On Wednesday September 25, Tabor hosted its second annual Health and Wellness Day. Regular classes were replaced with a half-day of well-being programming featuring three key components: Wellness Fair, Community Connection, and an Improv Speaker. Starting at 9 am, students and faculty rotated through the day’s activities in advisories.
“The school’s initiative is to bring well-being to the forefront for all students — not just as an afterthought, but as a priority,” said Co-Director of Counseling Pam Nadeau.
Tabor hopes to create a culture where the well-being of both students and faculty is a priority, and Health and Wellness Day is an important step in that direction.
Wellness Fair
According to the Counseling Office, the purpose of the Wellness Fair is to give students mindful techniques that they can carry with them throughout their day-to-day lives.
Outside instructors led students and faculty through various meditational and therapeutic activities ranging from Sound Bathing and Chakra Mediation to Yoga, Taichi, and a Myofascial Release.
Kate Mayalarp ‘25 enjoyed the Sound Bathing session. Held in the wrestling room, participants were provided with small mats and eye masks upon arrival before finding a comfortable space to lie down. They were guided through breathing exercises and meditation, focused on calming waves and rain sounds produced through Tibetan singing bowls. The combination of various instruments was incredibly soothing, even inducing REM sleep for some.
“I didn’t know I fell asleep until I had to wake up,” said Kate afterward.
Vince White ‘26 participated in the myofascial release, a foam rolling exercise that eased soreness and targeted muscle knots in the body.
“I was looking forward to this activity from last year and this year did not disappoint,” said Vince.
Helpful for recovering athletes, the massage was both physically and mentally cleansing. The instructor explained the basics of myofascial therapy and the importance of daily physical wellness while leading the group through stretches.
Improv Speaker:
New to Wellness Day this year was an improv session led by the Watermelon Alligator Theatre Company. Appearing on Hoyt lawn, the dynamic improv duo guided students through breathing exercises and community-focused games designed to enhance listening and focus. Founded in 2008, the company integrated humor and Diversity, Equity, and Belonging principles into their performance at Tabor.
Community Connection:
Community Connection took place in the Campus Center and promoted social well-being at Tabor. It provided students with a relaxing environment and a chance to get to know their classmates through activities like spike ball, corn hole, Jenga, and other board games. Led by Tabor’s Peer Helpers, students also engaged in mindful activities such as crafts, painting, and ‘zine coloring. The Dining Hall staff made strawberry smoothies for students and faculty to sip on while they socialized.
Throughout the day, masseuses were on campus and faculty and staff were invited to receive an extra-special wellness experience: 10-minute massages in the Language wing. The massages were complete with a massage table, essential oils, and calming music.
“It was so relaxing, I thought about breaking the rules and signing up for a second one!” said Director of Library & Digital Learning Mr. Ryan Farrington.
As the day came to a close, students and faculty alike appreciated the chance to step back, recharge, and take a break from the demands that can come with boarding school life. On Wednesday, Tabor demonstrated its commitment to emotional, physical, and social well-being through Health and Wellness Day. The success of this year’s event sets the stage for future wellness initiatives, promising ongoing support for the Tabor community to follow.
Wellness looks different for each person: how we take care of ourselves is a continuous and evolving question. However, focusing on certain practices such as eating healthy, sleeping well, and stress management have benefits for well-being across the board. At Tabor, work-life balance and connections with the community are central to our understanding of wellness.
Starting this month, The Log staff and Peer Listeners will host a wellness-focused column to promote mental hygiene within the student body. Found in the “Well-Being” section of The Log site, the column will feature monthly articles covering advice, education, and strategies for improving emotional, physical, and social well-being throughout Tabor.
Stay tuned!
