APPLY to live in this community for FALL 09 Returning van Reken Residents APPLY here |
The Community's Purpose:
To provide motivated students the opportunity to focus in community on sustainable living and Christian environmental stewardship at the local national, and global level. Through various programs, seminars, and social events, students will learn from each other and Calvin faculty and staff, building unity and fellowship while living on campus. Residents will develop and promote strategies for living more compassionately toward and affirming of the creation, and in so doing, work to bring positive change within Residence Life and the greater Calvin community.
Residents of the floor will commit to the following
- Attendance at floor meetings at least twice monthly
- Participation in floor learning and social events at least twice monthly
- Participation in development of additional involvement expectations and evaluation processes for the community.
- A lifestyle that reflects a commitment to creation care within the context of a residence hall community.
Is this community for me?
For many years, a student organization called the Environmental Stewardship Coalition has existed to promote issues of stewardship and environmental justice on our campus. The Creation Care community, located in the new wing of Kalsbeek-Huizenga van Reken, strives to embody the same types of goals as the student organization, through intentional living.
While students across campus, in all residence halls, are encouraged to learn about environmental stewardship, this living-learning community is a place of 
focused attention and intentionality. Advised by faculty members Gail Heffner and Dave Warners, in 2008-2009 the floor will spent time reading and discussing a book on sustainable living edited by professor David Koetje. With a rhythm of discussions and action, the community works to be informed as they explore metro Grand Rapids, participate in native tree plantings, and partner with campus organizations. Other faculty and staff will be invited to speak to the students as well, and the floor will can be a place for students across campus to visit for some of the special programming that will happen there.
The floor of 40 is made up of both men and women (on separate halves of the floor), with the common lounge in the middle serving as a place of discussion, learning, fellowship, and fun. Students interested in taking an additional step of engagement in the their housing options should consider applying.
