Students roast s’mores and trauma

Around 50 students gathered at Smith Hall’s fire pit on Sept. 9 for “Burn Your Trauma.” The CAPE (Campus Advocacy, Prevention, and Education) project peer educators invited students to roast s’mores, connect with CAPE peer educators and let go of their challenges by tossing written reflections into the fire.

“The main goal was to create a casual space for students to connect with CAPE peer educators while also giving them the chance to reflect on any challenges, anxieties or trauma they may be carrying into the school year,” Jaden Hilkemann, CAPE Project director, said. “By writing those thoughts down and throwing them into the fire, students were able to symbolically let go and ‘burn their trauma.’ I think the event really achieved that.”

According to Hilkemann, the tradition has been part of Doane’s fall semester for at least six years, becoming a major event for CAPE. “We continue to host it as our first campus event each fall because of the strong turnout and the impact it has on students. It’s become one of CAPE’s staple events, and we love seeing students come back to it year after year.”

For many, the event was not only about release but also about connection. “I hope students walked away feeling more connected, aware of available resources and supported by their peers,” Hilkemann said. “I also hope they enjoyed the chance to relax, share a s’more and practice a little self-care and reflection.”

CAPE’s mission extends beyond events,  Hilkemann emphasized that CAPE is a resource for students year-round: “I want students to know that CAPE is here for them. If you or someone you know experiences dating violence, sexual harassment, or sexual assault, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact me directly, stop by my office, or connect with one of our peer educators who can provide resources and support.”Students can reach CAPE by emailing capeproject@doane.edu or contacting the CAPE Project director directly at jaden.hilkemann@doane.edu.