Rec Buddies

What is Rec Buddies?

Are you interested in getting moving at Campus Rec but aren’t sure where to start? Do you find the Rec Center intimidating? If so, Rec Buddies is for you! Rec Buddies matches you with a Campus Rec staff member and another Rec buddy to help increase your comfort in the Rec Center. Rec Buddies will meet for 4 weeks during Winter Term to explore Campus Rec's various programs and services, learn what kind of movement brings you joy, build community, and more.

The Rec Buddies program is free and open to all Campus Rec members. Space is limited so submit your interest form today!

Get Started!

Our registration process is easy and opens on November 19th, 2024. Simply fill out the Rec Buddies Interest Form to get started. Buddy matching will occur week 2 of winter term. 

***Please note that space is limited. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and priority will be given to those who submit the interest form before Friday January 10th.***

Why Rec Buddies?

Physical Activity and Mental Health

According to the American College Health Association National College Health Assessment III:

• In 2022, 49.3% of PSU students experienced anxiety that negatively impacted their academic work. 

Feedback from the Campus Rec 2023 Member Survey indicates there is anxiety around using the Rec Center. Members shared things such as: 

• “[not] knowing where to start/how to get started, how towels work, etc.”
• …would like “clear walkthroughs of how to use different services” so they can feel more prepared when coming in 
• This is exactly what the Rec Buddies program aims to achieve!

We know that engaging in regular movement has been shown to improve mental health. We want Campus Rec to be a tool for minimizing stress and anxiety, not the cause of it. 

The Rec Buddies program can help to reduce gym anxiety and increase familiarity, inclusion, and belonging at the Rec Center.

Quotes from last year's Rec Buddies

• “I became a lot more comfortable utilizing the gym space and learned how to lead with curiosity and a want to be physically active.”
• “Gym intimidation is something I have worked through with my Rec Buddy.”
• “I learned how to use some of the weight machines. This was my main goal for joining the program, and I'm a little more comfortable with the area.”
• “AMAZING!!!! This program was EXACTLY what I needed to not only feel comfortable in the rec center but honestly, a bit more at home on campus in general.... you just feel more connected. This is an amazing program. I really hope it continues and continues to expand.”
   

Submit your interest in Rec Buddies today!

Contact Us

If you have questions or would like to request accommodations, please contact our Rec Buddies team at rec_buddies@pdx.edu. We’d love to hear from you!