Recreation and Leisure Services RLD

Holland Code: S (Social)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

This list does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program. Please see website for details.

Arts & Literacy High school courses in Recreation and Fitness Leadership, Health for Life, Healthy Active Living Education, Child Development and Gerontology, and/or Human Development throughout the Lifespan would be beneficial preparation for this program
Writing research essays, presentations, working in groups, comfortable giving presentations, and ability to create promotional materials.

Math & Science General math skills required to understand, create and manage budgets.

Technology Basic computer skills required (Microsoft Office, email, Internet, checking student portal daily).

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

• Ability to empathize with others
• Ability to support others
• Enjoy creating positive experiences for others
• Ability to see possibilities in the use of recreation and leisure as a key determinant in improving quality of life
• Ability to motivate others
• Social and open minded
• Self-directed learner
• Able to take Initiative
• Dedicated and motivated
• Possess creative problem solving skills
• Social, people oriented
• Awareness and appreciation on environmental issues and their impact on recreation and leisure
• Values-based leadership and vision

Useful background experience for this program would be

Coaching, participation in athletics, camp counselling, student council member, community involvement, previous work in a recreation facility, youth or church leader, participation in music or other arts, life guard and/or swimming instructor, small and large group leadership/supervision, experience helping people with special needs, Guide/Scout leader.

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

Graduates of this program may go on to become a …

Recreation practitioner, recreation director, special events coordinator, volunteer coordinator, therapeutic recreation staff, director of activation or facility manager.

Places you may find yourself employed include

Community centres, YMCA’s, resorts, camps, hospitals and treatment centres, retirement homes, long term care centres, sports and entertainment centres, arenas, cruise ships, amusement parks, outdoor recreation and education centres, or corrections facilities.

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

• Work environments vary drastically depending on the specific sub-field of recreational interest. Typical work environments include everything from large or small office spaces to gymnasiums, outdoor/wilderness classrooms, and recreation facilities (Child, Youth, Senior, and Special Populations).
• Recreation and sport administrators meet and work with many people including municipality representatives and people who use recreation facilities. 
• Perform administrative tasks in offices but meetings, recreation and sport activities may take them to a variety of locations. Some travel and evening or weekend work may be required.

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace:

Administrators

• Manage or oversee recreational and sport facilities such as arenas, curling rinks, swimming pools and golf courses
• Develop and recommend overall recreation strategies, plans and policies
• Act as a liaison for boards, committees and community organizations
• Organize recreation programs and educational events
• Plan regional, provincial, national and international sporting events
• Assist community organizations in planning and administration, and facilitate the delivery of their programs and services
• Initiate and oversee fundraising activities
• Establish yearly budgets for equipment, staffing and facility maintenance and repair
• Advertise programs and services
• Train and supervise staff
• Write reports
• Co-ordinate volunteer groups

Recreation Coordinators

• Design programs and services based on community needs
• Work with community organizations in program development and implementation
• Advertise programs
• Implement fundraising projects
• Conduct research and program evaluations
• Prepare budgets for departments, facilities or individual programs
• Prepare grant applications, write reports and long range plans
• Interview, hire, supervise and train staff and volunteers

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

• OCA - Ontario Camps Association
• APO - Activity Professionals of Ontario
• High Five – Parks and Recreation Ontario
• Quest – Parks and Recreation Ontario
• PRO – Parks and Recreation Ontario
• TRO – Therapeutic Recreation Ontario
• ORFA – Ontario Recreation Facilities Association
• CPRA – Canadian Parks and Recreation Association

Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.

Opportunities for further development or education

• Graduates may apply for advanced entrance into  the Fanshawe College Fitness & Health Promotion program
• Graduates may transfer some credit earned in this program towards a university degree. Multiple articulation agreements are available.

Last Modified: January 23, 2024