Recreation and Leisure Services

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Courses

Level 1

Course details

College Reading & Writing Skills
COMM1085

Description: This course introduces students to the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills needed for academic and workplace success. Students will analyse a variety of texts and apply the steps of planning, writing, and revising to produce writing that meets the expectations of selected audiences and purposes. The course prepares students for college-level writing tasks, research, and documentation by asking them to produce clear, informed, and purposeful documents relevant to both academic and professional contexts.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Conestoga 101
CON0101

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.
  • Hours: 1
  • Credits: 0
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Safety in the Workplace
OHS1320

Description: This course focuses on developing awareness and skills for the student to safely manage and conduct him or herself within a variety of employment settings. Through the units of the course, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding and knowledge of general Health and Safety guidelines, including WHMIS, Fire Safety and Workplace Violence. The unit on Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act will instruct the student on the requirements for Accessible Customer Service and Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulations. General information on Safe Driving, Privacy of Information and Hand Washing will be addressed as well. The course also provides participants with critical information regarding their insurance coverage (WSIB or other) while employed. As well as guidelines to follow in the event of an injury. Participants will receive a printable Record of Completion upon successful conclusion of this course, in order to demonstrate awareness of safe working practices to their employers.
  • Hours: 14
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Group Dynamics for Recreation
REC1060

Description: This course will introduce students to the importance of working in groups in the field of recreation and leisure services. Students will examine the diversity of roles, responsibilities and contributions of all members involved in the provision of recreation, leisure, and wellness programs, events, and services. They will identify the strengths, needs and diverse abilities of all group members to develop a plan for incorporating their contributions towards a common goal.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Health and Wellness Throughout the Lifespan
REC1120

Description: This course will introduce students to concepts related to healthy living for individuals, groups, and communities. Students will demonstrate their understanding of the benefits of holistic healthy lifestyles and the assumptions related to health and wellness over the course of an individuals’ lifespan will be discussed. In addition, students will identify opportunities for promoting and implementing recreation, leisure, and wellness initiatives. Students will examine their own personal relationship with health and understand how they can enhance and support their own wellness.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Introduction to the Recreation and Leisure Services Profession
REC1130

Description: This course will introduce students to the scope and diversity within the field of recreation and leisure. Students will identify and describe areas within the field through the exploration of local, provincial, and national best practices that frame and inform these sectors. Through integrated experiences, students will explore and defend the personal, social, economic, and environmental benefits of various recreation and leisure services. The diversity of career options will be explored and related to their development as a professional. Personal contributions, responsibilities and accountabilities will be identified as students prepare for their first work integrated learning experience.
  • Hours: 88
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Inclusion and Access in Recreation
REC1200

Description: This course will identify the foundations of inclusion and access in recreation programs and services exploring how these principles impact feelings of belonging and contribute to meaningful community building and engagement. Students will explain, compare, and apply the principles of offering welcoming, accessible, and inclusive programs and services that meet the shifting recreational needs of current and future participants. Students will also examine how societal attitudes and unconscious bias have shaped approaches to access and inclusion, which has historically established barriers and constraints to full participation.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Level 2

Course details

Field Placement I (Recreation & Leisure Services)
FPLT1275

Description: Situated in community agencies, students will strengthen their appreciation of the diverse nature of the recreation and leisure services field. Working with community-based organizations/agencies, students will assess needs, interests, and abilities in order to develop, implement, and evaluate inclusive programs, experiences and/or events. Through guided exploration and reflective seminars, students will identify the fundamental elements of professional practice and relate those elements to personal performance in the field.
  • Hours: 127
  • Credits: 5
  • Pre-Requisites: OHS1320
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Dynamics of Leadership
REC1080

Description: This course will build on the understanding of the importance of working in groups and will challenge students to explore leadership styles and the leader's role in motivating others. They will assess their personal leadership styles to understand and demonstrate effective skills that support the development of inclusive recreation and leisure service delivery. This will include the development and understanding of personal and professional ethical principles and the expression of skills to engage coworkers, volunteers, and others.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Program Planning
REC1090

Description: This course explores the foundational elements of program planning in recreation and leisure services. Students will utilize principles of inclusion and various approaches to program planning to assess the needs, interests, and abilities of participants to develop recreation, leisure, and wellness programs within an established budget. They will provide a rationale for programs and will communicate the benefits of participation for the intended audience. Considerations around the customer experience and facility requirements will be explored.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Diverse Populations in Recreation and Leisure Services
REC1210

Description: This course will continue to explore concepts of inclusion and accessibility in recreation and leisure services. Students will deepen their understanding of diverse populations within Canadian society by providing exposure to the diversity and intersectionality that exists in communities across the country. Students will increase their knowledge of community recreation and leisure needs, build empathy and understanding, and identify and propose recommendations to remove barriers that allow for meaningful participation for diverse populations. Students will examine differences and similarities throughout our communities that can be used to inform and create the conditions for viable recreation and leisure programs, events, and services.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Recreation Administration
REC1220

Description: This course will introduce students to the administrative functions needed for recreation and leisure organizations to operate successfully. Students will demonstrate and apply knowledge of core administration practices, including the fundamentals of customer service and effective communication. Through classroom experiences, students will examine the use of technology, principles of budgeting, policies and procedures, and process efficiencies in the implementation of recreation and leisure programs, events, and services.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 3

