Recreation and Leisure Services

 

The fast-growing Recreation and Leisure industry offers rewarding, challenging careers, providing recreation programs and special events to people of all ages, in a variety of unique and exciting settings. Many of our graduates also transfer to Brock University with significant credit towards a degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies. Organizations that have hired our grads include boys and girls clubs in Lindsay and in London, Ontario, City of Ottawa Recreation Department, City of Peterborough Recreation Division, Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, City of Kawatha Lakes, Queen Street Mental Health Centre, Toronto, Seneca College Outdoor Recreation Program, and numerous hospitals and seniors' residences around Ontario. Our grads are working at Rimrock Resort and Banff Springs Resort, Carnival Cruise Lines, Killary Outdoor Centre, Ireland, and Surf School in New Zealand. Check out the career opportunities listed for other examples and job titles.

 

Program Highlights

Being well-prepared for a range of recreation careers means hands-on training is essential. You will become skilled in how to be a leader, manage and develop recreation programs, do marketing, manage human resources, plan and conduct research, special event management and facilities operations. Besides these managerial skills, you'll need to be able to work at the grassroots level to bring appropriate recreational and leisure programming to the community. Essential hands-on training in community development, leisure and lifestyle enhancement, and inclusive recreation is an important part of your program. To top off your studies in the "how" and "why" of recreation and leisure services, and tailor your learning to your career interest, you'll put it all into practice with a semester-long placement at the end of your program. You can do your placement locally, provincially, across Canada or in an international setting. You'll work with community-based agencies (of your choice) on real -- not simulated -- recreation/leisure projects. Make lasting friendships, develop confidence and professionalism, and learn new skills through a variety of field trip experiences that include rock climbing, high/low rope, canoeing, kayaking, theatre, golf, swimming, caving and hiking.

 

Word from the Workplace

"The program can lead you into a wide variety of career opportunities. I would like to thank my teachers for providing me with the necessary skills to become an Activity Director." Shari Forsyth, Program Graduate,
Activity Director
Empress Gardens, Peterborough, Ontario.

 

Why Choose Fleming?

Many organizations have come to trust the quality of education in Fleming's program, and seek out our graduates. The four-month placement opportunity is the longest available in this type of program, while the broad base of studies within management, community development and practical skills make graduates an asset to employers.

 

Work Experience

Your four-month placement offers you an intensive, challenging opportunity to put your skills into practice. You choose the location and setting - your instructors will encourage you as you find and negotiate your placement. This will be valuable learning for later, when you're looking for a job. Your placement could be working with youth at risk, with seniors, in outdoor education programs, fitness organizations/centres, children's programs, schools, resorts or municipal settings. There are few limitations as to where you can do your placement. For example, Fleming has a unique partnership with the Resort, Recreation and Tourism Management Student Internship Program in the United States that students can take advantage of--you can work as an activity coordinator at a resort or prepare for a career on a cruise ship. Field agencies may require you to submit a current police records check, which is available from your local police department upon payment of a fee. In addition, you may also be required to provide a current Standard First Aid Certificate, a current Basic CPR Certificate (level C) and Proof of Immunization.

 

What it Takes to Succeed

• enjoy working with people
• interest in maximizing human potential and healthy lifestyles  
• the ability to work as part of a team or independently
• good organizational and time management skills
• flexibility/open-mindedness
• an interest in sports, arts, fitness, or adult education an asset

 

Career Opportunities

Take your pick of a variety of employers--why not consider a career with:

• resorts and cruise lines
• health and fitness centres
• special event planning services
• commercial recreation facilities
• municipal recreation departments
• golf clubs
• senior's centres, nursing homes
• hospitals, treatment centres
• correctional facilities
• outdoor recreation/education environments 
• new immigrant services
• after school programs

Job titles include: recreation specialist, recreation sports analyst, team/club program coordinator, activities assistant/director, sports and leisure consultant, community recreation consultant, fitness coordinator, outdoor education programmer, special event coordinator, youth programmer, and parks and facility coordinator.

 

Minimum Admission Requirements

OSSD with the majority of credits at the College (C) and Open (O) level, including:

• 2 College (C) English courses (Grade 11 or Grade 12) 

When (C) is the minimum course level for admission, (U) or (U/C) courses are also accepted. 

Mature Students 

If you are 19 years of age or older before classes start, and you do not possess an OSSD, you can write the Canadian Adult Achievement Test to assess your eligibility for admission. 

 

 

Selection Process

 

Related Programs

Post graduate opportunities include our new Conference and Event Management program or the Ecotourism and Adventure Tourism Management program at our Haliburton Campus. The Recreation and Leisure Services program also offers a dual credential opportunity through Brock University. Program graduates receive their college diploma and can obtain significant credit towards the Bachelor of Recreation and Leisure Studies three year or Honours degree.

