BYU students spent last week racing across campus to complete service challenges as part of Cougstival, a weeklong scavenger hunt that made serving others simple and fun.
Cougstival ran from Nov. 8 to 15 and encouraged students to complete small acts of service using the Goosechase app. Participants chose a task, completed it, then uploaded a photo as proof to earn points. The highest point-earners at the end of the week received prizes, including airline tickets.
Student Alumni Representative Emma Kunz said the goal was to help students develop a habit of serving now and long after they leave campus.
“This is just a great way to inspire service in the students. And so later, when they become alumni, they'll want to keep doing service,” Kunz said.
Kunz said the format made it easy for students to get involved, even if they only had a few minutes between classes.
“I think it’s really cool because it’s just a super easy way for people to be involved in service. And it’s amazing because it’s helps people think about others, and it’s fun to make it a competition, because I think more students are involved,” she said.
Many students said the event pushed them to try new things. Participant Michael Saunders joined after hearing about the prizes but said it quickly became more meaningful.
“For me, the biggest reason was definitely like trying to win the airline tickets,” Saunders said. “But I was also in a point in my life where I was like trying to do something… and I really wanted to take this opportunity just like, do something out of my comfort zone.”
He said the challenge helped him discover activities around campus that he normally would not have noticed.
“What surprised me was just how much the campus has to offer… just participating in those events has just really brought me a lot of fulfillment,” he said.
Both organizers and participants encouraged students to take on only a few service tasks a day if that was what they could manage.
“I would say it’s a great way to look outside of yourself… and it’s just a great way to be involved in service,” Kunz said.
Saunders agreed. “I think it’s beneficial already, just do maybe two or three a day… get yourself maybe out of your comfort zone and engage in some service… just go for it,” he said.
Although Cougstival ended on Nov. 15, organizers said the purpose extended well beyond the event. They hoped students would continue finding simple ways to serve throughout the year.