Camden Connation’s: Providing Perspective through Passion and Positivity

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Throughout an entire school year, over a hundred athletic events open opportunities for scarlet raptors all over campus to share their spirit. From August to May, teams practice and perform so that others can see their passion for their sport.

Yet, it is gameday when fans get to watch their teams compete to be the best they can be, but what you need to see is the preparation. While teams prep through practice and recovery, one person is industriously working to ensure those game days go off without a hitch: Peter Bader.

Peter Bader is the Program Coordinator for the athletics department, and his role is more complex than it sounds. Within his position, he has to ensure game days run smoothly and manage any issues, problems, or concerns that may affect an event. Sounds easy, right? Not entirely.

Before any game begins, it’s essential to understand the preparation and planning that is involved, and with each sport being different, every day is unique. And with a complex and detail-oriented role, it’s essential to see how Peter Bader became this role and how his origin crafted his reality.

Growing up in Moorestown, NJ, Peter was born into an active family with three other siblings, all surrounded by sports their entire lives. During his life, Peter played various sports, participated in multiple tournaments, and watched numerous sporting events across the South Jersey region. Further, he feels that through actively participating in several sporting events in the South Jersey area, working at Rutgers-Camden has proven to be a way to give back to the community for all the fond memories he has with his family, especially at the late Campbells field.

After completing high school, Peter moved to Virginia temporarily to pursue getting his B.S. in Sports Management from James Madison University. While in college, Peter worked with the Camden County College Soccer team and the Ocean City Nor’easters. Later, Peter worked with professional sports teams such as D.C. United and the USL team Richmond Kickers.

However, what helps make Peter feel invincible (just like the city of Camden) is support from family and constantly finding ways to uplift other people in the campus community. Between working with his event team and his administrative staff, he always seeks ways to support other people daily so that everyone can be their best. Peter enjoys helping other people soar (like raptors) by acting as a support system for everyone he works with within the campus community.

He offers advice or guidance whenever possible; he understands how overwhelming the college experience can be for some students. Whether that’s by giving a letter of recommendation or helping anyone sort out their goals, Peter believes communication and action are crucial to assisting students to soar. However, He believes that the best way to live is by trying everything and anything while they are in college. Especially with the endless opportunities for involvement at Rutgers, sees that college is a time to understand your niche while you still have the time.

As Peter works at various athletic events, he finds that the excitement of his work is the competition in every game. While every game is different, he sees that by acting as a calming presence for his team and visitors, he is approachable to other people. Throughout each day, Peter finds that the student-athletes are also a driving force for helping every day go by smoothly. Just like he acts with his team, he wants the athletes and their coaches to know he supports them whenever possible and gives them the platform they need to succeed.

While scarlet is often seen as the color of passion, Peter also has some scarlet shades in his life that are not directly associated with athletics. Outside of athletics, Peter is passionate about international relations and global issues. Through serving on Model UN when he was in high school, Peter has developed a passion for using his skills to help the international community on campus.

Further, Peter feels that the international community on campus is a unique part of Rutgers-Camden and benefits the team atmosphere tremendously. Thanks to Peter’s hard work and attention to detail, games and matches at Rutgers-Camden can run smoothly, allowing the fans to enjoy their time and for the athletes to do their best.

Peter’s approachable nature allows his team to come to him for advice on any life concern and question, allowing them to feel that they can conquer anything that’s in front of them. He can help others find their voice by guiding them through any hurdle facing them by offering advice and moral support.

Through Pete’s persistent hard work ethic, he can help the Rutgers-Camden community soar to new heights in athletic excellence and personal growth.