 

Health Requirements

Immunization Requirements

This program has immunization requirements. For more information, and to print the required immunization form, please see the Immunization Information page.

 

Additional Costs

In addition you should plan to spend approximately $700 per year for books and supplies.

 

University Transfer Agreements

• Athabasca University
• Brock University
• University of Ontario Institute of Technology
• University of Waterloo

Course	Hours
Semester 1
Communications for Community Development & Health	45.00
Human Growth and Development	45.00
Intro to Recreation and Leisure Services	45.00
Introductory Computing	45.00
Leisure/Lifestyle Applications	45.00
Psychology Of Sport	45.00
Recreation Applications in Human Resource Management	45.00
Semester 2
Communicating at Work	45.00
Field Preparation I	30.00
Introduction to Exceptionalities	45.00
Leadership and Teams in Recreation	45.00
Recreation Administration, Finance and Revenue Generation	45.00
Recreation Programming	45.00
General Education Elective
Semester 3
Community Development	45.00
Facility Management and Small Business Operation	45.00
Field Preparation II	30.00
Recreation Promotions and Marketing	45.00
Recreation and Leisure Computer Applications	45.00
Tournament Organization and Special Events Planning	45.00
Semester 4
Field Practice and Evaluation	525.00

Semester 1

Communications for Community Development & Health

Course Number: COMM079

Communications for CD&H, a mandatory Communications course, focuses on improving reading and writing skills through a number of assignments related to the helping professions. Students will demonstrate skills in summary and essay writing as well as research techniques, including appropriate documentation of sources. The principles of style, structure, content, and mechanics constitute the overall framework of the course.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Human Growth and Development

Course Number: SOCI025

This course is designed to give the student a basic understanding of the normal patterns of growth and development at various stages within the life cycle from infancy through to old age. The major theories of development will be examined to enhance understanding of this field of study.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Intro to Recreation and Leisure Services

Course Number: RECR022

This course will trace the evolution of leisure philosophy and thinking from ancient to modern times. It will trace the historical evolution of recreation and recreation service delivery in a Canadian context. It will examine key sectors of the recreation field including non-profit, private sector and governmental service delivery. It will explore current and emerging trends in the field. It will explore career options in the recreation and leisure services.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Introductory Computing

Course Number: COMP345

Working in the Windows XP environment, this computer course introduces the student to computer basics (computer terminology, e-mail, Internet, file management) and the application and use of word processing, spreadsheet, and database software. Through the extensive use of hands-on activities, students will gain sufficient knowledge and experience to make productive use of computers as a tool in both college and workplace environments.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Leisure/Lifestyle Applications

Course Number: RECR014

The learner will explore a variety of theories relating to the philosophy of leisure and human behaviour as they have evolved over time. The learner will also trace the history of recreation and leisure service delivery in Canada, and particularly Ontario, from pioneer times to the present day. The learner will conduct a personal leisure self-inventory and analysis and will be exposed to a diversity of recreation and leisure initiatives through hands-on planned activities, faculty and peers and personal self-driven experiences. Themes which will be explored during the course include physical activity and active living, outdoor education and the environment, heritage, the arts and multiculturalism. Through this process the learner will become aware of the scope and diversity of leisure and lifestyle opportunities that are available to both themselves and the various client groups they will be working with.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Psychology Of Sport

Course Number: GNED035

This course is designed to assist students' personal development in the areas of sport and exercise. As such, the student will be provided with the basic understanding of psychological principles as they relate to their behaviour in sport and exercise contexts. Sport psychology applies to a broad population base such as: elite athletes, children, the physically and mentally challenged, seniors, and the average participant. The focus is on the application of research findings in order to understand how participating in physical activity affects a person's psychological development.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Recreation Applications in Human Resource Management

Course Number: RECR027

This course will introduce the student to human resources planning including recruitment and selection from the point-of-view of a line supervisor or leader in recreation practice. These include tools, techniques and strategies for job description development, applicant selection, promotion, disciplinary activities and termination as well as orientation, performance appraisal or review and professional development. Special attention will be paid to the recruitment, supervision and recognition of volunteers and to ongoing management techniques and philosophies for maximizing employee performance.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Semester 2

Communicating at Work

Course Number: COMM002

This course will enable you to continue to improve your general communication skills to meet the learning outcomes demanded by the assignments in this course, as well as the expectations of other subjects and eventual career employment. This course emphasizes concepts of critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they apply to processes fundamental to effective communication. You will continue to reinforce speaking, writing, reading, and listening techniques common to the expectations demanded by the work place of your career choice by applying, at a more sophisticated level, principles of style, structure, mechanics and techniques (for orals).

