By Sophia Raspanti
“The first escape room built by students, for students.”
Chapel Thrill Escapes
Those words embody Chapel Thrill Escapes, the 2018 brainchild of two Morehead-Cain scholars, Cam Champion and Phillip Smart. From the organization’s humble beginnings in the basement of Cobb Residence Hall, the students that have worked tirelessly to see to its success are excited to announce that Chapel Thrill Escapes is now in operation on Franklin Street.
The new challenge, “The Lost Tar Heel”, presents a theme that will resonate with all college students, especially those that live in the residence halls. Upon entering, one will immediately feel at home in the pleasantly decorated student room, which invites a nostalgia to a decade most current college students never knew firsthand. Hidden amongst stacks of books, posters, and busy day planners are clues to where your missing peer may have disappeared.
Before writing this piece, I had the pleasure of visiting the space myself and gaining some insight through conversations with the Chief Marketing Officers of Chapel Thrill, Karina Samuel and Nathan Huse, as well as Jackie Nguyen, the Co-Chief Operating Officer. While these students are new additions to the Chapel Thrill executive board, both have extensive backgrounds working with the organization’s business and building teams. Both students expressed enthusiasm over the opening of Chapel Thrill’s Franklin Street Location, a longstanding goal of the organization and exciting milestone to reach.
Reflecting on the work previous Chapel Thrill team members had done to realize the dream of opening an escape room on Franklin Street, Nathan Huse highlighted the work of former Chief Operating Officer Nolan Welch and current Chief Executive Officer Riley Harper.
“They’ve done a lot of work to get us here… Riley [Harper] and Nolan [Welch] and everyone who’s been part of the club for the past years. It’s taken a while, but we’re here now and the move’s been great so far.”
Nathan Huse, Co-Chief Marketing Officer of Chapel Thrill Escapes
Ready to Play?
The Missing Tar Heel is now open for all interested escapists! Bring a group of up to ten friends and attempt to solve the mystery within the 60-minute time limit. The new room features a variety of exciting puzzles… perfect for an action-packed afternoon with some friends. However, in order to connect the dots, you’ll need to book a slot ahead of time by heading to Chapel Thrill Escapes.
“We’re really confident that Chapel Thrill Escapes is the perfect addition to your day on Franklin Street, whether you’ve never done an escape room before or you’re super experienced. We know that you’re going to have a great time.”
Karina Samuel, Co-Chief Marketing Officer of Chapel Thrill Escapes
Bookings made from April 14th to 20th will be under Chapel Thrill’s special Senior Week pricing of $7 for on-campus graduating seniors and their on-campus friends and $14 for off-campus participants. To learn more pricing and hours of operations, click here.
Whether you’re an escape room veteran or simply a curious student, both I and the team of Chapel Thrill Escapes encourages you to spend an afternoon finding your missing compatriot. But beware: if time runs out, you may disappear into the fold as well. Happy hunting!