Building a community of wellness

For twenty years, Drew Sheffield has helped usher kids through the James Daly Fieldhouse garage door on the first day of Mini U Programs. First as a leader, then as a supervisor and finally as a coordinator on Mini U’s leadership team.

“I think the best I think the best part of Mini U is the ever-changing climate of our programs,” says Sheffield. “We’re constantly trying to evolve the program to be as cutting edge as possible.”

Sheffield says the leaders who bring a “fresh vibe to the environment” is also a highlight for him each year. Mini U employs over 150 UM students each year as leaders and supervisors in its summer camp and seasonal programs. Sheffield says Mini U prides itself on being a first for many students.

Drew Sheffield, Mini U Program Coordinator

“We are often their first interview experience, the first job orientation and their first role taking on real responsibility,” says Sheffield. “It’s important we get it right so that we can create really good future leaders, to move onto whatever their career might be.”

Sheffield says Mini U also helps to build the student experience, with leaders and supervisors growing a particularly strong bond over the summer.

“You’re learning how to properly communicate with each other, how to build relationships, not just with the kids, but also amongst your peers. And those relationships, because of that shared experience, are long-lasting.”

Adam Toffan, the Joe Dope Recreation Centre supervisor, says Recreation Services also builds a shared bond in the recreation facilities of both campuses.

Adam Toffan, Joe Doupe Recreation Centre Supervisor

“We want to have a welcoming and inclusive community where people feel free to be themselves,” says Toffan. “We get to work with people through their journeys and get to know their stories. We want their experience to make them feel centred and heard.”

Toffan says that communities develop through shared interests across all recreation facilities, clubs, programs and classes. He says the close relationship between Recreation Services and its members creates a larger impact beyond physical health and well-being.

“We try and look at health and fitness with how it transfers to other parts of your life and creating an active lifestyle that works for you,” says Toffan. “We want people to leave the gym feeling ready for whatever they have coming at them next, whether it’s school or work or just life in general.”

At their core, both Mini U and Recreation Services share the goal of building a healthier community by fostering physical, mental and emotional well-being. They aim to create spaces where individuals can grow and develop into healthier, more capable and well-rounded people.

Connor Boyd