On May 6th, 2015, hundreds of Stevenson University students trekked out to their football field and wrapped their sweaty arms around blue exercises balls as part of an attempt to break a Guinness World Record while also raising money for a great cause.
With almost 400 participants, Stevenson broke the previous record of 353 set by Biggest Loser trainer Michelle Bridges on a 2014 episode of The Today Show. The school also raised almost $2400 for the Wounded Warrior Project and Wishes for Warriors, organizations that assist veterans and their families.
Setting out to, and breaking, a world record, can be a great way to engage your campus beyond traditional events. Record breaking events tend to entice students who may not spend much time in clubs or other organizations. People get excited about achieving something new, and, because it’s usually a low-commitment event, they have a chance to take advantage of the community and its members without jumping right in. The words “Guinness World Record” also have a tendency to give people those meh to hmm moments that are essential to getting community members, especially new students, involved.
With events like Stevenson’s, groups are able to strengthen themselves from the inside which allows them to serve their surrounding communities in even better ways than they could have before. Whether that’s through making donations or volunteering time or any other service, a community that is comfortable working together is able to contribute more.
Can your school break a record? What’s something you just KNOW everyone on campus would get excited about doing together, that would be easy enough for even the least involved students?
If you need some inspiration, here are some hugging records you could break:
- Most Couples Hugging at Once > 5,369
- Longest Hugging Marathon > 26+ hrs
- Most Hugs Giving in One Hour by an Individual > 2,436
- Largest Group Hug > 10,554 Participants
- Longest Group Hug > 25+ hrs
- Most Hugs Given in One Minute by an Individual > 77
- Most Hugs Given in Eight Hours by an Individual > 5,174
- Most Hugs Given in 24 Hours by an Individual > 8,709
- Longest Hug > 24 hrs and 33 minutes
- Largest Online Photo Album of Hugs > 108,121 photos
- Most Hugs Given by a Mascot in One Minute > 75
- Largest Tree Hug > 1,200 people
Creating common goals, with a hint of competition, can be a great way to bring your campus together. From breaking records to raising money and everything in between, communities can always accomplish more when everyone is working together. And dance floors are more fun when you have more friends!
