While Spring Break preparations are underway for the hardworking students of Johnson City, ETSU Campus Recreation and the Counseling Department have collaborated to present students with the first annual Safe Spring Break event taking place March 7-11.
Each day of the week is led by a new and interactive event in the CPA that is set to encourage, influence and protect students with safe and effective practices for the upcoming spring break, and is open to all students in attendance in ETSU.
On March 7th from 5:00-6:00 p.m., the CPA opened its pool deck to students for stand-up paddleboard yoga to de-stress for midterm week here on campus. The hour-long course pushed students to not only challenge their physical body but also center focus and prepare for the week to come.
Following the CPA’s paddleboard yoga class was an open self-defense workshop, held within the Martial Arts Studio from 3:45-4:45 p.m and provided students with direct means for self-defense on carrying levels of skill. In preparation for spring break, instructors are pushing the urgency of self-awareness and protection to students, especially in a time of high travel and unknown circumstances.
Due to the high travel rate and risk associated with the expectation of ‘spring breakers,’ it is more important now than ever to take preventative measures for dangerous situations. Free spring break kits were available at March 9th’s Safety 80’s Dance Bash, which featured Cardio-Dance Mashup from 5:00-6:00 p.m. and a Zumba course from 6:00-7:00 p.m, encroaching a fun-filled, colorful environment with an incentive for activity and inclusion.
While all these events may be surface-level fun, the motivation behind these events delve far deeper than aerobics or self-defense classes for students. “With the help of our partners in the
Counseling Center, we hope to provide resources about staying active over the break and properly hydrating when in the sun or consuming alcoholic beverages,” says Halie Darby, Coordinator of Fitness and Wellness at ETSU, “we are opting for healthier choices regarding alcohol consumption and protecting oneself in a variety of ways.”
Though this is the first year Campus Recreation has hosted this event, staff is placing heavy emphasis on providing individuals with a safer alternative for dangerous actions, such as prolonged alcohol or drug consumption, that could cause physical or psychological harm to an individual or group.
“Overall, we want to help ETSU students enjoy Spring Break to the fullest by engaging in safe practices,” says Darby.
Upcoming on March 10th , the CPA Courtyard will be home to the Safe Spring Break Bash, The Bash, anticipated to be held from 5:00- 7:00 p.m., will feature mocktails, giveaways, music, and Cardio Dance Fitness. ETSU Fitness and Wellness will be joined by campus partners from the Counseling Center including Alcohol & Drug, OASIS, and THRIVE representatives to provide students with an abundance of resources for self-care and welfare over Spring Break.
To learn more about the bash, or to access more safe spring break materials, please visit the ETSU counseling center on the 3rd floor of the DP Culp Center, or visit the website at etsu.eu.com/students/counseling/.
