Recreational activities are planned to ensure promotion of healthy living Leisure and recreation are not taken for granted by many institutions that believe that they are important times of which people can develop. Community centres have programs that attract members to join and learn more about a specific skill. Rehabilitation centres instill therapy programs for their clients in their leisure time, so they can improve their standards of living. Long-term care facilities provide excitement to their clients with programs that involve social interaction and community-building. The professionals responsible for such programs are skilled in designing and implementing programs that improve the quality of life for community members. They have a recreation management degree, which can be accomplished through a specialized program in college. The Recreation and Leisure Services (1202) program is offered at Centennial College for two years, starting the fall semester intake, and teaches students about the recreation programming, community development, and the business of recreation. With a combination of powerful lectures and three field placements, learners can connect the importance of their college education with their desired careers. Employers who seek program coordinators want the candidates to have a diploma in recreation and leisure and have some working knowledge about this area. Communication, leadership, organization, and problem-solving skills are mandatory for this career, as many professionals coordinate with their colleagues in creating the programs. They are also the ones in-charge of the program which also means they are responsible for any issues that may arise. They participate in strategic planning for the whole organization, and are required to examine client progress and provide reports. With the high demands of the jobs, Centennial ensures that students have the right training. All of the recreation management courses have essential employability skills that can be transferred from classroom to the workplace. Here is a sneak peak of what to expect in the school semesters: •
There is plenty of career flexibility as students can enter different work environments. They will have basic knowledge of the needs of their clients, which can be children, youth, adults with special needs, and seniors. They will learn the concepts in child and youth development, therapeutic recreation, and gerontology.
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The programming created will always have health promotion in mind. It needs to be relevant and have some levels of education for the clients, where the program will benefit them and have developmental benefits. The Healthy Lifestyle Management course helps students plan the programs with personal health and lifestyle habits in mind.
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The planning of the programs will often involve incorporate some events management principles, as professionals need to find the right tools and supplies, and the venue to hold the recreational activities. The Festivals and Event Management course helps students gain the knowledge of the logistics and operations of basic event planning.
Recreation and Leisure service professionals have work titles such as Recreation Aide, Community Resource Facilitator, and Community Recreation Coordinator, as they create appropriate programs for their clients. Graduates of the program can enjoy working with young children and the youth, with adults who need rehabilitation, and elder adults, in places such as camps, libraries, hospitals, rehabilitations centres, and other community centres and healthcare units. Employers vary from not-for-profit organizations to the government to community and healthcare organizations.
Centennial College