As sneakers hit the leaf-strewn dirt of Sanborn County Park in Saratoga on Sunday, Oct. 2, 11 members of the Spartan Club gazed up at the almost barren trees and stormy clouds. The trail led them through the forest to a rock almost hanging off the mountain face.

Stopping alongside scenic areas and spray-painted rocks to pose for pictures, the hikers finally reached Summit Rock after 2.5 hours, where they saw “amazing views of the valley,” as club president sophomore David Berkowitz-Sklar said.

In the morning, the hiking club met in the high school’s front parking after postponing their first hike due to Homecoming move-in week. Berkowitz-Sklar contacted potential members and posted information about the hikes through the club’s Facebook page, even though he has plans to schedule formal meetings at school.

As a result of his love for hiking and the outdoors, Berkowitz-Sklar wanted to form a club that was more than just a classroom environment, and where people could go out and explore the world around them.

“I enjoy the thrill of being far from civilization and relying solely on your peers,” Berkowitz-Sklar said. “The element of spontaneity in nature is very exciting.”

By combining physical exercise and the exploration of nature, the Spartan club was born.

“The dictionary defines Spartan as ‘showing indifference to comfort or luxury traditionally associated with ancient Sparta,’” Berkowitz-Sklar said. “This club is all about that Spartan mentality, as we keep pushing forward.”

With an unofficial count of 60 members and an estimated 15 active participants, the club aims to go on two hikes per month: one of a longer distance, and another shorter one.

Berkowitz-Sklar is serving as club president, while his vice presidents are sophomores Dorian Glon, Ryan Ho and Max Zhuk. English and World Geography teacher Susanna Ryan is the club adviser.

While the Spartan Club is centered mostly around hiking, Berkowitz-Sklar hopes to “explore nature and take advantage of it. Rock climbing and canoeing are just some of the ways to add an element of fun to appreciating nature.”

The Spartan Club is already underway, but Berkowitz-Sklar is still hoping for more people to join.

“You don’t have to be in the best shape to go and have fun in the outdoors,” Berkowitz-Sklar said. “Being in nature is the ultimate refresher.”