According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, recreation comes from the Middle English word recreacioun meaning “an act of refreshment, action of amusing.” Other possible etymological origins relate to words meaning reviving and restoring. To reconnect with this original meaning, many campus rec departments are finding value in providing fun and unique programming for students to play, enjoy and recreate.
“College is more than school, and we’re in this field because we know that,” explained Kirsten Schumacher, the director of Recreation at Seattle University (Seattle U). “Students are growing up and taking the next step and are often full of anxiety. Having unstructured moments of silliness can tap into childhood play. What’s discovered through that is so important, like who you are, the friends you can make, feelings of safety and more.”
Often, Schumacher and her team will host impromptu activities like geode smashing, knitting, friendship bracelet making, etc. These activities help students associate campus rec spaces with more than just fitness and exercise. Instead, the community knows that wherever campus rec is, fun and enjoyment will follow.
This kind of programming can take many forms, but Settle U has found its greatest impact is when it’s low-key and simple. While Recreation also hosts structured initiatives — like Spring Carnival, and baking and gardening intramurals — the spontaneous and approachable nature of its other activities keep fun and play accessible.
EXTRA CREDIT: Episode 18 of the Director Download with Kirsten Schumacher of Seattle University
“Students come to us not expecting to have a good time, but they’ll find there’s no greater joy than giggling whenever they’re doing something silly like throwing pie in someone’s face,” said Schumacher. “Campuses are full of dialog and debate which can be tough and difficult, and students feel it. They’re crying in our offices more than ever before. But then they engage, smile, are with friends and they realize why they’re here. That’s the core of our programming.”
Schumacher also highlighted how come-and-go events are opportunities for students to escape from common stressors. College routines are heavily structured and induce high levels of anxiety, so having a place like campus recreation where students can focus on their holistic health is vital. As such, they’re reminding students to enjoy their college years along with working hard.
“You come to college to get your professional degree but also to learn critical thinking and how to interact with the world and others,” said Schumacher. “To teach students to find joy and understand it’s OK to giggle is a really cool lesson to be building in the next leaders going out into the world. Life is full of tough things, but also a lot of fun things. I hope they can take that away from their experience here.”
This programming commonly has an important social element as well. Most activities can be done together or inspire further conversation and potentially deeper connections. Lamont Mayer Jr., the associate director of Programming and Student Development of CENTERS LLC at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, noted students socializing and talking about fun events after they happen is indicative of effective programming and a big highlight as a facilitator.
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In fact, Mayer Jr. explained feeling anxious before hosting events and worrying if students would show up and have a good time. Afterward, he was blown away by their engagement. He shared many participants just enjoy the opportunity to connect with other students in a safe space without the pressure from other common college party environments.
One example was a City Walk-themed event Mayer Jr. coordinated as the assistant director of Membership, Marketing and Special Events of CENTERS LLC at Jacksonville State University. The program replicated a night on the town with fitness studios transformed into different versions of nightclubs. Mocktails were provided, and it gave students a unique experience to connect and have fun in a safe environment.
As it came to an end, many students were calling for it to continue, and they stuck around to talk about the great time they had after the event closed. “They weren’t going home,” said Mayer Jr. “They were still hanging out and socializing. I remember in the debrief meeting, I said we need to build on this programming. It’s proven this is something they want and look forward to. Somehow, we have to be intentional and make sure we have it happening on a regular basis.”
Another highlight from the City Walk event was its general appeal. With a variety of spaces — from an upbeat and energetic club atmosphere to more lowkey, hang-out-focused options, there was an enjoyable area for everyone. Catering to as many different personalities, interests and lifestyles as possible increased accessibility and engagement.
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“For me, it’s important to find out what fun is to the target audience,” explained Mayer Jr. “I can’t define fun because my version is going to be different. Everyone wants to experience their idea of enjoyment in our programming. The beauty of it is trying to figure out how can we reach as many people as possible. We have to have something for everyone.”
By not implementing fun into your programming and spaces, you may be losing the possibility of engagement from students who wouldn’t normally participate in traditional spaces. At Louisiana State University (LSU), having a space dedicated for play with arcade games, pinball and billiards tables provides a reason to visit the rec center outside of working out or typical recreation. In a diverse student body with varying levels of comfort regarding exercise and health equipment and spaces, giving them a non-intimidating and generally entertaining activity eliminates a barrier of entry.
“When a student comes to college, they may not know anything about physical activity, haven’t had access to healthy foods, be first-generation or come from a low socioeconomic background,” explained Laurie Braden, the executive director of University Recreation (UREC) at LSU. “They know they should do something but don’t know anything about it. Our arcade is an easy entry point. Instead of feeling the pressure to come to the Rec to work out, they come for our pinball machines, bean bag chairs, or to play pool or ping pong. They can just come and hang out.”
EXTRA CREDIT: Episode 13 of the Director Download with Laurie Braden at LSU
Providing multiple methods of passive recreation ultimately helps more people engage with UREC and their own health and educational journey. Having multi-dimensional facilities where students can workout, congregate or play can help them be present and have a space to return to no matter the reason.
“We have amazing facilities that absolutely can bring joy, relief and new connections,” explained Braden. “Students develop a sense of mattering and belonging while they’re at college, and that’s why these opportunities for play are important. It creates a sense of belonging, that they matter and they see people like themselves here.”
