activities each month during the semester. Foundation. Located on the North Carolina coast, Coastal
Te eXtreme science club functions somewhat like a “fash students are interested in the New River which empties into
mob”. All communication and club business is conducted via the Atlantic Ocean. At no cost, the New River Foundation
the Internet using Coastal’s Campus Cruiser email system. Te provides canoes and kayaks for club members and guests
Internet can be a valuable tool for clubs to engage students. For during New River clean-up activities. During the activity, club
technology-competent students, the Internet is a way to explore members are accompanied by the New River Riverkeeper, New
options and connect directly to sources of information. To join River Foundation staf, and faculty members from Coastal.
the eXtreme science club, a student sends an email to an eXtreme Participants are briefed about water safety; they learn to paddle
science club advisor requesting to join. Usually a potential club and generate questions about wildlife, ecology, water pollution,
member’s frst question pertains to the word eXtreme in the and community service. At the end of the event, they proudly
club’s name. Coastal is located on the coastal plain of North pose for a picture with the retrieved trash.
Carolina. Tere are no mountains to hike, no repelling, nor any

LEADERSHIP Vol. 20.2 Fall 2014 11

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