Adults looking to revisit their childhood have an outlet in Thursday Adventure Nights.
The group formed in January to give locals ages 18 to 35 a place to socialize outside of a professional environment. Members meet weekly for a variety of activities – from trips to the beach to such childhood favorites as foursquare and “the ground is lava.”
Scott Percic, a founder of TAN, wanted to form a fun, affordable and dry social opportunity for young adults.
“There are a lot of people around our age looking for something to do,” he said.
Participants only pay for activities that require admission, like ice skating or canoeing, and their own dinner beforehand if they choose.
The process for choosing events is not formal, Percic said, and the small group of organizers is open to new suggestions.
Some of his favorite events have included a “snow cone throw down” – where members toured eateries that offer icy treats and crowned a chilly winner – and “Outback to the Future,” an outdoor dinner and screening of the movie “Back to the Future.”
Most alcohol-free events — because the group is open to people under 21 — embrace the outdoors in some way and aim to reach residents who are out of high school and looking for activities in the area.
Percic hopes TAN will become a staple in the Williamsburg event scene.
TAN was born from a group of St. Bede’s members, but Percic said organizers are opening it up to anyone in the community. Since its start this winter, the group has grown to include about 15 to 20 participants at any given event, many of whom have become regular attendees.
Percic praised other local groups for young people, but feels TAN has a greater diversity of backgrounds and professions among its rank. He said there is also less of an emphasis on building a professional network.
“Ours is more focused on having fun – moving and having a good time and getting to know more people,” Percic said.
The group also has a Christian element; members gather for prayer and reflection at 6 p.m. Thursdays. Percic welcomed all faiths to join TAN, and anyone uncomfortable with the religious aspect can join at 6:30 p.m. for dinner at Martin’s before heading out for the adventure.
TAN events are planned from this week up to the end of December.
To learn more about the group and its next activity, visit the TAN Facebook page.
