Campus Rec celebrated Recreational Sports and Fitness Day on Feb. 23 from 6-8 p.m. with Rec Fest, an event filled with food, music, laser tag, and an opportunity to win an Apple watch, while also giving students an insight into what Campus Rec holds for them this spring semester. “… All students pay for these services that are available to them through their tuition, so I think they need to utilize them as much as they can. We have amazing and awesome services like bike rentals, outdoor trips, and a lot [more]. The space itself is really awesome to utilize as well; students can come in everyday and workout, take time to play basketball, hang out with their friends in the lobby, and just have a good safe place they can go to on campus.” said admin support coordinator Michelle Aung. 

Rec Fest featured various activities to get students moving, offering the opportunity to enjoy a game of laser tag, compete in a friendly rock climbing competition, participate in TRX challenges, or try out highlining for the night. Students’ attention was drawn to the big prize of the night, Campus Rec’s first-ever Apple watch raffle. Each activity completed meant a raffle ticket entry. The number of entries varied depending on the activity; the more activities completed, the greater the chance of winning. 

Hot chocolate was provided for students encouraging them to stick around and enjoy the event after participating in the activities. “Rec Fest is just a tease of what we have in store for students. We want to shift our approach with students doing more interactive and informational events that highlight all we have to offer and more,” said Jazmin Palma Alonzo, Campus Rec member and third-year sociology major. 

Students seemed eager to enjoy the first in-person semester at Campus Rec. When asked what they enjoy most about Campus Rec being open, Christain Giver, a third-year communication major, said, “The community coming together and just being one whole family; everyone’s so friendly, everyone’s so willing to support each other, and it’s a great environment for bettering yourself.” 

Campus Rec offers access to its facility, services, and programs to all students. The group fitness class InMotion Yoga is offered twice a week for students seeking a relaxing way to start their mornings. Intramural Sports are provided, alternating sports once a week, such as indoor soccer, basketball, flag football, and volleyball. Students are welcome to assemble their own teams or drop in and join a team. The rock climbing wall and gym are open to students of all skills levels, with personal trainers available if desired. Services to get a quick bike fix or rent one are available at the Seawolf Cyclery inside the Outdoor Resource Center. 

“I [would] say [Campus Rec] is a very relaxing area; no one really bothers you too much. You come in, get your workout done, get ready for class, get ready for sleep, whatever you gotta do, but it’s pretty much a peaceful environment,” said Luis Davis, a third-year business major. 

The services and programs offered by Campus Rec go beyond the Rec Center. Gear rental and skill classes are available, as well as the Adventure Program, which focuses on giving students knowledge and tools for their next outdoor adventure. Campus Rec also holds Outdoor Pursuits Trips: an off-campus trip that offers a weekend escape to explore and appreciate the outdoors.

Campus Rec encourages students who are interested in teaching a group fitness class, or in becoming part of the Campus Rec family, to visit the Campus Rec employment web page and apply. “Students should expect exciting events, awesome prizes, flexible hours, and of course, friendly and helpful coworkers,” said Ryan Fitzpatrick, Lead Recreation Coordinator.

Check out the Campus Recreation website to learn more about future events and Campus Rec programs and services.