Fall bash creates community and connection

Harding HEAL hosted their annual fall bash during club week with fun events, dinners and activities for all students regardless of social club membership.

“The goal of fall bash is to offer diverse opportunities for students to connect, build relationships and create lifelong friendships,” HEAL leader Britney Finley said.

  “It’s not about what students aren’t part of but about what they can be part of  —  fun, engaging activities that fit into their schedules and interests while leaving room for schoolwork and other commitments.” 

This year the week kicked off with breakfast for dinner Sunday night at Dr. Mike and Lisa Williams’ home. After that there was painting in the Stevens Center for Art and Design until 10 p.m. On Monday everyone was invited to decorate cookies that were then donated to service workers. Afterward was a game of Mafia in the Lee building. 

“All the clubs are doing fun stuff on campus,” freshman Zoe Carris said. “It was fun to do our own silly, goofy game.”

Many nights there was a larger turnout than originally expected. Some student favorites included a movie night in the Ganus Activities Center pool with paddle boards, laser tag, trivia with prizes and cooking classes. 

“I feel like I got to build on friendships that I kind of already had,” Carris said. “Or just got to know people I had wanted to get to know better but did not necessarily have the opportunity to up until that point.” 

Originally, fall bash was just a single night led by Dr. J.D. and Kim Yingling. It has now grown into a weeklong series well beloved by the students. This year more than 75 students attended at least one event with an average attendance of about 20 students per activity. 

With the overall success of this week, HEAL will continue to grow and develop fall bash in years to come.

To learn more about Healty Eating and Active Living at Harding, visit harding.edu/life-at-harding/heal.