Using condoms as bingo markers, Shippensburg University students played their way through 20 rounds of bingo in the Ceddia Union Building (CUB) between lessons from a sexologist.
Dr. Jill McDevitt returned to SU on Friday for the seventh time over the last several years to educate students about safe sex, sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) and the stigma surrounding them.
After a few rounds of bingo, McDevitt started her first lesson, calling 18 volunteers to the stage.
Each received a card depicting a sexual act. Students were tasked with arranging themselves in order from lowest risk to highest risk of getting an STI. Those who were not on stage entertained themselves by blowing up condoms and batting them around the room like balloons.
Students turned their attention to the carrots on the tables to practice putting on condoms. McDevitt led the activity on stage using a giant cloth condom, complete with a Trojan wrapper and a volunteer.
Bingo prizes included a mini-fridge, tea maker, Giant gift card, beanbag chair and Shippensburg jackets — leading all the way up to a $200 Amazon gift card.
Prizes were donated by the Women’s Center, Activities Program Board, Greek Life and the Residence Hall Association.
Each time a voice rang out, “Bingo!” the crowd groaned in response. The digital bingo board lit up the screen inside the CUB’s multipurpose room. Students snacked on pizza and popcorn while their eyes watched the big screen, wishing for their numbers to be called.
McDevitt taught the audience about the various kinds of contraceptives, like Intrauterine Devices and birth control.
Students then participated in an anonymous poll via text, answering questions and fill in the blank statements about STI’s.
In response to, “I think people with STI’s are…” students made comments such as “sad,” “statistically average” and “not my place to judge” in a mix of positive and negative answers.
McDevitt encouraged students to keep an open mind about STI’s, explaining how more people have them than most realize.
When it came time for the final round, everyone had to cover their bingo cards fully to win the Amazon gift card.
The winners played rock, paper, scissors for the tie-breaker. Although not everyone could be a winner, they all walked away with free condoms and a little bit more of a sexual education.
Proceeds from the event were donated to Women In Need, of Chambersburg, which serves survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
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