Introduction
In this Brighter Beacon article, we explore the hypothetical Edinburgh University Classic Outdoor Games Society (EUCOGS).
What is EUCOGS?
The Edinburgh University Classic Outdoor Games Society, abbreviated as EUCOGS, is a hypothetical student society at the University of Edinburgh focused on a category of games called "Classic Outdoor Games".
Classic Outdoor Games is a term — coined by
Bintang D.
in February 2024 — used to refer to various outdoor children's games (excluding mainstream sports). The games Bintang had in mind for the term and EUCOGS are:
- Capture the Flag
- Hide-and-Seek (and its variants, including Sardines [Reverse H&S])
- British Bulldog (and its derivatives, including Red Rover)
- Dodgeball [We do not currently have a Dodgeball Club] (and its variants)
The list expanded over time to include lighter games such as:
- Cornhole (sometimes simply known as bean bag toss)
- Pétanque
- Various traditional outdoor games from around the world
EUCOGS was conceptualized by Bintang Dirya after the Chemical Engineering Society failed for the second consecutive year to participate in Frank Morton Sports Day — the yearly recreational sports event for chemical engineering students across the UK taking place in February and rotational host universities.
Why should EUCOGS be established?
- Fostering Inclusivity Through Nostalgia: Classic outdoor games — such as capture the flag and hide-and-seek — often resonate across cultural backgrounds. For international and domestic students alike, these games tap into shared childhood memories, creating a friendly and accessible environment that can help overcome social barriers.
- Encouraging Fun, Low-Pressure, and Communal Physical Activity: EUCOGS is offering something that other kinds of physical activity lack. Gym and outdoor exercise is low-pressure, but not necessarily communal nor fun. Sports Clubs are fun and communal, but can be high-pressure. Although there are fun and low-pressure Sports Clubs, our society offers a variety of games from hide-and-seek and cornhole (very low effort games) to capture the flag and dodgeball (matching the intensity of some established sports like ultimate frisbee and football), changing every week.
- Alleviating Loneliness: Outdoor games naturally encourage collaboration, friendly competition, and playful interaction. By creating a space where students can easily participate without needing specific skills or preparation, EUCOGS would attract students looking for an informal way to make friends. For our university community dealing with increased student numbers and social isolation, this low-pressure format — compared to Sport Clubs — can provide a natural way to connect.
- Enhancing Edinburgh’s Campus Culture and Outdoor Use: Edinburgh has several natural outdoor spaces that could be better used for student activities. With planned weekly or monthly gatherings, EUCOGS would actively contribute to creating a more lively and community-centered outdoor campus atmosphere by using green spaces to create active gatherings and improve student morale.
- Affordable Social Events for All Students: Classic outdoor games require minimal to no equipment which allows EUCOGS to run on a low budget and offer free memberships.
Ascension Towards EUSA-affiliated Student Society Status
Let's remind ourselves their requirements/features:
- Societies must have President, Secretary, and Treasurer – these must be University of Edinburgh students
- Societies must have their own constitution setting out their name and aims, and any other specific positions necessary
- Membership of any society shall be open to all matriculated students of Edinburgh University
- 75% of a society’s membership must be Edinburgh University students
- Societies must have a minimum of 20 members
- Societies may charge a membership fee, to enable them to sustain their activities. Applications for funding to the Societies Executive Funding Group will take into account whether or not a society has made an effort to provide for its own activities through a membership fee or not.
- All office-bearers shall be subject to election annually at an Annual General Meetings of their society, which must be open to all its members.
- Recognized societies shall have access to Edinburgh University Students’ Association facilities and services. Terms and conditions on which this access is available shall be publicized to societies each year.
- Societies must re-register on an annual basis, following the process determined by Activities Executive
- Society activities and meetings are subject to Edinburgh University Students’ Association’s Regulations on Good Conduct, and Guidelines for Meetings.
We can see that we are in a good position for ascension, however there are some difficulties. Besides the minimum of 20 members, the most notable problem is Bintang's conflict of interest. Bintang has considered the
New King's Buildings Union
for ascension, although he leans to the viewpoint of NKBU Independence but closer connection with the Students' Association. Therefore, Bintang can dedicate his efforts to the EUCOGS Ascension.
If you want join the Edinburgh University Classic Outdoor Games Society, email Bintang on Outlook for now. A Microsoft Forms survey will be developed to keep track on membership.
Other Students' Unions
The Edinburgh University Classic Outdoor Games Society (EUCOGS) is not the first of its kind. There are student societies in other students' unions with a similar premise such as:
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Edinburgh University Classic Outdoor Games Society (EUCOGS) presents a unique opportunity to bring students together through nostalgic, inclusive, and low-pressure activities. By promoting classic outdoor games, EUCOGS can tap into shared childhood memories, foster friendships, and provide an accessible platform for physical activity outside of established Sports Clubs. The society’s focus on affordability and simplicity also means it can create a welcoming space for all students without high financial barriers.
As EUCOGS moves toward official recognition within the Edinburgh University Students’ Association, it has the potential to enhance campus life, utilizing Edinburgh’s outdoor spaces in ways that are both socially engaging and beneficial to student well-being. With plans for regular gatherings, EUCOGS can become a vital part of the university’s social fabric, offering an inviting atmosphere where students of all backgrounds can connect and enjoy the outdoors.
