Building practical skills through purposeful student leadership

Cameron Jones

Cameron Jones (Bachelor of Arts in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism 2021) turned to drop-in sports and Club Sports programs with recreation in mind: “it was a great opportunity to take an hour break from schoolwork to get some physical activity and have some fun!” Coming from Langley, he joined the water polo, badminton and swimming clubs, as well as taking part in plant and craft nights. Now, as the Club Sports Intern helping to facilitate the activities of 20-plus clubs, he’s managed to play this passion into the foundation of a career.

Team involvement didn’t end with sports for Jones - he opted for volunteerism, serving as the President of the Recreation Advisory Council (RAC) and the Chair of the Campus Recreation Enhancement Fund Committee (CREFC). The results of what the RAC and CREFC did were visible around campus, including outdoor ping pong tables, new gym equipment for the Hanson Fitness and Lifestyle Centre, as well as program subsidies for students in residence, international students, and other recreation participants. The wide-reaching impact of this involvement made a strong impression on Jones, for him “being able to see the positive impacts our programs have on the student body and our community has by far been the most rewarding part!”

As with many aspects of life, the Club Sports Program saw significant disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic - but as restrictions have lifted, there’s been a return to normalcy. According to Jones “It was exciting this year to see a full return to students being able to fully participate in our programs. Being able to support clubs in travelling again for competitions, running full capacity practices, and holding social events allows our program to provide that positive recreation experience.”

The skills Jones picked up through leadership involvement with CCR complemented classroom learning. He credits hands-on experience with “teamwork and communication, budgeting, time management, facility management and human resources” as integral to his current role as well as continued volunteer involvement on the Recreation Advisory Council as the alumni representative. Beyond the practical skills, he’s found a strong passion in facilitating recreation for students, staff, and community members: “Seeing the direct, positive impact that all our program areas have on improving the physical, mental and spiritual health of our participants.”