Hacky Sack, the Camp Phenomenon

Now that people are making campaigns and running for important roles, it is crucial to take a mental break and reset. As many people use their rec time to sit down and destress, they are often thinking about their campaigns or actively working on them. It is really important that everyone can have a real mental reset because it is necessary to not overburden the mind.    Based on a study from Michigan state university, “Skipping breaks can lead to faster burnout and higher stress levels. Employees stepping away from work for a few minutes increases their productivity, job satisfaction, mental health and well-being, and are overall more engaged in their work” (Tork, 2018, p. 1). The article explains how taking breaks can actually prevent decision fatigue, this is important and opens up delegates to not overworking themselves, and enjoying all of the fun events here at California Boys and Girls State. As we move further into camp, and responsibilities build up, delegates are using their free time to play hacky sack. Walking around the campus no matter where you go, there's always a circle of people playing hacky sack.

 There are many sports around camp from volleyball to basketball. California Boys and Girls State provides numerous activities and lots of equipment, but somehow the most common game people play is with a pocket-sized beanbag they brought from home. According to the latest google trends report, searches for hacky sack have gone up over 5,000% in the past month (Deena Prichep, npr). While California Boys and Girls State is engaging people with rallies and speeches, it can also be stressful. It is important to look at the little things like these hacky sack games that take off the stress a little bit and remind people that this is a place to work and enjoy, and to not forget that the work should be enjoyable. 

You can find these games happening in all the nice grassy spots around campus, from the dining commons lawn to outside the dorm buildings. Next time that you need to reset, consider joining a hacky sack circle so that you will stop stressing over the unnecessary thoughts, and be reminded of the great community at California Boys and Girls State. “In these past two weeks, Hacky Sack has brought the whole program together, creating a great student environment,”said Declan Daner,  who provides a direct example of how hacky sack brings communities together and benefits the people. 

Beyond how hacky sack raises morale, there is also a culture that it creates. In almost all cases the people in these circles are very accepting and kind, inviting others to join in and are there for the good vibes. Jackson Puckett, a delegate who joined one of these circles stated that, “I didn’t know anyone there, but after a few rounds, I felt like a part of the group”. California Boys and Girls State is generally a very kind and accepting place, but many interactions can seem surface level. Hacky sack is different because it involves everyone in a team event, working together and working for the same goal. To circle back to earlier in the argument, this is the difference between hacky sack and any other sports, it’s because there is no competition. There is no conflict or worry because everyone wants the same thing. That is what makes it different, because it's not just being friendly, but it’s being a friend to anyone and everyone.