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Picnics

Picnics are one of our most relaxed and casual event formats — a great way to enjoy the outdoors, hang out with friends, and build community at the start of the term.

We’ve hosted picnics at two main locations:

  • Mooney’s Bay — A bit farther out, but historically has drawn strong attendance.
  • Vincent Massey Park — Used for the first time in 2024–2025, thanks to the new walking bridge that makes it much more accessible from campus.

🧩 How It Works​

  • Choose a park, check the weather, and pick a date — typically early in the semester when people have the bandwidth to make the commute
  • Bring blankets, snacks, drinks, and optionally lawn games.
  • Students gather, relax, and enjoy an unstructured afternoon together.

⚠️ Things to Consider​

Timing Within the Term​

  • Picnics work best early in the term, when students are excited and looking to socialize.
  • We've intentionally run them earlier in Week of Awesome, often on the first Sunday, to avoid fatigue. Hosting a picnic at the end of the week risks low energy and lower turnout.

Promotion & Clarity​

  • Make sure students know how to get there, what to bring (e.g., water, sunscreen), and what to expect.
  • Encourage students to bring their own snacks or drinks if the event is casual and non-catered.

Weather & Backup Plans​

  • Keep an eye on the weather forecast leading up to the event.
  • Have a backup plan in case of rain or extreme weather