When it comes to things to do in Cumberland County, there is no shortage. A growing list of niche groups from comic book fans to the great outdoors proves there is something for everyone.

Life's A Trip Adventure Club is one of the newly formed groups in the county. It was established in 2022 by founder, local photographer and adventurer, Keith Sykes. Skyes started the group because of his “love of travel and adventure” and sharing that with others.

The adventure club wasn’t created on a whim. Skyes had received encouragement to start the group three years ago, but lacked the time.

“Honestly, I was a little intimidated about what it would take to put it together and run it,” Sykes said.

Thankfully he took the leap and created a Facebook page with the sole intention of bringing people together outside in nature. Life’s A Trip Adventure Club now boasts a membership of almost 800 people. There are planned events and meet-ups just about every weekend.

Saturday Strollz is the group’s weekly meetup at Jordan Soccer Complex. Members meet at 6:30 a.m. and walk the path at the soccer complex. Some “strollz” include yoga sessions. This meetup is completely free and offers a space for members to encourage one another in their health and wellness journey.

Life’s A Trip Adventure Club wouldn’t be an adventure club without the adventure. While there are plenty of local events to participate in with the group, they also travel. On the schedule are several events. The group's calendar is filled until the end of the year with one-of-a-kind experiences for local adventures.

October alone will be a busy time for the group. They have trips planned to the NC Seafood Festival, a train trip to Washington D.C. for a weekend, as well as Saturday Strollz. In December they will head to the Biltmore to explore the grounds during the festive Christmas season. The most anticipated trip is the one to Greece next September.

Sykes looks forward to the future of the group and to “give more individuals access to a community of positive people
and adventurous opportunities.”

“I have been privileged enough to hear stories of the positive impact the group has made on many of the members,” he said.

Even though he is the founder of the group, Sykes recognizes that Life’s A Trip Adventure Club has many members who have contributed to its success and cultivating a safe and healthy atmosphere.

“Angela Lewis is a positive and spiritually uplifting personality. She has invited many people to the group, and she is the perfect representative. Genise Price overcame her fear of heights. She joined the group in the beginning stages and has been another recruiter who has brought other positive individuals into the fold,” Sykes said.

“Belinda Wilkerson has been a role model for healthy living and someone who constantly shows others that they can do it. Her bright smile and positive attitude are infectious, and it is motivating to the group. Mary Hinton is an encouraging spirit. She has recently joined the group, but she is one of our most uplifting members. She is constantly pushing others to give it their all, and she does it all with a smile.”

Life’s A Trip Adventure Club is a positive group that is continuing to grow not only in its number but in its impact.

To join the club, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/5735624283194004/.