They explore the caverns that rest beneath the earth's surface and the sources of the earth's mighty rivers. Not unlike Indiana Jones, this group of modern day adventurers is willing to brave the earth's forces to discover what Mother Earth is hiding.
In almost 20 years on campus, the UK Geographical Society has reinforced the ideas of geography through hands-on experience with outings and activities for interested students. It isn't always the cleanest group to be in, said John Watkins, associate professor of geography and adviser to the group.
"We get down and dirty," he said. "We wear grungy clothes and provide our own lighting in a lot of the crawl spaces. We study the cave formation, preservation and history."
The group tries to have a variety of social and academic activities for its student members, Watkins said.
"In terms of activities, we do like to have a blend," he said, "but when you're in some of the caves that we go in, you can't help but be social."
The society is not all adventure and exploration, however.
"Students come to us looking for a support group," Watkins said. "It is more about personal exploration, going places they have never been or seen. They get a charge out of that. We have such a large size that discovery is not one of our main intents."
For the past seven years, the society has been sponsoring its annual caving trip near Mammoth Cave in western Kentucky. During the trip, students get a good look at what they have talked about in many of their classes.
"We use these trips as a tool for what is reinforcing what is taught," Watkins said.
For those who tend to get a little claustrophobic, don't fret. The group offers a number of activities that may appeal to you. During the spring semester, the society will hold its second annual white water rafting trip in West Virginia.
As a part of the trip, students will discuss the formation of rivers and their dynamics and stream flow.
Last year, along with the Geographical Honor Society, they hosted a series of professional meetings at the National Council for Geographical Education held in Lexington.
The society also attempts to have members present at all geography departmental meetings in order to provide undergraduate input into what is happening within the department.
The Geographical Society is not limited to geography majors. Any young adventurer with an interest in geography is welcome and encouraged to join.
"It is not too difficult to get filled in if you have had any geography classes at all," said Brian Lauer, president of the society.
Lauer said that all members of the society are encouraged to participate in national organizations involved in geography, such as the American Association of Geographers.