In case y’all haven’t heard, Family Weekend is quickly approaching!! I know there has been a plethora of information given out by Priscilla Childress and myself, so I thought you could use a different Bear’s perspective. I was lucky enough to have Flat Boomer squeeze me into his very busy schedule for a quick interview regarding family weekend.
Zoë Pixler (ZP): Hey Flat Boomer, how is your semester going?
Flat Boomer (FB): Very well, thanks for asking! I am a little confused about this “fall” weather we are having. At least it looks like it might provide nice days for Family Weekend this year.
ZP: Haha same here. When I wake up I don’t know if I need jeans or a tank top! I like how you get straight to the point though, Boomer. It does look like we’re in the makings of great weather for Family Weekend. If you had to describe Missouri State’s Family Weekend in your own words, what would you say?
FB: I would say that it is a BEAR-iffic weekend full of activities and fun for the whole sleuth! (Which is what a family of bears are called)
ZP: Wow, I feel like I learn something new from you each time we talk! What would you say is your favorite thing about Missouri State’s Family Weekends?
FB: I just love seeing all the Mama, Papa, and Grand Bears come to campus donned in their Maroon and White BearWear. It is such a unique weekend that is fun for Bears of all ages. It is also a weekend where I get my picture taken with A LOT of Bear families. It is so warming to see how excited the cubs are to see their families and share their college experience with them.
ZP: Oh yes, I know the whole Pixler clan is coming on down to experience the excitement. Any chance we could meet up to get a picture taken with you?
FB: Of course! I will be around throughout the weekend. On Friday I try to sneak into as many family photos in front of the PSU Bear as possible. My favorite thing on Saturday, besides the football game that is, would be the Dive-In movie at the Foster Recreation Center. I love to hop in an inner tube and float around the lazy river while enjoying a cub-friendly movie. However, I do like to try to get to as many events as possible, so I’m sure we will run into each other no matter what activities you do.
ZP: How many activities are offered for Family Weekend this year?
FB: There about 35 activities offered throughout the weekend. I don’t even know where to begin naming them off. I actually have to use my Guide Book to help me keep track of everything for that weekend.
ZP: What exactly is a Guide Book and how does it pertain to Missouri State’s Family Weekend?
FB: Guide Book is only the most helpful thing you can use at Family Weekend! I could BEAR-ly get through the weekend without it! It’s a free app on your phone that once downloaded you can search for the Missouri State Family Weekend 2016 guidebook, which will give you all Family Weekend details in your bare paws! It has a detailed schedule of events, map and locations, frequently asked questions, connections to Bears Families social media and so much more! My favorite thing about Guide Book is the ability to make my own schedule based off the weekend’s events.
ZP: Wow, it seems like you really like this Guide Book thing a lot
FB: Absolutely! Now, once you download it, you will see that there are a bunch of pictures of me within the app…but I promise I’m not biased (bear laugh). This is really a great resource for families to be able to get the most out of the weekend.
ZP: You’re making me think I should take a look at this Guide Book to prepare myself!
FB: You should! It’s just as easy as going to your app store and downloading the Guide Book app, which is free, and then searching for Missouri State Family Weekend 2016. Once you find it, you just download the guide and you’re good to go!
I do want to say though, that this weekend’s ultimate goal is to get Bear families together. Priscilla plans a grizzly amount of events so families and students have plenty to do, but she wants this weekend to be about family..
ZP: That is so sweet. Is there anything else you want to share about this year’s family weekend?
FB: I think I could growl on for hours about Family Weekend, it’s been the topic of discussion in the Parent and Family Program office this entire semester. But I feel confident with the amount of information the families have. I just want to say thank you to all who are planning to come celebrate such an exciting time of year here at Missouri State University!
ZP: Awesome, thank you so much for your time Flat Boomer. I’ll be sure to sneak in a selfie or two with you this weekend
*Zoë and Flat Boomer hug and then go get coffee together*