Special Events
Special events have always held a special place in our hearts over the last 27 years with Campus Recreation & Wellness. Some have become traditions that still hold today and some events have run their course but we will cherish the memories. Below is a list of events we’ve hosted over the past 27 years.
Polar Bear Plunge
The start of Spring means the Polar Bear Plunge cannot be far behind. This popular event has transitioned to an ECU Tradition. The jump began in January 1997 at the opening of the Eakin Student Recreation Center with only 35 jumpers and has grown to over 1,000 jumpers 27 years later. Jumpers leap into the frigid icy waters of the outdoor pool in the heart of January with the lure of a T-shirt, good food, and fun!
Raid The Rec
Raid the Rec started in 2016 as a “Welcome to ECU” for all incoming students. This event is held on the Friday night before classes begin each fall semester as part of ECU opening weekend activities and part of The Pirate Experience. Students experience a new theme each year, lots of fun games and prizes, free food, t-shirts, and much more!
Fresh Check Day
Fresh Check Day is an engaging and uplifting mental health promotion event for college that features peer-centered interactive booths, a festive social atmosphere, and exciting prizes and giveaways.
Flu Fest
Join us in taking proactive steps to protect yourself and our community against illness while soaking up the festival vibes. Our all-day clinic offers convenient access to vital vaccinations, ensuring defense against common infections. Dive into the festivities with games and good times aplenty. And don’t forget, pediatric vaccines will be available. Let’s unite in creating a lively and healthier campus environment for all.
Safe Spring Break
The sun’s out and the Well-Being Collective is ready to kick off our annual Safe Spring Break event! Whether you plan on bumming it on the beach or kicking your feet up at home we have all the essentials you need to thrive on your week off. ECU’s Well-Being Collective comes together to provide you with fun merch and multiple giveaway prizes to ensure a memorable spring break.
#YouMatterECU
#YouMatterECU is a campaign that targets suicide prevention. Suicide does not discriminate, affecting people of all genders, ages, and ethnicities. The YouMatter movement aims to reduce the stigma around mental health and suicide and to promote positive mental health. We focus on celebrating every person’s value and worth, promoting self-care, connection, and kindness.
Flatlanders Fling Climbing Competition
The annual climbing competition brings together climbers from all over the region to compete in this yearly event. Participants have the opportunity to win some great prizes donated by local businesses. While you’re not climbing, sit back and enjoy some free food, games, and good company!
HSC Birthday Party
Health Sciences Campus Student Center opened in May 2017! CRW, together with Student Centers join forces to celebrate this grand opening with fun-filled activities, birthday cake, relaxing massages, and much more!
peace.love.pirates.cure
peace.love.pirates.cure Cancer Awareness Fair’s mission was to educate and empower students, staff, and faculty to take charge of their well-being and to learn more about strategies for preventing cancer. Various types of cancers were covered, including prevention, signs, symptoms, treatment, and celebrating survivors. ECU students had the opportunity to “taste the rainbow” of cancer-fighting foods at our nutrition exhibit. We will truly miss hosting this event as it was a powerful meaningful signal of survival!
Family Fun Day
Summertime is a great time to say “Thank you” to all our faculty, staff, and alumni members! Each summer we hosted Family Fun Day so our ECU families could get a taste of Campus Recreation & Wellness’s NRC Boat House, sample programs, and services. Kids got to have a dance party on the beach, enjoy stand-up paddling boarding, kayaking, beach games, and more summertime fun!
Beach Fest (After Dark)
Beach Fest was held at the North Recreational Complex each year in the fall semester to welcome students back to school. It was created to showcase CRW’s North Recreational Complex Boat House where students could kayak, stand-up paddle board, zip line, have fun with beach activities, and much more! This event eventually transitioned to BeachFest After Dark held Family Weekend which was rained out the past two years.