Starting the week of April 16, Northwestern students can expect spring weather and spies running around on campus.
The all-campus events that Student Activities Council (SAC) runs continue to be a staple for NW campus life. Last fall, SAC coordinated a campus-wide Western Shootout. This year, SAC will be rolling out Spy vs. Spy, which will be a similar activity with a slight twist. This week-long event will be fun to participate in, as well as something to keep an eye out for across campus.
Spy vs. Spy is a week-long water-based game of tag played all across campus. What makes this game unique is that each player has their own assigned opponent that they are trying to “tag” with a water gun.
Lindsay Hubbell Simmelink, assistant director of Student Activities, has been heading up the planning of this event. The event is set to combine elements of other classic SAC events, including Humans vs. Zombies.
“Spy vs. Spy is different from the event from last year, Western Shootout. We wanted to incorporate nightly missions like Humans vs. Zombies!” Hubbell Simmelink said.
Nathan Jensen, a freshman who is a member of SAC, is leading the planning of this event alongside Simmelink. “The whole event is very different from the Western Shootout last fall, so we’re excited!” Jensen said.
While the stakes are relatively low, this game is not for the faint of heart. “Those participating should expect fun, but also some stress. Anyone on the spies list can be after you,” Jensen said. “Attackers are not required to give any warning before trying to shoot, so you must be constantly aware. But the thrill of the hunt always raises blood levels, planning how and when you decide to execute your target.”
Amidst the stress of the end of the semester and the return of warmer weather, this campus-wide game provides students with opportunities to let loose and enjoy themselves.
“Spy vs. Spy provides an opportunity to enjoy the warm weather and to channel your inner child,” Simmelink said.
There is also an opportunity for students to earn some cash. Each spy will receive $5 for every successful elimination they make. “Spy vs. Spy is a fun week to test your espionage limits, live on the edge, and possibly win some cash,” Jensen said.
As anticipation builds, students are encouraged to participate. “I think people should play it because it’s basically a big game of tag, and it’s some friendly competition,” said Maddie Loats, a junior who participated in the Western Shootout last year and plans to compete in Spy vs. Spy. Time will tell if NW students are up for the task. May the best spy win.
