Any students with the inclination to hike, climb or canoe should come see what Missouri Southern has to offer them.

Darren Fullerton, director of campus recreation and wellness, said Southern offers a variety of programs for students, faculty and staff. On top of the usual activities seen around campus such as Natural High Week, Survivor Night, Spring Fling and Finals Madness, Fullerton said Southern offers student-initiated programs such as an upcoming Frisbee tournament.

“We have five special events, minimum, per year and are coordinated by the student activities office, student support center, Campus Activities Board and the Residence Hall Association,” Fullerton said.

On the non-traditional sports side, there are tabletop football and sand volleyball. The outdoor recreation center offers seminars and workshops. The outdoor recreation center also rents equipment such as tents, sleeping bags, coolers and backpacks.

For those not so inclined to the outdoors, indoor recreation is available. Southern offers a 25-meter swimming pool.

An aquatics program offering aquacise or lifeguard training is available. Of course, there are always basketball, racquetball and the running track.

“We had about 3,500 students last year in intramural and the fitness side,” Fullerton said. “We had a large number of students attend the special events.”

Most students find out about the programs by directly asking student support services or by word of mouth. Students often say they didn’t see any advertisement on the campus, Fullerton said.

“I have heard about them (intramural and outdoor programs), but I never got involved in them,” said Joel Roush, sophomore pre-engineering major.

In its fifth year, Fullerton believes the programs can continue to grow.

“We’ve seen the numbers increase,” he said.

The only problem seen is the limited amount of time allotted for students to use the facilities. Fullerton said Southern in hoping to gain more access in the future.

“We want to get the word out,” Fullerton said. “Our programs are not set in stone; they can be tailored by student requests.”

For information, anyone may call the Campus Recreation and Wellness Program at 625-9392.