Permanent link for What is Campus Rec anyway? on May 20, 2019

If you’re a student at Grand Valley State University (GVSU), you’ve most likely heard of Campus Recreation, Campus Rec, or maybe just REC. But what does that really mean? And, more importantly, what does that mean to you? When you hear “Campus Recreation,” do you just think of the Rec Center? Probably. While we love to promote exercise, we’re about so much more than that. In fact, we offer something for everyone, which means there's a lot!

Campus Rec provides inclusive and diverse recreational opportunities that inspire participation, promote health and wellbeing, and encourage student development and success. We offer opportunities for everyone - students, faculty, staff, and community members. Through sports, outdoor adventures, fitness, wellness, events, marketing, and student employment, there’s definitely ways to get involved, be active, and live healthy. To find what might interest you, look no further...

SPORTS PROGRAMS
Club Sports provide an opportunity for students who want to compete or participate in a sport, but might not have the skill or time commitment to participate in an NCAA varsity sport at GVSU. Club Sports are student-run groups, many with coaches, that compete against other universities at a state, regional, and national level. GVSU has 50 sport organizations for men’s, women’s and co-rec competition. Club Sport athletes work hard to fundraise, train, and compete to represent their university. “I participate in GVSU Club Sports because it allows me to remain competitive in a sport that I love and can enjoy with my friends and family for a lifetime,” said Derrick Lessor, Waterski & Wakeboard Club member. “My involvement with Club Sports has helped to provide me with a family at GVSU.” Many of our Club Sports teams have opportunities for students who want to learn a new sport or who want to join a sport organization with like-minded people.

We also offer Intramural Sports (IM Sports), which are sport leagues and events that take place on GVSU’s campus for GVSU students, faculty, and staff. IM Sports are perfect for participants who want to play on a team with their friends, classmates, and roommates in a fun and recreational environment. Most participants play 1-2 games per week, and there are no practices required; you just show up and play! Whether participants are playing a sport for the first time, trying to relive their high school days or are playing for the championship t-shirt, IM Sports is a great place to be active and build friendships. “The reason I participate in Intramural Sports is to get more involved on campus, make new friends, and compete,” Whitney Card, GVSU student. “IM Sports provide a competitive atmosphere that also brings students of many backgrounds together.”

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
If you’re looking to find more adventure and expand your horizons, consider Outdoor Adventures! This program area within Campus Rec offers outdoor education workshops & technical skills training, outdoor camping, backpacking, and hiking trips, gear rental, bike rentals, self-service bike maintenance, rock climbing, and more! Outdoor Adventures encourages exploration and community building. “Through the Outdoor Adventure program, the the Climbing Center , and the Bike Shop , I have found passions that I will continue for the rest of my life,” said Monse Miranda, Outdoor Adventures staff member. “Both as a participant and staff member, Campus Rec has inspired lifelong adventure in me."

FITNESS SERVICES
If fitness and wellness is your niche, you should know that there’s so much more to Campus Rec than just the Rec Center. To support your unique fitness journey, our staff provides group exercise, small group training, and personal training, all of which can be personalized to your individual needs. “Valuing fitness and wellness gives me the ability to participate in the adventures this world offers and trust that my body will be able to handle them,” said Hannah Stoliker, GVSU student. “Participating in Campus Rec programs, especially group exercise classes, has also helped me make new connections and relationships.”

WELLNESS SERVICES
Campus Rec reaches further to create a bridge to better health by offering programs beyond physical fitness. Examples of wellness programs provided by Campus Rec include: CPR, First Aid, & AED Training, Massage Therapy, and Nutrition Services. “As the Campus Rec Dietitian, I have so much fun helping students change eating habits and living healthier lives while creating a healthy, kind and flexible relationship with food and their body,” said Lori Schermers, Registered Dietitian. Additionally, the Injury Care Clinic and the Campus Health Center are services available to students, faculty, and staff. Campus Rec also partners with a variety of campus departments to sponsor wellness campaigns and initiatives, including Exam Cram and Unplugged.

SPECIAL EVENTS
Last but not least, if you’re just looking to get more involved on activities around campus, Campus Rec holds special events year round! Whether it be Live Eat RecFest or the Family Weekend 5K, there’s something for everyone! For more information on any of our programs, services, or events, visit the Campus Rec website or our events calendar, and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter to stay updated on upcoming events and various program area deadlines.

STUDENT EMPLOYMENT
Campus Rec also employs over 150 student staff each academic semester. Opportunities for employment vary from working at the Climbing Center or fixing up bikes to being a sport official, working in the office, or joining the marketing team. You can also become a group exercise instructor, teach swim lessons, or join our team as a fitness specialist. “Working for Campus Rec has been an amazing experience,” said Ally Kaza, GVSU student. “It has given me a lot of real world experience in the field of health and wellness, which is what I am interested in pursuing.” Apply for Campus Rec jobs on the Campus Rec Employment website. If you’d like to work at the Rec Center or Kelly Family Sports Center, visit Athletic and Recreation Facilities.  

INFORMAL RECREATION
While Campus Rec promotes working out at the Rec Center, our department does not manage or staff the recreation facilities. Either way, students have access to the Rec Center, Bike Shop, Climbing Center, Instructional Fitness Studio, Dance Studio, outdoor courts and fields, indoor tracks and courts, and the pool at no cost.

NOW WHAT?
Now that you have some insight into who we are and how we’re here to support you, we hope that you’ve found a few ways to get involved. And once you get involved, we can’t wait to hear your REC story through #whyiGVrec .

By: Alexis Smith

Categories: General Recreation
Posted on Permanent link for What is Campus Rec anyway? on May 20, 2019.