Obstacle courses, tie-dyed headbands, a scavenger hunt plus many other activities are all part of Jefferson Fun Days, sponsored by the Greek community during Greek Week.

Today from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., each chapter will send 15 members to Jefferson Elementary School to spend the day doing crafts and games with students.

Three sessions that last for an hour-and-a-half and are split between fourth, fifth and sixth graders.

“The teachers asked if we could divide the kids up into sessions so they are in their own age group and know each other,” said James McLauchlan, a senior marketing major and community service member of the Greek Week Steering Committee.

The participants will be making greeting cards and tie-dying headbands, which will be sent to children at St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital.

“We explain to the kids they should be grateful for all they have, because there are other kids out there like them that aren’t so healthy,” McLauchlan said. “This is something to take seriously because we are role models to the kids.”

Each year the community service committee tries to alter the games and crafts to keep the kids’ interest.

“In the past years, teachers have given us feedback about games students liked and then we’ll play it again the next year,” McLauchlan said. “But by the time it’s the third year they get sick of it, so we try to change it up a little bit to fit their age.”

The tie-dyed headbands are this year’s newest addition.

“The teachers were a little hesitant to let the kids tie-dye, but we talked them into it.” McLauchlan said. “With everything set up, it shouldn’t be too messy.”

Community service events encourage Greek Week participants to not only have fun but also give back to the community.

“It’s really important that we have community service because it’s a good way for students to teach kids and show unity,” said Mallory Devens, a sophomore elementary education major and Community Service member of Steering Committee.

Also, it is mandatory for 15 members of every house to participate.

“It’s good to represent every chapter and show pride.” Devens said. “It also shows what we’ve worked on through the year.”

About five or six Greek members are randomly assigned to a classroom where they stay with about 25 kids for the day.

“The groups are chosen randomly because it makes the focus on the kids and Eastern students get to experience the day with different chapters than their own,” said Denisha Smith, a sophomore communication studies major and Community Service member of the Steering Committee. “It’s something that gets every Greek on campus to do something together.”

Geri Kizior said last year’s Jefferson Fun Days was a lot of fun and had signed up to participate again this year.

“The kids loved it that adults were playing with them all day,” said Kizior, a senior biology major with teacher’s certification and member of Delta Delta Delta. “Also, St. Jude’s benefits from it because the kids also get enjoyment knowing someone cares for them.”