UCSD Recreation says farewell to Sports Clubs Icon: Scott Berndes

After 34 years at UCSD, Scott Berndes is officially stepping down from his Sports and Recreation Clubs Director position and getting ready to enjoy the retired-life in beautiful San Diego. Scott completed his undergrad at UC Riverside while competing on their intercollegiate baseball team, and became Intramural Sports Director at UCR. However, when the Assistant Intramural Sports Director positioned opened up at UCSD, he quickly snagged the job to return back to his beloved hometown. He has been flourishing in the department, and had the opportunity to ascended to the Sports Clubs Director position in 1993, and has been there ever since. 

Out of the many accomplishments that Scott has achieved here at UCSD, he is particularly proud of his efforts that helped expand the Sports Clubs department. When he first started as a director, there were only 8 sports clubs teams, and the program has grown to 28 sports, including a full-time assistant and two full-time athletic trainers. Scott has also contributed to the creation of many campus traditions such as the UnOlympics, Welcome Week's main event in which the six college compete for the bronze shoe and some bragging rights for the rest of the school year. Other fond memories that Scott recalls are: Recreation Casino Nights on campus, the creation of the Fall Festival on the Green for student organizations, all-night volleyball tournaments with Intramural Sports and plenty more. 

Although Scott has had so many accomplishments from his position, he says that his friendships with his co-workers has been one of the highlights of his career at UCSD. He has the upmost respect and praise for Mike Hipp, his supervisor, friend and mentor, and also the Director of Intramural sports. He has enjoyed working with students by helping them organize and run their sports clubs, and is also so proud of the participants, who have no scholarships or subsidized costs and play at their highest level for the love of their sport. 

Scott will continue to share his love for sports and fun, even after he leaves UCSD, as he plans to stay involved with the Hickman Youth Athletic Areas in Kearny Mesa and promote youth sports in the community. Recreation will miss him so much, but we know that he will continue to touch the lives of many with his passion and drive for the love of the game! Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to our department, they will not be forgotten as the traditions will stay for many years to come.

Summer full of Adventures!

As the year is winding down, and the school year's last trip is close to being done, Outback Adventures has still got some trips up their sleeves to keep the thrill for your summer!

Wilderness Orientation 2012

Also known as WO, Wilderness Orientation is the best way for incoming students to prepare for UCSD and for all that the greater San Diego area has to offer. Since entering a university is journey within itself, what's a better way to embark to the unknown than a brand new adventure that you have never even thought of trying before? There are a variety of trips that range from 4, 5 and 8 day trips and no experience is required to participate. All trips take place between August and September, which is the perfect time to jump start your first year and establish friendships before you even step foot onto campus. Here is a list of the trips being offered and be sure to visit the Wilderness Orientation site for more information on pricing and registration.

August 28 - September 4 (8 Days)

• Sierra Nevada Backpack
• Sea Kayak Baja California
• Surf Safari - 8 Days

September 14 - 21 (8 Days)

• Sierra Nevada Backpack
• Sea Kayak Baja California

September 7 - 11 (5 Days)

• Surf Safari - 5 Days
• Black Canyon Kayak

September 13 - 16 (4 Days)

• Catalina Island Adventure

Hawaii Yoga Adventure

Monday - Saturday, September 10 - 15

Hear the sound of the calming waves, absorb the warmth of the beautiful sunshine, feel the state of being and balance within yourself as you experience a yoga adventure in paradise on the Island of Hawaii. Spend 6 days of yoga and fun on the Big Island with master teacher Arturo Galvez at the Kalani Retreat Center, which is bordered by a lush tropical rainforest, and the Hawaiian coastline. Even though the focus of the trip resolves around the ideal balance of yoga and play, you definitely will have time to explore on your own and enjoy the gorgeous beaches and the relaxing resort.

The base rate is $1,150 per person and includes 5 nights lodging at the Kalani with a shared room and bathroom, use of the facility, and all meals and yoga classes. Come and rejuvenate yourself after a long year and find the balance from within to soothe your body and mind. For more information, go on the Hawaii Yoga Adventure site and learn more about registration and details for the trip.

Last Chance!

Outback Adventures is just about finished with the trips for this quarter. If you still haven't satisfied your need to explore, hurry and sign up for our last trip of the 2012 school year: White Water Rafting down the Kern River. Kick off your summer with this amazing trip in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California during which you will get to experience the Kern River and it's class III and IV rapids (class I is the easiest, class V is the hardest). This is a never before trip offered with Outback and it is sure to be a blast! Not only will you enjoy the immense beauty of the Sierras during your time with us, but you will also be challenged and thrilled as you raft down the river. All transportation, gear, food, and trained guides is included in the price. Sign up as soon  as possible as spots are filling up!

For more information, visit our website here:

https://recreation.ucsd.edu/outback-adventures/trips-and-classes/whitewater-rafting.html

Live well, Live GOOD!

If you haven't heard about the Good Life Festival yet, then thank goodness you've come to this page!On May 4th, experience "the good life" with UC-San Diego's Well-Being services and the Zone. From 5-9pm, come to Matthews Quad and the Towne Square to experience all the joys of a massive street festival. The crew here at Recreation is particularly excited about the human hamster balls (yep, you heard that right) and the beer-goggle kart races.

In addition to silly activities like hamster balls and go-karts, the festival will also offer henna tattoos and chair massages if you'd like to enjoy a more leisurely evening. Free food, cold drinks, and good prizes will be plentiful, and our DJ is guaranteed to be downright awesome. In case you need to take out some pent-up aggression, there will be an inflatable jousting activity, or if you prefer a more relaxed de-stresser, check out the public art wall and exercise your creativity!So come out and enjoy the good life with all of us here from UCSD Recreation, and capture your memories with our fun photo booth. We will personally be giving out cliff bars and other treats to ensure that you're well-nourished during your evening of fun, friends, and free smiles.


 RSVP on Facebook for more info!

Destress and Decompress!

Is this quarter stressing you out or what? If it is, we hope you remember that recreation offers a wide variety of activities intended to help you de-stress and decompress after midterm week 1… and 2… and 3… well, basically every week.


For example, did you know we have massage services available? Located at Main Gym, the Massage Center offers a wide variety of services, such as heated stone massages, sports massage therapy, and even group massage options.


If you'd like a little more hands-on (heh heh) experience, then you should definitely check out the massage workshop available in the next month. On May 12th, take part in FitLife's Couples Massage Workshop. You do not need to have a romantic partner — your roommate or best friend will be just as awesome. This workshop will teach you fun, safe, and easy massage techniques to guarantee you don't have to worry about that pesky soreness anytime in your near future.


Even if this workshop won't work out for you, keep in mind the Massage Center as a really great way to keep your body and mind truly healthy. Relaxation is important, and listening to your body is always important. If you feel soreness and pain, take steps to take care.