Washburn students chose to spend their Friday night partaking in the All Night at the Rec festivities at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center.

Whether playing on a basketball team, making memories in the photo booth or eating pizza while socializing, All Night at the Rec had something to offer for everyone who attended.

This annual event lasted from 11:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. Feb. 19. All Night at the Rec is co-sponsored by the SRWC and Residential Living.

Students arrived and waited outside until the doors opened at 11:30 p.m. Upon entrance they showed their Washburn IDs and proceeded to collect their free event t-shirt and food and drink voucher.

The calendar of evening events consisted of rock wall climbing, dodgeball/capture the flag, water pong, tie-dying, a photo booth and many others. Several of these events happened simultaneously throughout the night, which gave students multiple options.  

According to John Cummings, associate director of the SRWC, a few events resonated with students more than others. The most popular events of the night were identified as dodgeball/capture the flag, water pong, tie-dying and basketball.

“The goal of All Night at the Rec is to provide an alternative event for WU students that involves socializing, fun and physical activity,” Cummings said.

The planning for this annual event begins in October with preliminary conversations regarding setting a date. The majority of the organizing and finalizing of details increases during the two-week period leading up to the event.

Cummings said the annual event’s activities are selected based on the student feedback they receive and what has worked and not worked in previous years.

Jack Van Dam, junior political science major, loves attending this event because of the variety of students present who he can socialize with.

“I joined a dodgeball team and played for three hours,” Van Dam said. “The teams brought people together who normally don’t hang out, which made it extra fun.”

While All Night at the Rec is a way for students to connect and hang out, it also has a separate, underlying goal.

“This event shows students that they can have fun on a Friday night, and partying and alcohol doesn’t have to be a part of it,” Van Dam said.

All Night at the Rec is designed as an alcohol awareness event, but marketed in a more engaging, stimulating fashion to attract student attendance.

“I think it’s a really cool event that they put on that involves great free incentives for college students,” said Kaylee Erickson, junior elementary education major. “It also promotes a healthy lifestyle.”  

Van Dam and Erickson are both residential assistants in the Living Learning Center. They were involved in designing the Cash Cab for All Night at the Rec. The Cash Cab provided attendees with the opportunity to answer questions and win prizes.

Students were required to answer 10 questions correctly in order to select an item from the prize room. Prizes included gift cards, Washburn hats, t-shirts and mugs.

“Overall, I believe the event went well and everything flowed smoothly. There was lots of activity and a good amount of participation,” Cummings said.