Since reopening in the fall of 2022, the Niagara College Therapeutic Recreation Activity Collective, known as ‘nc-TRAC’, has been providing students with a safe space to participate in leisure activities and is committed to growing its programming to support students from all program areas at the College.
“nc-TRAC empowers students to disconnect from the stresses of their day to day and encourages them to focus on their personal wellness through leisure”, said Abby Silver, nc-TRAC Coordinator. “We work hard to provide students with a variety of tools to help them manage stress and facilitate opportunities to socialize with other students outside of the classroom.”
Located at the Welland Campus, nc-TRAC offers students meaningful resources and therapeutic recreation activities to promote physical, social, cognitive, spiritual and emotional health. In addition to offering registered programs and special events, the centre is also a place where students can drop in for guided relaxation and meditation, cultural programs, or just to break away from academics, and enjoy their leisure time in a stress-free, welcoming and inclusive setting.
NC students participate in nc-TRAC programming.
The centre is home to virtual reality headsets and two Snoezelen rooms – unique multi-sensory spaces. One is designed to reduce agitation, anxiety and to promote relaxation and the other aims to energize and uplift your mood. nc-TRAC also has access to a BroomX Projector – an immersive, interactive multimedia device that transforms the space into a relaxing refuge for students. Recreation and leisure resources for students such as board games, card games, art supplies and puzzles are also available.
The Collective also offers valuable learning and volunteer opportunities for students from NC’s Recreation Therapy Program. Last semester, more than 80 first-year RT students volunteered with the Collective by designing and implementing activities to help students reduce feelings of stress and anxiety by offering opportunities for socialization. Student volunteers set up daily programs in the Applied Health or Simcoe lobbies and offer students the chance to take part in activities they may not have the chance to participate in regularly, like creating a chia-pet-style ‘Grass Buddy’ or playing Minute-To-Win-It games.
In addition to gaining hands-on experience, nc-TRAC also provides a sense of community for students.
nc-TRAC student volunteer, Rajvir Singh Gill, credits the program with helping him feel at home in Canada.
“Volunteering with nc-TRAC has been amazing,” said Gill. “As an international student, I found it difficult to learn and understand Canadian culture when I first arrived at the College. However, nc-TRAC has given me confidence, helped me to improve my communication skills and allowed me to make new friends.”
nc-TRAC programming changes weekly and includes activities such as Collaborative Mandala Colouring, Buddha Boards and live music in the Wellness lounge and more.
Mandala Colouring
The Collective will also be receiving new tech later in the semester which will provide more sensory experiences for students.
When asked what he would share with students who aren’t familiar with nc-TRAC, Gill has this to say:
“nc-TRAC is for everyone, regardless of your program, age or background. ”
“For me, the Collective has been a beautiful experience and I truly believe that every student who takes part in the program, either as a volunteer or participant, will notice an improvement with their mental health.”
nc-TRAC is also making their way into classrooms across campus through nc-TRAClassroom initiatives that aim to bring recreation and leisure activities directly to students during their classes. Each session is customized to meet the needs of the students.
nc-TRAClassroom has introduced hundreds of students to stress-reducing leisure activities such as laughter yoga, gratitude journaling and meditation, as well as fun and energizing activities like music trivia and collaborative drawing. Faculty that are interested in bringing nc-TRAClassroom initiatives to their classes are invited to connect with nc-TRAC’s coordinator, Abby Silver, to book their session by emailing [email protected].
Located in the Merritt Wing, in Room M102, nc-TRAC is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Upcoming nc-TRAC events
Sensory Centre – Taking place every Wednesday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., students are invited to experience an immersive, relaxing, sensory experience in the nc-TRAC room.
DROM & Music Games – Taking place in the Wellness Lounge from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., students are encouraged to drop in for a DROM session or a music game.
For a full list of nc-TRAC activities, please visit bit.ly/nc-TRAC
