As the first few weeks of the school year have rolled by, you may be searching for some new friends on campus or some exciting new activities to try out. If that is the case, then checking out UFV’s Campus Recreation is a great way to get involved and stay active on campus! The thing that separates Campus Recreation from other gyms or recreation centres is that it is located right on campus, so it is convenient for students to participate in between classes.
In addition to the convenience of it, the campus recreation department is also great because it has all of the students’ goals in mind. Whether you are wanting to test your physical strength or steady your anxiety, there is an activity for you to try out. The Cascade sat down with Cheryl Van Nes, program manager of Campus Recreation and Wellness, and discussed all things Campus Rec, including how students can get involved and why participation is so important.
“The goal of Campus Rec is to help enhance students’ physical, social, and mental health to create an opportunity to help them become well rounded individuals,” said Van Nes. “Not only do [students] understand [this] when they are in the classroom, but also when they enter the workforce because [they] will continue with these habits so that they are able to have a work/life balance. As they get older, they will have the flexibility and endurance to get through life.”
New to Campus Rec this year is the Peak Pass membership option which gives students, faculty, staff and alumni access to The Summit (UFV’s fitness center), drop-in sports & fitness classes. The Peak Pass is $40 per semester or $70 for the entire academic year. If the Peak Pass isn’t for you, interested participants also have the option to pay for individual drop-ins or the 10x Peak punch pass, which gives you access to The Summit, drop-in sports, and fitness classes 10 times over the course of a year.
The front desk of the department is located in building E, outside of the north gym. Here, you are able to scan in or sign up for a variety of activities such as intramural leagues, drop-in sports, fitness classes, or access to the Summit (fitness center).
There is a long list of sports and activities to choose from:
Drop in sports: Badminton, open court, basketball, pickleball, cricket, spikeball, women’s/gender neutral basketball, and futsal (indoor soccer).
Fitness Classes: Self-care yoga, zumba, spin and strength, and summit circuit
Intramural Leagues: Futsal (indoor soccer), volleyball, and men’s basketball
Apart from the physical benefits of participating in these sports and activities, Van Nes stressed the benefits of creating social relationships, too. She stated, “The social experiences that [students are] having here at university are so important. Not only are [students] here to do well in the classroom, but outside of the classroom [students can] make connections with other individuals. If you’ve got a community on campus, you’re more likely to continue studying here. Also, physical activity is important to your success in the classroom. If you’re physically active and your body is healthy, your mind is healthy.”
Campus Recreation is always looking for new ways to engage students and get them involved. A good resource to stay involved with Campus Recreation is to follow them on Instagram @ufvrec. Here you will find schedule updates for activities as well as new and upcoming opportunities on campus.
Students may also choose to join the Cascades Crew, which offers a variety of volunteer and paid positions right on campus in areas such as Campus Recreation, facility operations, and varsity game days. One exciting upcoming activity is the department’s “learn to row” session with former UFV Rowing alumni and Olympic rower, Lisa Roman.
In closing, Van Nes stated, “Campus Recreation is for everyone, and we try to make it as inclusive as possible. I would love to hear from other students. If they see that there’s something that they want and they don’t see offered, or they’ve had before in the past, then I’m happy to create that.”
For more information about Campus Recreation or to get in touch with the department, check out their website ufv.ca/campusrec or email at campusrec@ufv.ca.
Esher is a second year law & communications student who is invested in sports. When he isn't filming and writing about basketball, he can often be found washing cars or cutting the grass. Esher hopes to one day enter the field of law enforcement and start his own media group.