This article examines the type of training students receive at Centennial College's Recreation and Leisure Services program and the options students have once they graduate.

1. Recreation and Leisure Services Students Benefit From Post Graduate Options
It is vital that the post-secondary program you choose not only trains you for your field but also gives
you other post-graduate options. At Centennial College's Recreation and Leisure Services program,
students are firstly prepared for work in long-term care settings, hospitals, municipal community
recreation centres, school-aged childcare centres, rehabilitation centres and youth-focused
organizations. Among Toronto-based organizations that have hired grads are: Ajax Recreation and
Culture Department, Bridgepoint Health, Centre for Addictions and Mental Health, Markham
Recreation and Culture Services and Variety Village.
Qualified grads may also continue their education in articulated programs with selected universities,
institutes and professional associations to obtain their recreation management degree. The
partnerships that allow graduates to apply academic credit towards further study include: Brock
University, Recreation and Leisure Studies degree (degree studies can be completed in just two
additional years); and Athabasca University (60 credits can be received toward a 120-credit Bachelor
of Professional Arts degree - Human Service major).
Centennial College's program prides itself on being so well rounded that it covers programming,
communication and group skills, community development, life span development, diversity and
recreation management through assignments, mid-terms and a final test. Among specific courses are:
Recreation Programming, Child and Youth Development, Group Dynamics, Therapeutic Recreation -
An Inclusive Approach to Wellness, Festival and Event Management, Health Lifestyle Management,
Report Writing for Recreation and Leisure Services and more.
Students then get to test out their knowledge in supervised field placements during the second
semester (two days a week) and the third and fourth semesters (three days a week).
Among the skills with which students graduate are:
• Creating, planning, implementing and evaluating recreation and leisure programs and special
events
• Applying marketing knowledge to the promotion of the benefits of recreation and leisure
programs, special events, services and facilities
• Generating revenue for recreation and leisure programs, special events, services and facilities
• Contributing to strategies for effectively managing the performance and development of staff
and volunteers in recreation and leisure settings
• Contributing to the safe and effective management of recreation venues
• Educating others about the value and benefits of recreation, leisure and lifestyle enhancement
• Applying community development strategies for advocating and facilitating the personal,
social, economic and environmental benefits of recreation
• Applying administration skills to recreation and leisure settings
Centennial College

2. • Applying principles of lifespan growth and development to individuals and groups in
recreation and leisure settings
• Applying the concept of inclusion to the design and delivery of recreation and leisure
programs, special events, services, and facilities
Applicants to recreation management courses, are required to have completed at minimum an Ontario
Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older; the compulsory
English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent. Although it is not a requirement, volunteer work
in a related field is recommended prior to application. Additionally, attending a program admission
session is highly recommended.
For more info visit at http://www1.centennialcollege.ca/Programs/ProgramOverview.aspx?
Program=1202
Centennial College