The Condom Carnival brings together Silly Games and Education.

Valentine’s Day is a romantic occasion for couples, but one that should be approached with precaution when it comes to sex.

Point Park’s traditional Condom Carnival will arrive just in time for the holiday to teach students about the importance of practicing safe sex.

“You get a lot of free condoms, but you also have these games that might just seem like games to some people, but they actually have an educational [aspect] that CAB really tries to push forward,” said sophomore multimedia major Shanah Hupp.

The Campus Activities Board (CAB) and Her Campus Point Park partner up with several other campus groups to continue this annual experience on Thursday, Feb. 12 from 9-11 p.m. in the Lawrence Hall Ballroom. The carnival-style event will combine games such as balloon darts and races. 

Hupp attended the carnival last year and plans to return with her friends. She enjoyed the entertaining side of the event but also acknowledges the carnival games have another purpose.

“They blew up a balloon or something, and they were tossing it back and forth. You had to keep it off the ground, and if it fell on the ground then you got pregnant,” Hupp said.  “It was funny but behind it was if you don’t wear a condom or take the proper precautions, then you have a higher risk of getting pregnant, and your whole life is just not as you planned it to be.”

Hupp said she believes everyone knows the facts of safe sex, but unless it directly affects students, they are less likely to practice those methods.

“STDs, pregnancies, stuff like that. They don’t see the effects of because it’s not right there in their face,” she said.

Along with the food and games, there will be tables from each sponsoring organization that will provide students with information ranging from protection methods to domestic violence. Those additional sponsors include the Rugby club, U-View, The Outdoor Adventure Club, The Body Christian Fellowship and some others that have not been confirmed.

“They’re not going to be doing a formal talk. It’s more of an event where students can go up and ask questions and receive information that way,” said Colten Gill, Public Relations Coordinator for CAB.

Gill says CAB hopes to promote communication about safer sex, domestic violence and relationship conflicts that can arise in the “turbulent years” of 18-24 years and beyond.

“They will learn the dos and don’ts of situations of sex,” said Brendan Dazen, a member of the CAB public relations committee. “They’ll also learn how to keep themselves protected, and they’ll learn about different consequences of not being protected.”

CAB’s Spirits and Traditions Coordinator Morgan Mitchell reached out to Her Campus because of their successful past.

“Last year, they had a week where they did something about domestic violence, and we just thought they would be a great organization to work with on campus, especially to get that message out there” Mitchell said.

The range of games may seem ridiculous, but are made to be enlightening.  Her Campus will be hosting a game where students will race to put a condom on a banana and other veggies. The fastest contestant will win a prize.  

CAB’s game will be a spin on balloon dart. Instead of using balloons, students will be throwing their darts at condoms.

“It always has the spin that it’s fun like a carnival, but it’s also for sexual awareness, whether that be sexual violence or just education in general,” Mitchell said.

Although many students may have had some form of sexual education in high school, college is still an important time for learning about safer sex.

“This is a time when many students become sexually active, or become more sexually active,” said University nurse Heather Capo. “The risks increase significantly for this age group, particularly if alcohol usage is involved.” 

Abstinence is the best way to stay safe, but condoms are also very effective, according to Capo. She encourages females to have yearly gynecological checkups while males should have STD testing performed if they’ve been in a situation without protection. Capo also tells students they can stop in her office for any information.

“We always have free condoms available in the Student Health Center. We have referral resources if students should need gynecological care or STD testing,” she said.

Many Point Park students have shown interest in the carnival. Sophomore Marissa Rayes sees the event as beneficial.

“I think it’s a good thing to get knowledge out there. I feel like it’s a good way to learn about safe sex,” Rayes said.

Sophomores Eva Espey and Kristen Musloe agree that teaching serious content in a fun way is something students will enjoy.

“I think there are so many people that don’t get the adequate sex education either at home or from their school, and so I think this is a nice kind of light-hearted way to learn and be safe,” Espey said.

 She supported CAB’s choice to host the event.

“As a campus, we kind of come together and say, ‘it’s ok, sex is not taboo, and neither are condoms’,” Espey said.

As a college student on a budget, Musloe understands the need for easily accessible protection.

“I think it’s a different way for kids to get protection because I know some people feel uncomfortable going to a store and buying [condoms],” she said. “I know CVS is really expensive and that is really the only place we have down here, so I think it’s a creative way to benefit kids.”