By: Alyssa Foster
Staff-Writer
The IU South Bend Honors Program took a trip to St. Patrick’s Park on Feb. 13 for students to enjoy the snowy weather and spend time with friends.
This was the first successful year for the tubing trip after it was cancelled last year due to the lack of snow. With plenty of snow and ideal weather this year, the 40 available reservations filled up.
“Our max was 40 due to COVID restrictions, and nearly everyone who registered to attend did indeed join us. I think there were one or two people who couldn’t make it due to snow conditions,” Paige Closson, Honors Program intern, said.
The event ran from 8 p.m. until 10 p.m., though students were able to arrive and check in beginning at 7:30. According to Closson, arrival times were staggered to ensure no large group gatherings.
Students remained socially distant the whole time and kept their masks, hats, and gloves on. Participants also remained distanced while in tighter spaces due to limits on people allowed.
“The warming station was large enough that 15 people could remain socially distanced at all times. I know several chairs were moved around to ensure this,” Closson said. “No more than 15 [people] were allowed in the warming station at any given time.”
Tubes were provided by the park for students to use at the hill, and the event was entirely free for honors students. Hot chocolate and pre-packaged snacks were also available in the warming stations for students to enjoy.
According to Closson, the event went very smoothly, and great feedback has been given from the students who attended.
“I very much hope we can do this again in the future! Outdoor social events are always a hit,” Closson said.
This event was one of the first in-person events the Honors Program has hosted.
Check out their Titan Atlas page for upcoming events taking place in the spring semester.