Course details

Field Placement II (Recreation and Leisure Services)
FPLT2305

Description: This course will provide an opportunity for students to diversify their experience as a recreation student and aspiring professional. Placed within community agencies/organizations, students will apply and expand their skills, knowledge and understanding of the scope of professional practice. Through field placement experiences and reflective seminars, students will analyze their contributions to the work of their agency and their role as a member of the team.
  • Hours: 176
  • Credits: 6
  • Pre-Requisites: FPLT1270 OR FPLT1275
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Volunteerism in Recreation and Leisure
REC1140

Description: This course focuses on the importance of volunteerism in recreation and leisure services. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the key areas of a volunteer framework, recruitment, selection, orientation, training, coaching, motivating, and evaluating the performance of volunteers. Through this they will explain the beneficial role of volunteers in the sustainability of inclusive programs, events, and services, including the importance of volunteer retention. They will examine how public and not-for-profit agencies utilize various strategies to enhance organizational capacity and engage volunteers through advocating for the benefits of inclusive recreation, leisure and wellness programs and events.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Community Development
REC2010

Description: This course will broaden the student’s understanding of recreation and leisure services to explore various principles, approaches, and practices of community development. Through classroom experiences, students will integrate relevant models and processes related to development to create strategies that support the betterment of their local community. Through the applications of community development strategies, students will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to empower individuals, groups, and organizations to implement change through collective action.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Applied Facilitation
REC2020

Description: This course will examine the practice of facilitation through the investigation and application of facilitation models, techniques, and best practices. Through interactive learning experiences, students will critique the impact and benefits associated with using applied facilitation in the provision of inclusive recreation and leisure for individuals and groups.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Program Design and Implementation
REC2180

Description: This course will deepen the student’s understanding of core program design approaches and strategies. Through active learning experiences, students will utilize assessment tools to design and implement an innovative and inclusive recreation, leisure, or wellness program. They will analyze revenue generation strategies while creating detailed program budgets and will discuss funding options to promote sustainable program delivery. Students will also examine how a variety of marketing mediums, including but not limited to current social media platforms, could be utilized to successfully promote programs.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 4

Course details

Field Placement III (Recreation and Leisure Services)
FPLT2310

Description: This course will support students to consolidate theory and practice as emerging professionals. Paired with a community agency/organization, students will demonstrate initiative to make meaningful contributions and demonstrate core competencies, integrating knowledge and understanding of the recreation and leisure service field, diverse populations, and inclusive services. Through field placement experiences and reflective seminars students will establish their professional profile and articulate future career goals.
  • Hours: 176
  • Credits: 6
  • Pre-Requisites: FPLT2300 OR FPLT2305
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Special Events
REC2100

Description: This course will examine the processes and foundational elements involved in the planning and execution of community based special events. Through integrated experiences students will analyze required components of a successful event including, venue selection and essentials, event operations, risk management, revenue generation, understanding customer experiences, marketing, sponsorship, and accessibility. Students will interpret information and gain experience in the creative use of recreation assets needed to design and lead community based special events.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Therapeutic Practices in Recreation
REC2205

Description: This course will provide a foundation for understanding models, domains, theories, and contexts of therapeutic recreation. Through a variety of classroom experiences, students will engage with concepts of individual empowerment, choice and agency and the incorporation of these principles into assessment and planning. Students will assess how holistic dimensions of wellness impact individual’s lives and advocate for inclusive recreation and leisure programs and services as a therapeutic tool.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Evaluation and Assessment in Recreation and Leisure Services
REC2215

Description: This course will emphasize the importance of evaluation and assessment in the management practices and operations within recreation and leisure services. Students will apply skills such as collecting, analysing, and interpreting data to establish key findings and develop recommendations to support recreation and leisure service provisions. Best practices and approaches to community engagement and evaluation will be examined.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Places and Spaces for Recreation and Leisure
REC2230

Description: This course will highlight various recreation environments integrating students' understanding of how these places and spaces operate to serve the recreation and leisure interests of communities. Students will examine key issues, principles and practices and will assess the functionality of both indoor built environments and outdoor recreation spaces. Factors including design, maintenance and operations, risk management, inclusion, equity, and accessibility will be evaluated for the purpose of analyzing how recreation can utilize places and spaces to serve the needs of communities.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Please note:

Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs are based on the most recent available data through the Conestoga Campus Store.

Program outcomes

  1. Develop, implement and evaluate inclusive recreation, leisure and wellness programs and events for individuals, groups and communities which respond to assessed needs, interests, abilities and that use available resources and incorporate best practices.
  2. Apply administrative and customer service skills to support the delivery of recreation, leisure and wellness programs, events and services.
  3. Analyze, develop and implement marketing strategies to reach diverse individuals, groups and communities for programs, events, services and facilities using current communication technologies.
  4. 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.
  5. Supervise, lead and support the development of staff and volunteers involved with recreation, leisure and wellness programs, events and services.
  6. Apply safety and accessibility practices to the efficient operation and administration of recreation and leisure facilities and settings.
  7. Promote the benefits and values of recreation, leisure and healthy active living and recommend inclusive programs, events and services to individuals and groups.
  8. Apply community development strategies which engage citizens and community partners while advocating for healthy communities.
  9. Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development as a recreation and leisure services professional.