The Burnout Bonfire Bash took place a few weeks ago, but as the Excaliburnt Out campaign picks up speed, I want to take the opportunity to provide a report on how the event went from the perspective of someone who volunteered on the day. The Burnout Bonfire Bash was hosted by the TCSA and planned by VP of Campaigns and Equity Aimee Anctil. Taking place on Friday, November 18th, the event was designed as a de-stressor for students during midterm season and was partnered with Active Minds in order to distribute mental health resources. The goal of the campaign is to bring attention to the challenges students are facing on top of their academic responsibilities, and the ways in which the university administration is exacerbating these issues through over enrollment and a severe lack in student resources, resulting in students being more burnt out than ever. As a de-stressor, the Bonfire Burnout Bash gave students the opportunity to enjoy some free food, to learn about the message of the campaign while creating prints with Excaliburnt Out designs, and to smash some pumpkins as a way of releasing some of their pent-up frustration. The Bash was never expected to convince administration to listen to students, or to even grab their attention. The organizers are well-aware how difficult it is to get through to the higher-ups of Trent. It was the first event in the much larger scope of the campaign, meant to engage and involve students in this movement for institutional change. As well, it allowed the organizers to introduce the Excaliburnt Out petition to students and answer any questions about it in person. With enough signatures, alongside the research-based advocacy, we have a shot at getting through to administration and confronting them with the dissatisfaction of the student body. But, to do so, we need to hear from as many students as possible about what they are experiencing and what changes they’d like to see. That’s why research is the next step of the campaign. As a conversation-starter, I would certainly call the Bash a success. We volunteers had the chance to speak to hundreds of students that night and connect with them meaningfully about a variety of issues affecting students. I saw first-hand how important and validating it was to the attendees to feel heard by other students. So, although the Burnout Bonfire Bash was more so centred around student enjoyment activity-wise, it achieved much more than providing an outlet for stressed students. Our work on the Excaliburnt Out campaign is far from over, and the more students we can connect with, the stronger our message becomes. We will keep fighting because we, and the future students of this university, deserve better. You can sign the petition here: https://trentu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_82IuEZ6iApGXcdU. To get involved with the campaign, contact vpcampaigns@trentcentral.ca.