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Field Preparation I

Course Number: FLPL060

This course will acquaint students with a variety of career trends in the recreation and leisure services field, as well as providing them with initial exposure to client groups and organizational settings through volunteer initiatives and/or agency visitations. Students will develop an individualized field practice planning paper that identifies the area of recreation and leisure service delivery they are interested in. This paper will also describe the vocational goals, outcomes, and skills the students want to achieve during their fourth-semester field practice experience. Students will also develop a personal portfolio that identifies vocational outcome skills they have acquired through current and previous education, life, and work experience.

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Introduction to Exceptionalities

Course Number: EDUC014

This course will introduce students to the major areas of exceptionality as they are found in children and adults. Knowledge and skills related to individual program planning will also be included.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Leadership and Teams in Recreation

Course Number: SOCI128

This course will introduce the student to leadership theory and practice through a variety of applied learning experiences. The student will explore their own leadership strengths and identify and work on improving their leadership skills and confidence. Students will become comfortable analyzing the maturity of the individuals or groups they are leading and applying a variety of leadership styles to maximize their performance. Students will focus on developing their facilitative and teambuilding skills and develop the abilities needed to effectively address dysfunctional team behaviour.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Recreation Administration, Finance and Revenue Generation

Course Number: RECR023

This course will introduce the student to administrative and management structures in recreation settings, and include a detailed study of budgeting, accounting and purchasing, organizational structures, management systems, fundraising and grantsmanship.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Recreation Programming

Course Number: RECR024

This course will introduce the students to the area of program delivery and services in the field of recreation and leisure services that are flexible, responsive, creative, and inclusive. Students will be introduced to the process of creating, planning, implementing, and evaluating recreation and leisure programs. Students will be able to assess need, develop goals and objectives, apply principles of lifespan development, provide leadership, guide staff and volunteers, develop a budget, ensure inclusiveness, and understand sound risk management practices.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Semester 3

Community Development

Course Number: COUN011

This course will enable the learner to develop an awareness of communities and the community development process. The learner will examine relevant community structures and resources and will include a study of significant community service and health care organizations, their roles and the dynamics within them: and between them and other organizations. In addition, learners will examine the organization, function and roles of various levels of government: the economic and social benefits of community and health care services: trends, issues, problems, and challenges in community services and health care delivery: boards and committees: volunteering and advocacy.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Facility Management and Small Business Operation

Course Number: RECR084

This course is aimed at introducing the student to principles and practices relating to the planning, operation, and management of safe, effective, and efficient recreation facilities including facility design, legislative standards and requirements, maintenance, scheduling, energy conservation, licensing and risk management. It will also introduce the student to business concepts around entrepreneurship and small business planning. Students will explore issues such as market research, business planning, competition analysis, financing and accounting, bankruptcy and ownership options. Students will also explore federal, provincial, and municipal regulations and support for small business operations.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Field Preparation II

Course Number: FLPL082

This course will enable students to assume responsibility for finalizing their fourth-semester field practice experience. Based on the mission statement and learning outcomes they have set in their personalized planning paper, students will explore a variety of field practice settings, select a preferred setting, negotiate an appropriate set of field practice responsibilities, obtain the approval of their field practice setting from faculty, secure written confirmation of acceptance and WCB coverage by the agency or organization of their choice. In addition, students will identify and, through workshops, explore a variety of issues specific to their setting and to professional deportment during their field practice experience.

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Recreation Promotions and Marketing

Course Number: RECR028

The aim of this course is to introduce students to the concept of marketing recreation programs and activities. Students will be exposed to the elements and process of developing a successful recreational marketing plan. They will also become familiar with flyer and brochure development, dealing with the media, public and community relations and customer service.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Recreation and Leisure Computer Applications

Course Number: COMP268

With the convergence of computers, telecommunications, and other technologies, it is important that students have exposure to a variety of technologies in the context of both professional and personal applications. In its broadest sense, this course's emphasis on technology will focus on the use of appropriate technologies to enhance productivity, solve problems more effectively, and manage information better. Implicit in this is the need to continue learning and coping with new technologies and uses as they emerge, such as the "CLASS" Recreation and Leisure registration program.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Tournament Organization and Special Events Planning

Course Number: RECR026

The aim of this course is to introduce the student to the specialized skills involved in planning tournaments and special events on a micro and macro scale. Students will be exposed to pre-tournament or event planning, various forms of tournament and special event design, registration, promotion as well as tournament and event evaluation including social and economic impact.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Semester 4

Field Practice and Evaluation

Course Number: FLPL055

The fourth-semester block field practice experience enables recreation leadership students to integrate and complement their classroom knowledge with a practical learning experience in a recreation setting of their choice. It is viewed as an integral, core component of the program's curriculum. Successful completion of the course is determined by the implementation of an appropriate field practice experience. This experience is based on the learning goals and enabling objectives as documented in the students' field practice planning paper and evaluated by their agency and faculty supervisors.

Units: 525.00
Hours: 525.00