The Jack of All Trades

A new year brings a new semester, signaling a fresh start for us. There is no better time than the present to pick up a new hobby or finally start the one you have been thinking about for years.

So, why not find a hobby that’s worth your while and will last more than just a week? In celebration of the endless opportunities of the spring semester, VALLEY has found three clubs to get you back into learning new things for the new year.

Traditional Tea Ceremony Clubs

During the harsh and seemingly never ending winter season, you might try to warm up with a nice cup of tea. Did you know that Penn State has three clubs dedicated to traditional East Asian tea ceremonies?

Darye, Chanoyu and Gongfu Cha are three variations of these ceremonies from Korean, Chinese and Japanese cultures.

These three practices are an art form, with specific techniques that are sacred to each. While each ceremony varies in the methods and materials due to the varied regions and cultures in which they are practiced, they all provide participants the opportunity to learn more about these cultures and their practices.

The Traditional Korean Tea Ceremony Club explores the art of Darye through an interactive experience that promotes other elements of tea culture such as calligraphy and poetry.

The Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony Club focuses on the techniques used in Chanoyu through a live demonstration and workshop, providing the necessary skills to conduct a tea ceremony at home.

The Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony Club incorporates the art of the tea ceremony with other Chinese traditions, celebrating holidays such as Singles Day and providing Chinese teas and snacks for purchase in the tea house.

Beekeepers Club

There is no better time than now to learn about environmental sustainability. The Student Farm’s Beekeepers Club is one organization on campus that is helping students work towards leading more sustainable lifestyles through the hands-on experience of working with bees.

Though the early months of the year are the off season for bees, members of the beekeepers club are still hard at work preparing for the late spring and early fall.

The Beekeepers Club hold meetings in the spring in preparation for the hands-on experiences with bees out on the student farm. These meetings provide the resources in which you can learn more about the importance of bees and gain a greater understanding of environmental sustainability.

Through different workshops like candle making using beeswax, honey tasting and even a bee dissection, members of the club gain an appreciation for the many contributions bees have on the environment and a greater understanding of the large role they play in our everyday lives!

Baking Club

Do you miss having the freedom of your own space, including your own kitchen? What about having the ability to bake and experiment with a new recipe, just because you want to? Well, look no further as the Baking Club may be your new home away from home (well, kitchen actually).

From sweet treats like snickerdoodle cookies and confetti cupcakes, to savory necessities like focaccia and homemade bread, The Baking Club is filled with opportunities to satiate your cravings.

Each meeting is built on collaboration, meaning every member of the club contributes to make the perfect final product.

Without the stress of having to buy your own ingredients or research your own recipe, the structure Baking Club provides ensures that each product produced was made in complete bliss.

Filled with seasonal treats and the occasional holiday themed night, this org is the perfect place to hone in on your baking skills and take home some goodies at the end of the night.

Even when looking to start a new hobby, it’s always important to remember the ones you used to cherish. So, it might be time to rekindle your love for baking and look into the Baking Club!

Tag us on Instagram @VALLEYmag, and share a hobby you are thinking of starting for the new year!