California Model Resource Team and WallBusters gaming group provide many recreational activities

San Quentin Rehabilitation Center started 2025 celebrated the New Year’s holiday with a ‘New Years Kick Off Game Day’ that took place in SQRC’s gym. The numerous recreation activities were sponsored by the California Model Resource Team, and the group Wallbusters.

The gym reached its maximum capacity of three hundred eighty-five people just thirty minutes after opening and remained at or near capacity for the duration of the event. In order to maintain a safe environment, custody staff monitored the capacity and allowed those waiting outside to enter as attendees departed the gym.

“No, I never thought I’d be doing this as part of my job,” exclaimed Correctional Officer Kruse. Kruse, a member of the CA Model Resource Team, participated in a card game named Magic.

The gym was filled with nine gaming consoles and a wide variety of video games; thirty different board games, including chess, checkers, dominoes, and many unique card games. Also featured was table tennis, foosball, air hockey, a billiard table and ladderball and cornhole station that were touted as something fun for just about everyone.

There was a long line of people waiting to get a free bag of popcorn but no one seemed to mind as the line moved quickly. 

The most popular events were observed by the long waits residents endured prior to playing video games that included Halo, NBA, and Madden ’24.

Waits upset no one as they engaged in friendly banter as they waited to compete.

“The concerts, the video games, I love it,” said Anthony Turner who arrived to SQRC on December 16.

Turner, serving his fourth term, said he has seen a lot of rehabilitative programs but  never imagined anything like this. 

All of the games were donated by Wallbusters’ sponsors, The Powers of Giving Foundation, and The Freedom Foundation in conjunction with the CA Model Resource Team.

CA Model Resource Team Correctional Officer Ramirez  said, “This is the biggest event we’ve had, [it brings] everyone back to childhood fosters goodwill between staff and the incarcerated.”

Ramirez also facilitated the recording of video and still camera shots by using the SQRC drone inside the gym. 

Wallbuster’’s has approximately fifteen members and holds monthly gatherings on the first Sunday of each month in the gym for all who wish to participate in game play.

According to Sergeant Brenes of the CA Model Resource Team, the resource team will incorporate their video game platforms with Wallbusters board games and card games, in the gym, on a quarterly basis.

“This type of bond between staff and residents is long overdue,” said resident Teddy Brooks, “If you look at it we’re all the same, we’re in this together.”