Assignment 2: ARC and CRCE

The Activities and Recreation Center, also known as the ARC provides students with recreation and access to athletic facilities and equipment. It is a great way to socialize with people as well as getting your daily dose of physical fitness. The Campus Recreation Center East is similar to the ARC. These agencies do not only provide job opportunities, but provide the perfect atmosphere for a students leisure time.

The Activities and Recreation Center is located at 201 E Peabody Drive in Champaign, IL. It originally opened in 1971 as an intramural physical education building. It was shut down in 2005 for total renovation. The ARC is one of the country's on campus recreation centers consisting of 340,000 square feet. CRCE is located in the heart of campus at 1102 W Gregory Dr in Urbana, IL. It boasts 110,00 square feet of activity space, which includes an aquatic center, full men and women locker rooms, a 3 court gymnasium, and an up-to-date workout facility. The recreation facilities were created to give students a positive way to spend their free time as well as stay physically active.

The office of campus recreation has some core competencies required for employment at either facilities. You do not need to be an RST major to work here ;). As an employee, one must be outgoing and personable because it is a very one-on-one work place. Specifically as a lifeguard, you must be certified in CPR/AED. They want their employees to show an interest in the field of recreation and leisure and help students get the most out their college experience.

There are many benefits for working for the campus rec. Becoming an employee at either the ARC or CRCE is as easy as 1,2,3! First, you need to attend an information session to introduce the opportunities available. Then, submit an application and if you are selected, you will be contacted for an interview. There are various benefits of working for campus recreation. Some of which are a flexible work schedule, a fun environment, an opportunity to interact with students and faculty, and develop leadership and teamwork skills. Positions of the ARC and CRCE include lifeguards, customer service assistants, and facility assistants.

According to an ARC employee, climbing adventures has become popular among the students at the university. There is a variety of clinics not just for students, but for families and kids. The clinics teach you the basics to belaying, climbing, and other activities associated with rock climbing. Another trend is in the group fitness classes i.e yoga, cardio, and zumba. For only $50 dollars a semester, a student can partake in any of the group fitness classes. The pools at both CRCE and the ARC are a great form of relaxation and having a good time with friend. It can be a physical workout as well as a relaxation tool.

The agencies definition of leisure is unobligated time from work and school to participate in recreation. It gives students the opportunity to get away from studies and provide an environment for personal growth and development. The main benefit that the agency provides is numerous opportunities to meet the needs of all students physically and mentally.

Synopsis

Our group enjoyed learning about the Activities and Recreation Center and the Campus Recreation Center East. The staff was friendly and willing to help. We got insight on the facilities and equipment that we use everyday. Working at these facilities to help one gain experience in communication skills and work experience all around. You are able to learn more knowledge about recreation services. The facilities are newly renovated and provide a flexible hours of operation to coincide with students class schedules. Being an employer at these facilities requires a bountiful time commitment which could make it a negative aspect of working for campus recreation. The job may require some physical labor that may not be suitable for all employees. Overall, the campus recreation provided by the University of Illinois gives students a time of reflection, relaxation, and pleasure.