You hear them before you see them. A stampede of small feet running, jumping, clamoring up the stairs in Decker Center.

About 20 students from the Boys and Girls Club of Westminster arrived Nov. 2 in a mass of energy, bundled in bright puffy coats, and ready for a tour of campus.

“I think this is a good experience for children ages 5 through 18,” said Phyllis Hammond, director of the Boys and Girls Club of Westminster. “The younger they are exposed to college, the better.”

Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Henry Reiff organized the tour that stopped in Little Baker Chapel; a dorm room in Whiteford where kids pointed out posters, a lava lamp, and a fish tank; and classrooms in Eaton Hall.

“I would like to see them involved in actually going to a class,” Reiff said.

Morgan McClinton, a senior at Winter’s Mill High School, may do just that. As one of the oldest members of the Boys and Girls Club and also a volunteer, she has visited several colleges but likes McDaniel best.

“Every time I come here I learn something new. I really enjoyed the tour and would be interested in going here,” McClinton said as she helped herd the youngest children into Englar Dining hall.

At the tour’s final stop, the group weaved their way through College students in line for dinner. They loaded-up on hamburgers, hot dogs, and pizza, and then sat down for dinner and a conversation about college.