Liberty University to host two-day campus recreation event

Liberty University’s first Campus Rec Fest will offer students a variety of events  on Friday and Saturday, April 26-27.

The two-day event will offer a range of activities for people interested in arts and music, athletics and fitness and the outdoors, according to Hailey Gustafson, the marketing lead of Liberty’s Student Activities.

“Campus Rec Fest is our first annual recreation and entertainment festival, highlighting a variety of events and workshops to help foster social, physical and educational development within the recreation industry,” Gustafson said.

Each of the eight campus recreation departments will offer events each day. Gustafson hopes that after the event, students will get to know more about the Campus Recreation department.

“We want students to come out and find a place in one of our eight departments where they fit in best and to truly find an on-campus activity that they enjoy,” Gustafson said.

A photo expo on both days of the Campus Rec Fest will give students a chance to showcase their best work in the LaHaye Event Space. Photographers may submit up to two pieces. 

Students attending the event will vote on their favorite photograph, and winners will be announced that day. The submission deadline is April 23 at 5 p.m.

For students looking for something more athletic, the Star Chaser Climbing Challenge at the rock wall will offer a chance to compete with peers. Each climbing challenge will be rated by stars, with the harder bouldering routes having more stars. The competitors with the most stars at the
end win.

The first day of the Campus Rec Fest will close with a free concert from singer and songwriter Tyson Motsenbocker at 7:30 p.m. in the LaHaye Event Space.

“Whether you’re looking to participate in one of our many athletic or fitness activities, enjoy the latest in arts or music, spend time in the outdoors, or explore any of our state-of-the-art facilities, Campus Rec Fest will have something for you,” Gustafson said.

Students will be able to enjoy both athletics and the arts at the main event of the day, the Campus Rec Fest Expo, on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. The expo will consist of various events such as a CrossFit competition and a photography workshop.

The Campus Rec Fest will end with a bonfire and a “glow night” on the Lake Hydaway beach. Attendees will be able to go kayaking with glow sticks, eat snacks and enter giveaways.

Students will also have the option of watching “Mary Poppins Returns” at an outdoor movie night at 8:30 p.m. on the Academic Lawn.

In previous years, Student Activities has held Outdoor Rec Fests with a few activities similar to this year’s Campus Rec Fest. However, this year they are doing something a little different.

“Campus Rec Fest will be held in place of Outdoor Rec Fest this year, as Campus Rec Fest will include Outdoor Recreation as one of its featured departments,” Gustafson said.

According to Gustafson, part of the reason for having the Campus Rec Fest is to raise awareness of other opportunities the Campus Recreation department offers.

“We hope students will benefit from Campus Rec Fest by gaining a better understanding of who Campus Rec is and what we do,” Gustafson said. “Ultimately, Campus Rec Fest will give students an idea of what we do as a department, so that they can figure out how they want to get involved.” 

There are a few opportunities for students to get involved with the Campus Rec Fest. While the event will not be staffed by volunteers, Gustafson said students interested in getting involved with the event as an attendant can check the Campus Recreation website for more information. 

To register for events at the Campus Rec Fest, get involved or to find out more information, students can visit www.liberty.edu/campusrec/. More information can also be found on the Facebook event page.

Faculty Opportunities

While the Campus Rec Fest is primarily aimed toward students, Gustafson said some departments will also be offering discounts for faculty. A $10 combo pass for the Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre, available from April 26-28, will give faculty two hours to tube, use the trampoline and slope and rent ski equipment. Students can use Snowflex for free. 

Faculty will also be able to use the bowling alley, go camping and take advantage of off-site rentals for free during the Campus Rec Fest. Finally, from April 26-28, faculty will be able to get 10 percent off all the personal training programs the LaHaye Rec & Fitness Center offers.