March 27, 2012

‘Humans vs. Zombies’ game returns to campus

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- An infection of extraordinary proportions is coming to Southern Illinois University Carbondale, but the only thing contagious about it is the fun for participants.

The popular Humans vs. Zombies game returns to campus April 4-14 courtesy of University Housing Residence Hall Association and National Residence Hall Honorary.  All University students can participate.  Last fall’s episode drew a large crowd.

The goal for the “zombies” is to tag the “humans” with an open palm touch.  That tag changes a human into a zombie.  The humans defend themselves primarily by throwing plain, old, unembellished balled socks at the zombies, temporarily stunning them.  During the course of the game, players participate in various missions during which they’ll try to accomplish assigned tasks.  Of course, the zombies will be all about preventing that from happening.

There will be a boot camp to give new and returning players the opportunity to learn about the game and how to play it via small, mini-missions.  The camp will be at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 29, outside Grinnell and Lentz halls. 

Signup is now under way for SIU Carbondale Humans vs. Zombies 2012.  Register online at http://siu.hvzsource.com/ to join in the world’s biggest campus tag game.  Search for SIU Carbondale on that site to sign up.  Participants must sign up prior to the first mission on April 4.

After you register, you’ll get additional information by email.  You’ll also get a code number that that you can use to pick up a game bandana at the boot camp or the first mission.  You’ll need to sign waiver forms, too.

For more information, call 618/453-2351 or email rha.siuc@gmail.com.  You can also learn more about the game that has quickly become an international phenomenon by logging onto www.humansvszombies.org or joining the SIU Carbondale HvZ Facebook page.