Loving the idea of getting people out and being active is the right attitude for the new “Rec Guy,” Shane Seaton. After being in camp ministry for 10 years and completing his undergraduate studies at Southern Nazarene University, Seaton found out that there was a new degree involving Outdoor Ministry.
Being able to take Christian formation classes but also wilderness programming classes at the same time was exciting for Seaton. Last May Seaton finished his Masters degree in Christian Formation Ministry with an emphasis in Outdoor and Adventure Leadership, at Wheaton College in Three Lakes, Wis. It was at camp HoneyRock, owned by Wheaton College, where Seaton was able to finish his degree. Living at HoneyRock with his wife Hannah led to some exciting years, both being a part of camp and continuing school.
When asked to take over leading the Recreational Life office at Ouachita Seaton felt like “the stars aligned and God intervened.” Moving to Arkadelphia was not a problem for the Seaton’s. His wife Hannah grew up in Arkadelphia with her parents, Dr. Byron and Amy Eubanks. Seaton had traveled down to Arkadelphia a few times throughout the years and it was easy for him to realize how cool of a place it was. He had also spent some time with Jason Bean, the former “Rec Guy.” Bean took a trip up to HoneyRock and took a class with the Seaton’s sometime back. Having a relationship with Jason Bean and other connections to Ouachita made the transition to life here a little less bumpy.
“The job of Rec Life can be overwhelming to the start,” Steaton said.
However, over the weeks his job slowly became easier. A big part of the “Rec Guy’s” job is intramural sports. As a part of the Ouachita community, Rec Life attempts to get students to participate in the different sports throughout the year. Seaton is backed with an astounding leadership team that has led in the forefront of training and refereeing intramural sports. Part of Seaton’s goal is for “Rec Life” to be for everyone. He wants it to be a place where everyone wants to get involved with intramural or outdoor recreation.
“I want new people to try things as well,” Seaton said. “I don’t want people to just stereotype Rec Life and say that they aren’t that type of person.”
The future of Rec Life will be built on the previous years and what has yet to come. Seaton wants to take the time to figure out what students like and what can be done to make their experience better.
The Seatons have kept their lives open to their calling from God. They love camping and outdoor ministry and currently have no kids which gives them the opportunity to invest in Ouachita’s students. Part of their passion is to have a place where kids can come learn about creation, whether that is playing with chickens or seeing creation itself. Being at Ouachita gives the Seatons flexibility to also do activities over the summer with younger kids on the Eubanks land, whether that be in the water or playing with livestock.
As college students, this time in life is great for trying new things because we are still developing how we interact with people, and our relationship with God. Seaton wants to challenge Ouachita students to question themselves and take their time in college to really grow in who they are and in their relationship to God.
“What is the best way for us to see God? Is it through competition? Or maybe just sitting quietly?” Seaton said. “These questions may not have an answer yet, but because of that it is worth trying. There is always growth in challenge.”
By Brent Northington
Photos courtesy of Shane Seaton
