Cameron Sauder
December 11th, 2023
The Faith and Life Centre provides students the chance to connect with other students in a private area that is close to nature.
Located at Alphie’s Trough, one of the most beautiful buildings on campus, the Faith and Life Centre (FLC) is tucked away from the regular hubbub of the Brock campus. With electrical outlets, wide windows overlooking the escarpment and complimentary coffee, tea, hot chocolate and more provided during drop-in hours, the FLC is the perfect spot for students to study and hang out.
Many religious groups operate under the FLC’s jurisdiction, and there are more who use the space for prayer groups, Bible studies and discussion groups. However, it is “a space for all students, and all student clubs – religious or otherwise.”
Jack Wood is an intern for the Brock Campus ministry under the leadership of FLC Chair Chaplain Zack DeBruyne. He co-leads the Hike Crew, an FLC group focused on giving Brock students an opportunity to get outside, get active and meet new friends.
During the Fall term, the Hike Crew gathered every Monday from 11 a.m to 12:30 p.m at the FLC. They embarked on one of three main routes, each with some variations. These routes included the Bruce Trail leading to the hydro plant then back through the sports fields; the Glenridge Quarry; and “the River,” which is what Wood calls the channel of water between Lake Moodie and Lake Gibson.
Hiking with the FLC has been around since before Wood came to Brock. As “a big believer in the power of a good walk with lots of laughs and scenery,” Wood knows how important it is for students to incorporate nature into their regular schedule.
The term’s final Hike Crew meeting was on Nov. 20, but Wood hopes that they will start again in January as long as the weather permits. If it is too cold, students can still stop by the FLC to play games such as Telestrations, enjoy snacks and hot beverages, laugh and talk about life much like they would on the hikes.
The trails themselves will always be there for students looking to get outside for a short or long walk, whether in sun or snow. There are also other trails and destinations around Brock, including the historic Morningstar Mill, that students can use to reconnect with nature, relieve stress, increase energy and improve their mood.
Wood said that the Hike Crew is a way to “offer a casual activity whilst still fostering community during a busy academic year.” Not every student shows up every week, but Wood might then see those students studying or partaking in other activities at the FLC.
On Dec. 6, the FLC is hosting their annual free Community Meal for Brock students. Like the Hike Crew and other events, the Community Meal is a way for students to connect with other students, although this time with a home-cooked meal. The event will run from 6 p.m to 7 p.m., and students can RSVP here.
The FLC is a beautiful space that Brock students can visit to study against the forested backdrop of the escarpment or to talk and hang out with games and snacks. Either way, it provides a casual atmosphere for everyone, and the views are great. Students can find more events and information about the FLC events on their ExperienceBU page.