Activities

CTY activities range from site to site. While everyone has a few basics, each site tends to have one or two (or nine or ten) quirky, sometimes insane programs that they always do. This is for obvious reasons: The people in charge are quirky, and sometimes insane. They make the programs. Any questions? Please add traditional activities for the sites you've been to. I can only vouch for one. ^-^ Feel free to add to the standards as well.

What, When, Where

Activities (Sometimes refered to as "Mandatory Fun", though this term usually refers to weekend activities) are basically just 45 minute blocks of "fun" (I use quotations as I have, as we all have, been to activities that are boring and pointless). They are led by anywhere from 1-3 RAs or staff members, sometimes more if it's very involved, very full, or all the adults just wanna get in on it.

Activities are held in the afternoon, between the after-lunch class session and dinner. While they are referred to as your "AM" and "PM" activities, they are in fact one after the other. While on some days we all wish we could sleep in that time, or just sit around like the lazy teens we truly are, this does (usually) make for a fun hour and a half.

Standard Activities (Basically found at every site)

Music Practice (usually one activity period every day)- A group of students is taken to a free building, sometimes with pianos, to practice their instruments. You must keep in mind, though, that it is often noisy and hard to concentrate. (I got stuck playing my flute in a corner by the elevator...that people were using.) You can always use your room, unless your roommate is a horrible music-hater.

Book Discussion- VERY common when a new Harry Potter book has come out. Movie Watching- Harry Potter movies, Musicals, Monty Python...basically anything rated PG-13 or lower. (Of course, the movies must be approved...so there will be some PG-13s deemed "innapropriate

Quiet Reading-Bring a pillow and relax...sometimes music is playing. Very nice.

Dinner Alternatives- Usually in the Activity period just before dinner, can range from anything from a BBQ to a vegan party. Limited sign-ups, and happen very rarely (2-3 times a session)

Generic Free Time-Usually in the athletic building of the Site. Basically, you just sit and do whatever.

Mafia- The classic game.

Sports- Yup, we got 'em. Basketball, Baseball, Cricket (or something remotly resembly it), Tennis (if the college has courts). some more competitive than others.

Pilates or Yoga- Nice to unwind

Swimming- If the college has a pool, we'll use it.

Traditions

EVERY CTY SITE HAS ITS OWN TRADITIONAL ACTIVITIES! PUT YOURS HERE!

Carlisle, PA

Musical Theatre Sing-alongs- Out of tune pianos (with pieces falling off) Oberlin RAs, and piles of sheetmusic.

Ballet 101- To get in touch with your inner Rina.

Swing Dancing- A big hit! Cause the RAs rock at it. Especially Chris.

80's dance parties/ sing-alongs- So much fun...where I met my favorite male RA, Ben.

Meditation- Never went...but heard it was really nice.

Chalk Graffitti in the Super Quad Arch- To make it look sketchy, which is cool.

Craps in the Super Quad Arch- Because, thanks to the Graffitti, it looks sketchy.

Colonization- Because Rich is british and Chris is insane (and likes to wear capes). BURN THE PAGENS!!!!!!!!

Fun With Duct Tape- Why not? It's the best thing ever.

Poetry Circles- Bad Poetry, Oh Noetry! (see www.toothpastefordinner.com. I recomend) Just kidding. I'm sure it's great.

Guitar Circles- Basses always welcome.

Lancaster, PA

Acting Improv (AI)- funniest activity ever. participate if you're out going, or just sit and watch the madness.

Fun With Duct Tape- it's DUCT TAPE! of course there's an activity for it!

Music Sing-Alongs- Disney and Wicked being the two favorites

Tennis, Swimming, Music Practice- usually two periods

Discussion Group (DG)- includes CTY Traditions, HHGG, HP, World Domination, and various others (no seperate Book Discussion)

Movie Trailers- but no movies.

"Chillaxin'", aka "Reading Under the Trees", aka "Cloudwatching", aka "Nap Time", aka (new this year) "Daytime Stargazing"- read, play frisbee, play cards, talk, whatever. sometimes two seperate names avalaible on one day. "Nap Time" may sometimes be held inside as a BYO pillow and blanket affair.

No Dinner Alternatives

Silent Football

Sports on Hartman Green- less competitive

Sports in Mayser Gym- more competitive

Ultimate Frisbee

Poker- and other card games

Sudoku [1]

Competitive Number Counting

Couch Games

Follow the Hager- Follow RA Brain Hager around for an hour, chanting his name. Helps some squirrles get to learn the layout of the campus. some just think it's fun.

CTY Jepordy

Courting and Wooing- RAs take it very seriously; handouts sometimes included. Can be absolutly hilarious.

Mural Painting- on South Ben to 'give back to F&M College', or some such. looks nice.

Agreedball

Talent Show Practice