For the past nine years, the banquet rooms of the C. Charles Jackson Campus Center have been filled with dozens of vendors from both the St. Peter and Gustavus community. These people all come together to put on the annual Gustavus Chill Out and Wellness Fair, which is sponsored by the Center for Vocational Reflection (CVR).
“The Chill Out is probably my favorite event that the CVR puts on. It is so campus-oriented and involves so many organizations that it really brings to life the strong community that Gustavus thrives upon,” Sophomore CVR Intern and Chill Out Committee Member Mary Dierkes said.
The event is meant to help teach students ways to relax, as well as provide them with time to reflect on how to lead balanced and meaningful lives. With the theme “Make Your Time Count,” students are encouraged to spend time at all of the booths and learn ways to make their lives healthier.
“So far, we have about 35 to 40 on- and off-campus vendors. Some of the off-campus vendors include Debra Maland (Massage Therapist), Liv Aveda Salon and Spa, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Northwest Health Sciences University and Davlau Wave riders,” Sophomore CVR Intern and Co-Coordinator of the Chill Out Anna Swenson said.
Each vendor is different and will provide students with opportunities and activities to partake in. Some booths will sponsor arts and crafts projects, which will allow students to make Big Questions as well as other free crafts such as Sabbath boxes. Free snacks and hot chocolate will also be provided to those in attendance.
“We have quite a few raffle prizes, including gift cards to Liv Aveda Salon and the Cosmetology Training Center in Mankato, a one year student membership to the Co-Op and Big Question T-shirts from the CVR,” Swenson said.
Also at the Chill Out, there will be a Relaxation Room where students are encouraged to take a moment or two out of their day and relax on the couches and play board games or just simply reflect on their lives.
“The Chill Out and Wellness Fair is basically a great big reminder for everyone to take a step back from the stress of their lives and to take some time for themselves every once in a while,” Senior Health Fitness Major and Chill Out Committee Member Megan Trahms said.
Students can take a break with an event to help better their lives. The Chill Out and Wellness Fair is this Friday, Nov. 6 in the banquet rooms of the C. Charles Jackson Campus Center, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the entire campus.