Campus Recreation > Virtual Programming

Virtual Programming

​​​​​The Ray is currently closed in support of the Chicago Stay at Home Advisory. We want to help you stay active and healthy, so try out some of our virtual programs and resources below. For other information on Ray memberships and facility updates, please check Ray Information and Updates.

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Virtual is the way to go! We've collaborated with friends and partners across the country to provide a full weekly fitness schedule, available in both desktop and mobile formats. Go to our Fitness Classes page to check it out!

Upcoming Events/Activities

Among Us - Play this virtual game where you attempt to prep your spaceship for departure. But beware... there is an alien imposter aboard!

- When: 7 pm on select Thursdays in January and February
- Registration: Closes at 12 pm the day before the event. To register and for more details visit Among Us registration.

Sporcle Trivia Party - From sporcle, the world's largest trivia company, comes Sporcle Party. Wager points as you are challenged to topics from movies, geography, sports, science, literature, history, and more.

- When: 7 pm on select Thursdays in January and February
- Registration: Closes at 12 pm the day before the event. To register and for more details visit Sporcle Trivia registration.

MarioKart Tour - The popular Nintendo game is now available through your phone. Sign up and play in our MarioKart Tournaments and see who is the best.

- When: 7 pm on select Fridays in January and February
- Registration: Closes at 12 pm the day before the event. To register and for more details visit MarioKart Tour registration.

Are you looking for some fitness advice? Contact us at FIND YOUR FIT! 

Exercise Assistants and Personal Trainers will respond to your questions, whether you're at home and don't know where to start to stay active OR you have some free time on your hands and want to take you at-home training to the next level. Our goals are to help you Find Your Fit and Find Your Fun!

Stressful times calls for mindful measures. Sometimes we just need to center ourselves and find focus and peace with our current situation. Here are some resources to help:

Mid-Week Meditation: For a taste of how you might apply Mindfulness to your daily stressors,  Campus Recreation offers free 1-hour sessions on Wednesday evenings led by a licensed RN and trained Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Facilitator. For a more in-depth Mindfulness exploration, we provide a full 8-week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Course offered online. Check these out on our Mindfulness page.

University Mission and Ministry leads and has uploaded Weekly Meditations to their YouTube channel

Other resources for introspection and spirituality are on the DePaul University Mission and Ministry Facebook page  

Favorite Meditation and Mindfulness video picks from Yoga-certified instructor and Leader of The Mindfulness Summit, Melli O'Brien.

 

If you have the space, grab that face mask and get out and walk! Check back for upcoming "virtual" outdoor adventures or head to our  Outdoor Adventures webpage for more information on our program.

Listen to Forests Around the World: If you close your eyes and hear the uniques sounds in this wonderful variety of world forests, you can almost feel the wind on your face.

Virtual National Parks Tours: Missing the Outdoors and want to go exploring? This is the place for you!

As we adjust to the new normal, you may be looking for at-home workouts. In addition to the live workouts we are offering on our Fitness Classes page, here are some great FREE options:

Downdog App

Barre Intensity

Fitness Blender

Les Mills on Demand

LifeFitness

Peloton Home App

Pop Sugar Fitness

Matrix: 

The Fitness Marshall

This can be a difficult time for all of us. But we can get through this together. Health advocates recommend the following for optimal mental and physical health.

    • Maintain a healthy diet and eat regularly (planned snacks are fine, but don't overdo it!)
    • Set up a schedule for yourself and aim to accomplish a couple of goals each day
    • Get enough sleep (it's tempting to fall asleep late in front of the TV, but try to maintain your regular sleep schedule)
    • Exercise!! This doesn't have to be hardcore; just be active:
      • stretch several times each day,
      • use  your own bodyweight or books/household objects for strength training
      • go for a walk or jog** using social distancing guidelines
        • **Please Note: "

Illinois Shelter In Place Order

      "Includes the ability to engage in outdoor activity including walking, hiking, running or biking and going to public parks and open outdoor recreation areas, except for playgrounds."

Online Martial Arts for Youth: IMPACT DOJO Vlad's the best! His Dojo provides virtual training during the pandemic as well as, in happier non-pandemic times, school-based programs around northern Illinois and weeked programming at The Ray.

Summer Programming by Fred's Camp Mark at Fred's Camp will offer virtual programming this summer as well as some physical distancing in-person activities (on a trial basis and dedicated to safety!)

Storytime Yoga: Incorporates some great children's books into a yoga activity for young children. Includes such classics as "Going on a Bear Hunt" and "Goodnight Moon" 

Weekly At Home Art and Nature Activities for Children by Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods

Get your creative juices flowing! Or just take some time out to relax and enjoy doing something fun and productive. Simple DIY workshops are held throughout the academic year for students, faculty, and staff.  All supplies are provided. FREE and open to DePaul students, faculty, and staff.

Our DIY programs are paused between quarters, but check back here in January for some virtual DIYs. Enjoy your holidays! Here are some past programs to give you an idea of our offerings.

Workshop Samplers

We can't meet in person to do DIY but we can dream.... Here are some workshops we've done in the past and hope to do again soon!

Make-an-Indoor Water Garden
It's like having a plant aquarium. You'll get all the materials needed to make a small water garden and also learn how to take care of your new plant. Limited to 30 students; pre-registration strongly encouraged to guarantee spot.

Create a Nature Print

You've always wanted to create a "cyanotype," you just didn't realize it. This is a process in which you will use the sun's rays and natural materials to make a blue print that looks like a silhouette art print. If there is time, you will then have the opportunity to add color to make it your own creation.

DIY Natural Facial Masks

Make your own facial mask to take with you, including natural deep clean, acne, energizing, or exfoliating recipes. While you're at it, get a free 10 minute chair massage, check out other wellness resources and get raffle tickets for prizes including massage, beauty treatments and products.

 

Become certified in American Heart Association Heartsaver Adult/Child/Infant CPR/AED. Classes will incorporate physical-distancing guidelines. All participants who successfully complete the course will receive a digital certification card through the American Heart Association good for 2 years. 

Fees: DePaul students, faculty, and staff: $22.50 (purchase of educational materials); Ray Community and Alumni members:  $45; not available for other non-members.

Winter Break CPR Classes

  • Classes are paused until The Ray reopens.