Crossing State Lines and Clearing Our Minds: A Relaxing Day at Kerr Lake 

On April 26th, 2025 — right before finals kicked into full gear — Lauren and I took a group of UNC students on a much-needed mental reset with a relaxing day trip to Kerr Lake. Partnering with the Mental Health Ambassador Club and supported by the National Park Trust, we designed the outing to be intentionally low-pressure, letting students step away from campus stress and recharge in nature.

The weather couldn’t have been better. With cars packed full of camping necessities plus some sandwiches, paddleboards, and lawn games like Spikeball, we arrived ready for whatever the day had in store. After setting up our campsite, we hit the water and got the paddleboards going almost immediately.

One of the most memorable parts of the day? Following a paddle trail that led us all the way into Virginia. Technically, we crossed state lines by paddleboard — not something you can say every day.

Some students tried paddleboarding for the first time (with a few graceful tumbles), while others hung back at the shore, played games, or simply relaxed and soaked in the sun. There was no schedule, no pressure — just good people, good weather, and the freedom to unwind.

This wasn’t a high-adrenaline adventure — and that’s exactly what made it special. It reminded all of us how impactful a quiet day outside can be. Especially during stressful times like finals season, spending time in nature can be a powerful way to protect and restore your mental well-being.

Thanks to the National Park Trust’s ongoing mission to get more people outdoors, trips like these help students not only reconnect with the natural world, but also fall in love with camping in a low-key, welcoming way. For many on this trip, it was their first time camping — and it won’t be their last..