On Friday, Feb. 13, Elizabethtown College hosted a Campus Spa Night, a free drop-in event that transformed an ordinary campus space into a mini oasis of calm. Students could drop by between 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. No pre-registration was required, making the evening as low-pressure as possible, featuring a thoughtfully designed sequence of services aimed at meeting each guest’s comfort level.
Junior Sofia Brzezicki assisted in organizing the event. “Spending a little time to take care of yourself is important. It’s Valentine’s Day weekend, so it’s like self-love, self-care,” she said.
It began with a luxurious hand massage. Skilled therapists used soothing, targeted techniques to relieve tension and promote circulation. Next came the paraffin wax hand dip, a deeply moisturizing treatment for the skin. Then it was on to the state-of-the-art massage chairs. Foot and calf massage chairs worked tired legs, while back and arm massage chairs targeted key pressure points. The final step was a personalized chair massage from certified massage therapists. Each session was tailored to individual needs, from tight shoulders from hours of studying to addressing lower back strain. Students were free to choose only the services they felt comfortable with.
“You can find any time in the day, any moment to take time for yourself,” Assistant Director of Student Activities Brooke Hollinger said. “Whether it’s spending time with your friends, reading a book, doing arts and crafts, maybe a little mini massage. And then also just connection and community building as well, making sure that you take time to surround yourself with those that you love.”
Students crafted their own stress balls, carefully funneling flour into bright balloons before tying them off into squishy spheres of relief. Others assembled microwavable heating pads: cozy, practical tools perfect for chilly dorm nights or sore muscles after long study sessions. The DIY lip scrub station proved especially popular.
“I’ve been feeling stressed out lately,” Lucy Cunliffe, a first-year occupational therapy major, said. “I just needed to relax and distress, and I feel like this is a good way to do that.”
“I decided to come to the event because I thought it would be a great way to wind down after a long week,” first-year Katie Idgunji said.
Each guest was allowed to go through the Campus Spa and each DIY station once, ensuring everyone had a chance to participate. Stations were available until supplies ran out.
Though the setup resembled an assembly line to keep traffic flowing, there was no pressure to complete every step. Students were encouraged to relax according to their own comfort levels. Whether someone wanted the full spa circuit or just a quick chair massage before heading out, the evening was designed to accommodate.
Free and open to all Etown students, Spa Night delivered exactly what many needed after a long week: permission to pause. Participants expressed gratitude for the event’s cause. The large turnout of students indicates the effectiveness of the event’s much-needed relaxational techniques.
“It helps me try to stay focused and get work done,” Angelina Forrester, sophomore early special education major, said.
Hollinger emphasizes that the Office of Student Activities is always open to connection and building community, but this event was meant to support students directly. During difficult semesters, it is crucial to take time for yourself to destress after long hours of studying, exams, classes and schoolwork. Especially with the winter season in full swing, mood levels can be low, and immense stress places unhealthy pressure on the body. Etown’s OSA consistently reminds students that the most productive thing they can do is unwind.
