The goal of the Recreation and Leisure Services program is to teach students how to improve the quality of life for all citizens by developing healthy communities. The courses in this college diploma program are based on a curriculum that meets the demands of the ever-growing and in-demand recreation and leisure field. Throughout their studies, students will conduct needs assessments, create risk management plans, develop business plans and practice grant proposal writing, and plan and implement recreation programs for people of all ages and abilities. In addition, students will complete 880 hours of supervised field placement, which helps develop critical practical skills through the integration of classroom learning into real-life situations.

Program Highlights

• Courses include: Program Planning, Community Development, Recreation Management and Marketing, Inclusive Recreation, Gerontology, Child & Youth Development, and more!
• Supervised field placements take place in the second semester (two days a week), and in the third and fourth semesters (three days a week).
• An example of industry partners who host field placements include, but are not limited to: The Centre for Dreams, Viva Pickering, Bridgepoint Health, Sienna Living (various locations), the City of Toronto, the City of Markham, Variety Village, and Crescent Town Club.
• Students will have the opportunity to participate in supplemental training sessions, such as Sensory Training and High Five’s Principles of Healthy Child Development and Quest 2.
• Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO) offers two province-wide student awards during its annual educational forum to students in their graduating year. Centennial College Recreation and Leisure Services graduates have captured these prestigious awards for 13 consecutive years (2007 to 2019).
• Established by the 2011 graduation class, the Sandy Foster Student Award of Merit is awarded annually to one student entering the second year of the Recreation and Leisure Services Program at Centennial College. This award recognizes a student who consistently demonstrates a commitment to their studies and a passion for recreation and carries a $2000.00 cash value.
• There is another bursary.

As a Recreation and Leisure graduate, you will be able to reliably demonstrate the ability to:

• Develop, implement and evaluate inclusive recreation, leisure and wellness programs and events for individuals, groups and communities that respond to assessed needs, interests, abilities and that use available resources and incorporate best practices.
• Apply administrative and customer service skills to support the delivery of recreation, leisure and wellness programs, events and services.
• Analyse, develop and implement marketing strategies to reach diverse individuals, groups and communities for programs, events, services and facilities using current communication technologies.
• Contribute to the development of fiscally sustainable and responsible recreation, leisure and wellness programs, events and services using current and relevant principles and practices of business, finance and social entrepreneurship.
• Supervise, lead and support the development of staff and volunteers involved with recreation, leisure and wellness programs, events and services.
• Apply safety and accessibility practices to the efficient operation and administration of recreation and leisure facilities and settings.
• Promote the benefits and values of recreation, leisure and healthy active living and recommend inclusive programs, events and services to individuals and groups.
• Apply community development strategies that engage citizens and community partners while advocating for healthy communities.
• Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development as a recreation and leisure services professional.