KEARNEY – The University of Nebraska at Kearney is welcoming students to campus next week with four days of fun activities.
Back2School Bash, a new event that precedes the traditional Blue and Gold Welcome Week festivities, gives incoming freshmen and other Lopers an opportunity to explore campus and the Kearney community before classes begin Aug. 24.
“We want to create that UNK connection and a sense of belonging as soon as students arrive on campus. That’s something we’ve all been missing the past few months,” said Renae Zimmer, an assistant director in the Office of Student Engagement.
Organized by Student Engagement, Campus Recreation, Undergraduate Admissions and the Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion, Back2School Bash provides a safe entertainment option for students during move-in week. Social distancing and face masks are required at all activities, most of which are planned for outdoor spaces.
The event includes an outdoor movie, daily lunches, food truck rally, scavenger hunt, silent disco and DJ and recreational activities such as yoga, disc golf, paddleboarding, pickleball and slacklining. Participants can also win UNK swag, as well as gift cards and coupons from local businesses.
All Back2School Bash activities are free.
“We’re really excited about this event,” Zimmer said. “Even with masks on, we can still bring a fun energy to campus.”
For more information on Back2School Bash, contact Zimmer at 308-865-8523 or zimmerrl@unk.edu.
BACK2SCHOOL BASH SCHEDULE
Monday, Aug. 17
All day – Free bike rentals (Campus Recreation)
Noon-1 p.m. – Sack lunches (Cope Fountain)
1 p.m. – First Year Program “Hello, Goodbye” event (Foster Field south end zone)
2-5 p.m. – Pickleball (Harvey Park, 4205 Ave. I)
5 p.m. – First Year Program “Hello, Goodbye” event (Foster Field south end zone)
6:15-7:15 p.m. – Outdoor yoga (Bell Tower)
7-9 p.m. – Climbing wall (Wellness Center) – Participants must preregister at recwell.unk.edu
Tuesday, Aug. 18
All day – Spikeball take-and-go (Campus Recreation)
Noon-1 p.m. – Sack lunches (Cope Fountain)
1 p.m. – First Year Program “Hello, Goodbye” event (Foster Field south end zone)
2-5 p.m. – Disc golf (Centennial Park, 602 W. 13th St.)
4-7 p.m. – Food truck rally (Hilltop Mall, 5011 Second Ave.)
5 p.m. – First Year Program “Hello, Goodbye” event (Foster Field south end zone)
7-9 p.m. – Silent disco and DJ (Cope Fountain)
Wednesday, Aug. 19
All day – Hammocks take-and-go (Campus Recreation)
7:30-8:30 a.m. – Morning breathe and stretch fitness activity (Bell Tower)
Noon-1 p.m. – Sack lunches (Cope Fountain)
1 p.m. – First Year Program “Hello, Goodbye” event (Foster Field south end zone)
2-4 p.m. – Scavenger hunt using GooseChase app (Cope Fountain)
5 p.m. – First Year Program “Hello, Goodbye” event (Foster Field south end zone)
6-9 p.m. – Paddleboarding (Yanney Heritage Park, 2020 W. 11th St.)
9-11 p.m. – “The Breakfast Club” outdoor movie (Campus Greens near Bell Tower) – Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or seating
Thursday, Aug. 20
Noon-1 p.m. – Sack lunches (Cope Fountain)
1 p.m. – First Year Program “Hello, Goodbye” event (Foster Field south end zone)
2-5 p.m. – Connect @ Cushing recreational sports (Cushing Coliseum)
5 p.m. – First Year Program “Hello, Goodbye” event (Foster Field south end zone)
6-8 p.m. – Slacklining and yard games (Harmon Park, 3100 Fifth Ave.)
