Story by Bailey McCaffrey

Employees at Campus Recreation are constantly promoting the health and wellness of students and staff throughout Colorado State University. This August, staff broadened their positive influence further into Fort Collins by partnering with United Way of Larimer County.

Rec Ramp Up

Rec Ramp Up is an annual all-staff event held at the start of each fall semester to build community among Campus Recreation student and professional employees. This year, 320 student employees had the opportunity to create their workplace community and culture while serving the community by assembling more than 300 hygiene kits that were later given to homeless individuals across Larimer County.

Campus Recreation has a Student Staff Development Committee that consists of both student and professional staff. Their goal for this year was to incorporate the departmental values of integrity, community and development into Rec Ramp Up, in a more relatable way to staff. After discussing how to integrate an aspect of community, they contacted United Way to partner on the “Service-to-Go” project.

How it worked 

During the fall kick-off event, teams of staff were asked to complete a variety of team-building and self-development tasks and, in return, they received items needed to complete each hygiene kit. Each kit included essentials such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, lotion, etc. Many of the products were donated by local businesses like The Hilton and Delta Dental.

“Not only did the service project allow students to live the value of community, but it also provided space for them to meet one another, gather together as a work family, and kick off their year by doing some good.” says Brit Heiring, chair of the Student Staff Development Committee.

United Way has designed Service-to-Go to be a fun and interactive experience that can be held at any time and any place. Campus Recreation used the opportunity to provide on-site service work for every employee to participate in while learning about the department and getting to know their 319 co-workers.

Rec Cares 

Rec Cares is another committee in Campus Recreation that focuses on service. Each semester, staff are provided multiple opportunities to participate in a variety of community service events. Two of the bigger events include Adopt-a-Street, in which staff clean up a section of Shields Street between Mulberry and Prospect, and Warm-a-Winter-Wish, which is dedicated to providing holiday support to students with independent backgrounds.

Organizers commended Campus Recreation staff for their commitment to both service and community, as well as United Way Larimer County for helping put together a successful and positive day of training.