Recreation and Leisure Services Ontario College Diploma program

Program Overview

The Recreation and Leisure Services Diploma program at Georgian College equips students with the skills and knowledge to design, deliver, and evaluate recreation and leisure programs for all ages. The program emphasizes leadership, group facilitation, and business administration fundamentals, preparing graduates for careers in community recreation, outdoor adventure, fitness, and more. Through experiential learning opportunities, students gain practical experience in planning and delivering diverse, inclusive, and sustainable recreation initiatives.

Program Outline

Extracted Information from the Recreation and Leisure Services Diploma Program at Georgian College:

Degree Overview:

• Overview: This two-year Ontario College Diploma program equips students with the skills and practical experience to design, deliver, and evaluate recreation and leisure programs for all ages.
Graduates are prepared for a fun and fulfilling career in the field.
• Objectives:
• Introduce students to the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in recreation and leisure services.
• Provide a curriculum that includes community recreation, outdoor adventure, arts, culture, heritage, leisure, fitness, retirement activities, life enrichment in long term care, adaptive-therapeutic recreation, facility operations, programming, and event planning.
• Integrate business administration fundamentals with courses in marketing, accounting, technology, human resources, entrepreneurship, and research.
• Offer experiential learning opportunities through participation in a number of events or programs working with children to seniors.
• Help students gain proficiency in leadership and group facilitation by designing, delivering, and evaluating diverse, inclusive, relevant, and environmentally sustainable recreation, leisure, and wellness initiatives.
• Description:
• Students learn about community recreation, outdoor adventure, arts, culture, heritage, leisure, fitness, retirement activities, life enrichment in long term care, adaptive-therapeutic recreation, facility operations, programming, and event planning.
• They also gain business administration fundamentals through courses in marketing, accounting, technology, human resources, entrepreneurship, and research.
• Experiential learning opportunities are provided through participation in various events and programs with different age groups.
• The program emphasizes leadership and group facilitation skills, enabling students to design, deliver, and evaluate diverse, inclusive, relevant, and environmentally sustainable recreation, leisure, and wellness initiatives.

Outline:

• Program Content: The program covers a wide range of topics related to recreation and leisure services, including:
• Community recreation
• Outdoor adventure
• Arts and culture
• Heritage
• Leisure
• Fitness
• Retirement activities
• Life enrichment in long term care
• Adaptive-therapeutic recreation
• Facility operations
• Programming
• Event planning
• Business administration
• Marketing
• Accounting
• Technology
• Human resources
• Entrepreneurship
• Research
• Structure: The program is delivered part-time and can be completed in two years.
Students can choose to take one to three courses per semester.
• Course Schedule: The course schedule is available on the program webpage and is subject to change.
• Modules: The program consists of the following modules:
• Module 1: Introduction to Recreation and Leisure Services:
This module provides students with an overview of the field of recreation and leisure services. It covers topics such as the history of recreation, the role of recreation in society, and the different types of recreation and leisure services.
• Module 2: Programming and Event Planning: This module teaches students how to plan and deliver recreation and leisure programs and events.
It covers topics such as needs assessment, program development, marketing, and evaluation.
• Module 3: Leadership and Group Dynamics: This module helps students develop the skills they need to be effective leaders in recreation and leisure settings.
It covers topics such as communication, group dynamics, conflict resolution, and team building.
• Module 4: Business Administration for Recreation and Leisure Services: This module provides students with the business skills they need to be successful in the recreation and leisure industry.
It covers topics such as marketing, finance, accounting, and human resources.
• Module 5: Inclusive and Adaptive Recreation: This module teaches students how to create recreation and leisure programs and services that are inclusive of people with disabilities.
It covers topics such as the principles of universal design, adaptive equipment, and program modifications.
• Module 6: Outdoor Recreation and Environmental Sustainability: This module explores the role of recreation in the natural environment.
It covers topics such as Leave No Trace principles, outdoor recreation planning, and environmental stewardship.
• Module 7: Research in Recreation and Leisure Services: This module introduces students to the research methods used in the field of recreation and leisure services.
It covers topics such as data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
• Module 8: Professional Development and Career Planning: This module helps students develop the skills they need to be successful in their careers.
It covers topics such as resume writing, interview skills, and networking.
• Module Descriptions: More detailed descriptions of each module are available on the program webpage.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:
• Assignments
• Exams
• Presentations
• Participation
• Assessment Criteria: The assessment criteria are based on the learning outcomes of each module.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Field trips
• Faculty: The program is taught by experienced faculty members who are experts in their field.
• Unique Approaches: The program uses a hands-on, experiential learning approach.
Students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of events and programs to gain practical experience.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates of the program can pursue careers in a variety of settings, including:
• Community recreation centers
• Sports and fitness facilities
• Parks and recreation departments
• Camps
• Tourism companies
• Non-profit organizations
• Government agencies
• Career Opportunities: The program prepares students for a variety of career opportunities, including:
• Recreation programmer
• Event planner
• Fitness instructor
• Outdoor recreation leader
• Park ranger
• Camp counselor
• Tourism officer
• Youth worker
• Career Outcomes: Graduates of the program are highly employable.
Many graduates find jobs in the recreation and leisure industry within six months of graduation.

Other:

• Criminal Reference/Vulnerable Sector Check: Students are required to obtain a criminal reference check and vulnerable sector check prior to going out on placement.
• Program Delivery Methods: The program is offered online and in-person.
• OntarioLearn Equivalents: Some of the program courses are available as OntarioLearn equivalents.
Please refer to the official program website for the most current information.