A red and yellow inflatable slide, a high striker, numerous carnival stands, two teachers sitting on a quaint chair suspended over water, a bedecked campus, and laughing students wearing colors of green, red, blue, and black. This is the scene that comes to mind when one thinks of the Spirit Week lunchtime games that occur every year on campus. But in the midst of all of this fun and excitement, one thing isn’t shown: the hours of work and effort that go into making these games possible year after year. The ASB members work tirelessly behind the scenes to give their fellow Mitty students an enjoyable and unforgettable experience. They work along with faculty to create a joyful atmosphere for Mitty students to participate in. Tebin Kim, a junior class representative, explains, “Lunchtime games are an opportunity for students to take part in class competition outside of the usual Spirit Bowl and Spirit Rally activities.”

The seven ASB members set up the lunchtime Spirit Week games during their second period class. However, much more goes into the game besides the preparation. The members usually start with a list of games which have been successful and discuss whether they want to keep those games or create new ones. Mr. Walker explains, “It’s open to discussion, but it requires not just the idea, but a demonstration of how the games goes so other gov members can see it in its totality. Then they are inclined to adopt it as a new game or reject it.”

When creating these games, the amount of time each one requires differs greatly. For instance, in Fancy Pants, a game which only requires sweatpants and balls, it’s not too difficult as the students are only tasked with creating zones. With the themed relay however, it is much more complicated. The ASB members have to create a component for each of the themes and incorporate them into the race. This year, the participants matched monsters with doors for Monsters Inc, shot basketballs for High School Musical, folded airplanes for Top Gun, and used nerf guns for Mission Impossible. Each element was different and thus made the game more challenging; the ASB members had to create the concept and purchase any necessary materials.

However, the creation of the games is not the most difficult part. According to Mr. Walker, “Making the games isn’t a challenge but getting participation in a timely manner is hard. Some people are gung-ho for the games, but others are slower.”  

The games offer not only recreation, but also an opportunity to build community. According to freshman Ellie Spink, “Spirit Week brings people together with friendly competitions. When I was competing, I felt a sense of community even though we were competing against each other. I also felt more connected to my grade.” This is where the games’ biggest contribution lies; through friendly competition, the games offer the chance for freshman and other newcomers to the school community to get involved and feel part of something bigger than themselves.