This past Friday, the Outdoors Club hosted a game night in the Student Center from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm. The event was open to all students. The club had games set out on a table right in front of the information booth and also served coffee, hot chocolate and cookies for the players.
Board games such as Monopoly, Chinese checkers, Jenga, Apples to Apples, and Connect Four were among the choices which drew many students in. A game called “Spoons” also attracted many. “Spoons” is played with cards and spoons, hence the name of the game. The objective is to get four of the same numbers as they are being rotated around the table. Whoever gets the same four numbers first reaches for a spoon which is placed in the middle of the table. Once other players see a spoon was picked up, they all have to reach for spoon. If played properly, one player will be without a spoon at the end of the round and they are then out of the game.
Secretary of the club, sophomore Pat Layton, said, “The biggest games of the night were Apples to Apples and Spoons. I was glad to see everyone having a good time and trying new games out as well.” Layton was in charge of purchasing the board games and organizing game night.
David Aviles, a junior and active member of the club, also claimed that “Spoons” was one of the main attractions at game night. “Playing ‘Spoons’ was one of the most interesting activities I have taken part of while at Monmouth. Passing cards left and right, matching a set of four and diving to grab a spoon before everyone else was exhilarating,” said Aviles.
The night brought in about 30 people, some of the players were in the club but the event attracted other students, as well. Advisor of the club, Professor William Reynolds said, “Our game night was a huge success. Students started to arrive a bit before eight and stayed until they had to lock the building at 11.” Reynolds continued, “We lost count at 30, especially since some students were in and out and then in again. As they were leaving, many asked when we could do this again. I’d also like to note that all participants helped close up all the games and put the extra tables and chairs that we borrowed back in the lobby across from the information booth. The lounge was the perfect location for this event.”
Even when the Outdoors Club is not participating in common outdoors activities like kayaking, hiking, or camping, they still make it a priority to get the club together. This game night served as an ice breaker for sophomore, Becca Zidik. “It was a relaxed transition to meet everyone in the club since I hadn’t attended the meetings or other events yet,” she said. Nights like these can provide more than just a night from boredom, it can secure new friendships. The Outdoor Club encourages students to like their Facebook page in order to see updates on future events.
