GAMES ON THE GREEN BUILDS COMMUNITY AT SCCC

By Maydene Yamisha

College Hill Writer

Students and the community at large can be sure to enjoy the Games on the Green!

SCCC stock photograph

A new event called Games on the Green at Sussex County Community College in Newton, sponsored by Campus Life, allows students to participate in games on the Conner Green.

Student ambassadors handle setting up the activities and put out lawn games and volleyballs so students can get together and engage with one another. 

To find a schedule, students can look at the online calendar or look for flyers throughout the campus. It’s also encouraged to check emails weekly regarding the event. 

Dr. Cory Homer, interim president, gave a description of what Games on the Green is and talked about the benefits for the campus. “Games on the Green is more than just an afternoon of fun—it's an opportunity for students to unwind, engage with peers across disciplines, and build a sense of belonging that is essential to well-being and personal growth,” says Homer. 

Christine Gaydos, coordinator of Student Engagement and Inclusion, shares excitement about the event. “College campuses come alive again in the spring when the weather gets warmer,” says Gaydos. “This is a great opportunity for students to spend time on campus with friends, as well as an opportunity to meet new people. This program is a positive opportunity to build community on campus.” 

Some games that students can participate in are volleyball, corn hole and football toss with music in the background to liven up the experience. 

Catarina Cruz, student ambassador, shares how she feels this event will have a positive impact on campus.  She says it will provide “some structured activities outside for people to jump in on. It’s always nice to take a walk around campus. I’m excited to see some casual volleyball again, it was fun in the fall.”

At the moment, there aren’t plans to buy more supplies, but there have been talks about a food truck coming on campus.

Cruz says, “We were also hoping to book a food truck or two as well.” 

Years ago, SCCC held something called College Hour, where no classes were held for an hour, and campus life would set up activities around campus. Games on the Green is meant to revive this old tradition. 

As a fellow peer, Cruz leaves this for students: “Try to get a couple of friends and join in between classes if you can, or just let people know there’s a little event going on. Hop right in!” 

Games on the Green is set to be held on Thursdays from noon to 2 p.m. 

Although there haven’t been any games yet due to weather, the season should start to warm up, and students can begin to engage in activities. 

The hope for this event is to build a community and to have it continue in the future. Events like Games on the Green are what help strengthen a community, and with the help of student ambassadors, Gaydos, and campus life, this has been brought to life. 

“We are proud of initiatives like Games on the Green and thank the campus life leaders and campus partners who bring these events to life,” says Homer. “They embody our commitment to holistic education, where every part of the university experience helps shape tomorrow’s thoughtful, dynamic leaders.”

If students wish to find more information about this, they can contact the Campus Life Office or Gaydos at cgaydos@sussex.edu.