The week of November 15, Juniata college students left the comfort of their dorm rooms to enjoy harsh winds, evening downpours and 5 a.m. roll calls. During the week, students competed for featured tables at the winter-formal, Madrigal Dinner. Tenting is a relatively new tradition to hit Juniata. A new tent-er and a person from the “Head Tent” (Head Tent gets to create the antics of tenting) share their opinions on the tradition:

Maggie Burkett ’14, Granville, Oh.:

What is the worst thing about tenting?
The worst part about tenting is definitely the lack of sleep due to obnoxious noises and high winds.

What is in your tent?
Currently, the only thing in our tent is 6 ten-pound rocks (to hold the tent down), a pair of socks and a water bottle.

What is your favorite tenting activity?
My favorite tenting activity is either hanging out in the tent or roll call.

What is the best aspect about your tenting experience?
It’s awesome to be with a group of so many other people who are tenting as well. We go through the same problems, compete at challenges, and have fun!

Joel Rhodes ’13, Huntingdon, Pa.,

What is the worst thing about tenting?
Being a part of the Head Tent, there’s not much to complain about!

What is in your tent?
Snuggies, Vuvuzelas for role calls, and my closest friends

What is your favorite tenting activity?
I love the scavenger hunts, bake-offs, 5 a.m. roll calls, and the creativity of the other tents in order to impress us and move ahead in line.

What is the best aspect about your tenting experience?
When looking at the tradition of tenting objectively, it is rather pointless to give up so much time and sleep to get a prime table. Tenting is a way to break up the normal college grind and do ridiculous things. It brings the Juniata community together and makes you remember what a special place Juniata is.

-Erin Kreischer ’13, Online Journalist