Shippensburg University students gathered for a stress-free evening filled with DIY crafts and opportunities to win prizes at the hockey rink on Sept. 18. 

SU’s Activities Program Board (APB) organized the event to give students a chance to socialize and alleviative the stress that school and the pandemic has brought to campus.

Izzi Ortiz, APB’s social media coordinator, organized the event for the sole purpose of helping students find an outlet for their stressors this semester.

The pandemic has thrown many obstacles at APB but given the success of the night’s event, the team has overcome some of those challenges.

“I wanted to create the spa event because COVID-19 has been extremely stressful. We wanted to have an event where students can come together and be with their friends while giving them a chance to relax,” Ortiz said. “It’s important to students because it brings them back together while social distancing. People want in-person events and being able to social distance gives more students a chance to attend.”

Ortiz planned “do-it-yourself” activities such as homemade sugar lip scrubs and body exfoliators. 

The students took turns at various tables to make the sugar scrubs. The sugar scrub process included mixing honey, sugar and essential oils together, and then transferring the mixture to a small container. 

Snacks and other light refreshments were provided to contribute to the stress-free environment. 

Students received a raffle ticket for a chance to win prizes. Prizes included gift cards to Walmart and Target, Apple watches, and more spa-like gifts. 

“I really like the prizes this time around. APB branched out and had a lot of great prizes. I really appreciate that they tried something new and gave us items that we would actually want and use,” said Katie Spangler, who attended the event. “I won a basket full of great spa supplies that I will share with my roommates when we are stressed again throughout the semester.”

APB developed the theme for the event by reviewing past events and seeking out occasions that were previously a success. 

Emily Javitt, assistant director for engagement, said, “We usually have a pretty good turn out to these kinds of events. Students like free prizes and a chance to escape their workload from school.” 

APB has tested the waters with virtual events, but the lack of participation has proven that students prefer to meet in person. The organization plans to host similar events in the near future. 

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