Life on the mountain can be an isolating experience. While we all love our fellow Covenant students, being on constant lookout for the people you know (and are therefore obligated to greet) as you are on your way to literally anything can get tiring. Though getting off the mountain takes slightly more effort than stumbling to the Blink, sitting in a coffee shop where nobody knows you is a truly sanity-restoring experience.
“I’ve been enjoying Mad Priest, which is a coffee shop downtown,” Jacob Lee ‘28 says. “It was originally started by a Covenant student and one of the things that’s really encouraging to me is that initially they had worked to hire refugees… it’s one of my favorite places to study.”
If you’re looking for outdoorsy events in Chattanooga, check out visitchattanooga.com. They have lists of parks, trails, swimming holes and more. There’s also a “Free Things to do in Chattanooga” page, which is perfect for the broke college student in need of a break from academics.
Participating in one of Chattanooga’s many ministry opportunities is another great way to get off the mountain. If you’ve been unable to find something off-campus that fits your nonexistent price range, consider helping out with one of these—they’re all free!
The Bible Club at Fairyland Elementary and Calvin Donaldson Elementary School are looking for college students to read to children, teach them bible verses, and play with them during recess. These are extremely low-commitment opportunities (about an hour and a half a week) and would allow you to put down Plato and pick up a book that’s truly worth your time, like “Green Eggs and Ham.”
If you’re looking to pursue a career in sports, consider volunteering with the Chattanooga Sports Ministry. They’re looking for referees, assistant coaches and more.
If music is your jam, check out New City Eastlake’s Expression Engine. At the Expression Engine, students get the opportunity to create music together—and you could be teaching and/or playing along with them!
Whether you’re looking for the perfect iced coffee, a scenic hiking trail or a fulfilling service ministry, Chattanooga has you covered. For suggestions regarding things to do in Chattanooga, check out @webbchatts on Instagram or go to Chattanooga’s event calendar at chattanooga.gov. If you’re interested in the many service opportunities available, check out Student Development’s Off-Campus Ministry List at covenant.edu/students/service.