On Oct. 1, students gathered in Bowman Park for the highly anticipated Day of Play. Participants scanned a QR code and submitted a waiver, then faculty drew a small symbol on their arms—either a star, heart, or smiley face—which allowed them to enter the event and participate in the fun activities.
The Day of Play is an annual event at DePauw as a part of Well-being Week. It encourages students to destress the week before midterms. It is a great chance to take a break from studying as students are encouraged to participate by faculty. However, due to the weather, the day was rescheduled from Sept. 24 to Oct. 1. Because of the rescheduling, not as many students showed up as were initially expected. Nevertheless, the event garnered positive reviews from those who did attend.
There were various activities available, the most popular among them being Epic Chow Down, referred to by students as Hungry Hungry Hippos. Despite the limited number of students in attendance, the game attracted a long line of students. Many participants listed it as their favorite activity. Students were strapped to a cord which kept them bound to their chosen color. Once the game started, they had to lunge for the middle, grab as many balls as they could and put them all in their basket.
When participants were not playing—or waiting in line to play—Hungry Hungry Hippos, they had the option to play volleyball, dodgeball, Jenga, Connect 4, football, soccer, beanbag tossing, giant scrabble, Legos and more. With an array of options, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Some organizations did tabling at the event to promote their group, as well as overall student wellbeing. DePauw Wellness had a mini basketball game in which participants could win prizes, mainly fidgets or hygiene products. The DePauw Student Government gave out stickers, whistles and temporary tattoos while explaining what they do around campus. WGRE radio station also played music throughout the event and students had the option of complimentary ice cream to cool off from the heat.
“I think it’s really fun!” Ben Anderson ‘29 said when asked about his thoughts on the event. “It’s an opportunity to make new friends.”
“Volleyball was my favorite part. I felt physically engaged,” another student, Zach Taylor, said. “I can’t wait for the next one!”
Students felt that the Day of Play was a worthwhile use of their time, as a brain break was just what they needed to reset.
