By: Nada Sewidan
Features Editor
Zombie runs, ultimate frisbee tournaments, backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, karaoke nights at the USU- just a few of the many trips and events Campus Recreation has to offer.
Campus Recreation encompasses fitness and wellness classes, outdoor excursions, intramurals and other sports clubs. They even have yoga sessions offered throughout the week.
CSUSM student and assistant to Student Outreach Coordinator, Natalie Ortega, explained that the purpose of Campus Rec is to advocate overall health, and to get students involved with campus while having fun in the process.
“Our main goal for Campus Rec this year is to grow and get as many people involved as we can,” Ortega said. “We want to get students to experience new things.”
Ortega recalls a memorable past experience with Campus Rec and how a new CSUSM foreign exchange student once joined them on a surfing excursion. The student did not know how to surf, and, on top of that, had never even seen an ocean before. Other students on the excursion partnered together, supplied her with surf boards and taught her how to swim.
“They gave her the best experience,” Ortega said. “That’s the way Campus Rec works.”
Campus Rec offers a multitude of events and trips throughout the semester. Some of these trips include kayaking in La Jolla Cove, surfing, hiking San Marcos’ own Double Peak Trail, climbing in Joshua Tree, paddle boarding on the Carlsbad Lagoon and paintballing in Camp Pendleton.
In addition, archery lessons for students are available at a discounted rate. Students can also choose from intramural teams such as flag football, soccer, softball and dodgeball. Sports clubs associated with Campus Rec also provide cycling, dance, lacrosse and volleyball teams.
The prices for events and trips range from free to $95. However, space is limited and usually caps out at about eight to 10 students for weekend trips such as Joshua Tree or Sierra Nevada, and around 15 to 20 students on day trips such as hiking or surfing.
Campus Rec’s hours are 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday in the Clarke Field House.
Campus Rec will be holding a Recreation Fair on Sept. 9 at the Clarke Field House for any students interested in finding out more about the events and trips offered. There will be tables and stands for outdoor adventures, intramurals and sports clubs, not to mention the obstacle courses and food.
Brenda Ferro, Student Building Lead for Campus Rec, has attended several excursions and weekend trips.
“Campus Recreation is a great way to make new friends and meet new people,” Ferro said.