Due to the ongoing pandemic, there are many COVID-19 protocols that limit how clubs will run on Blackburn College this semester. However, there are a few clubs that still intend to meet. Among them are the CKI, the art club, and a new Bible study group.
This is the CKI Poster that was sent out through Blackburn announcement emails.
Junior creative writing major Emma Hall is the current president of CKI, a volunteer based club on campus. In order to comply with current protocols, the club will meet virtually through Google Meet every Wednesday at 6 p.m. “We want to keep our members as safe as possible,” said Hall. “But there are a few volunteer opportunities that will be in person.”
Furthermore, holding virtual meetings allows for remote learners to participate as well. “It was very important to us that we be as accessible as possible to remote learners–which was a big deciding factor when we chose to function completely virtual this semester,” Hall said. The CKI are still figuring out how to transition to an online setting, but the club will be easing into it so everyone involved can adjust.
The art club is a place where students can work on a variety of crafts, such as drawing, making pins, pottery, and more. It has yet to start meeting, but the club still intends to run this year. “We can only manage 12 people at once in the Ceramics building due to COVID,” said sophomore psychology and history major Lexi Snow, who is the president of the art club. “We will be social distancing, and avoid sharing supplies unless properly sanitized after use. Masks will be worn at all times to assure the safety of both the students and our professor.” In the case of a larger outcome of students, the club plans to set up a reservation system through Google Calendar.
“The first activity that Art Club will be hosting is on Halloween night! We plan on doing pumpkin carving and candy is guaranteed. Since it’s a Halloween event we hope to see students dressed in their spookiest costumes!” Snow said. She remains optimistic about running the club this semester in hopes of creating a laid back and inspiring environment for students in spite of COVID-19.
The new Bible study group currently meets outside of Lumpkin Library every Tuesday and Friday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The group is meant to be open and laid back. Everyone is welcome to stop by at any time during the meetings, and there are no requirements to join. “It’s a place for students to come and grow their faith,” said freshman graphic design major Cameron Miller, who started and runs the group. “It’s also for students who may not have a faith but want to come and learn more about Christ.”
Cameron Miller runs the new Bible study group.
In order to adhere to the COVID-19 protocols, the Bible study group gathers outside when weather allows so that they can maintain social distancing. Miller said, “Lord willing, we’ll find somewhere to meet indoors while still allowing us to social distance once winter comes.”
The current pandemic has changed how clubs will run, but club leaders remain optimistic as they continue to plan meetings. However, some of these clubs may struggle with finding members because in order for the club to be approved, they must have a minimum of eight members. Remote students may feel like they cannot participate in clubs since they are not on campus, and none of the guidelines for club approval have been edited to accommodate them for COVID-19 related issues. For more updates on more clubs and activities, keep an eye on the Blackburn announcements and the bulletin boards around campus.