RECREATION AND LEISURE SERVICES
Program Outline
Major: RELS
Length: 2 Years
Delivery: 4 Semesters, plus 1 work term
Credential: Ontario College Diploma, Co-op
Effective: 2010-2011
Location: Barrie
Start: Fall
Description
The recreation and leisure services program is designed to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in a profession that is continually evolving in order to respond to the social, cultural, economic and environmental priorities in our communities. Students will have the opportunity to apply theoretical and practical leadership, while acquiring the competencies to plan, promote, market, administrate and implement special events and programs in a variety of recreation fields. Business fundamentals are also addressed as a valuable component of the curriculum.
Career Opportunities
Career opportunities include: programmer, administrator in recreation and sport organizations, leader, director, facilitator at not for profit and community agencies, attendant, supervisor, manager at sport and recreation facilities, activity director-municipal parks and recreation departments, athletics, intramural sports-education institutions, fitness and healthy lifestyle centres, recreation supervisor- youth organizations, resorts-sport and recreation manager, operations- outdoor recreation, special event planning services or guides-adventure recreation.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- create, plan, implement and evaluate recreation and leisure programs and special events which respond to identified needs and maximize the delivery of the benefits of recreation;
- apply the principles of marketing to the promotion of the benefits of recreation and leisure programs, special events, services and facilities;
- generate revenue for recreation and leisure programs, special events, services and facilities by applying sound business principles;
- contribute to strategies for effectively managing the performance and development of staff and volunteers in recreation and leisure settings;
- practice effective administration skills for recreation and leisure settings;
- contribute to the safe and effective management of recreation venues;
- design and implement appropriate research and planning strategies;
- educate others regarding the value and benefits of recreation, leisure and lifestyle enhancement;
- evaluate community development strategies for advocating and facilitating the personal, social, economic and environmental benefits of recreation;
- apply principles of lifespan growth and development to individuals and groups in recreation and leisure settings;
- design and deliver inclusive recreation and leisure programs, special events, services and facilities;
- develop plans for ongoing personal and professional growth and development.
Program Progression
Sem 1 - Fall 2010
Sem 2 - Winter 2011
Work Term 1 - Summer 2011
Sem 3 - Fall 2011
Sem 4 - Winter 2012
Admission Requirements
Applicants following the OSS curriculum must have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD - 30 credits) or equivalent. OSS applicants must also have Grade 12 English (C) or (U) (ENG4C, ENG4U).
Applicants who are 19 years of age or over by the first day of classes, and who lack the academic admission qualifications, may be considered for entrance as mature students. Each applicant will be considered on an individual basis and acceptance will be determined by counselling, Communication Placement Assessment (CPA), previous post-secondary education and evaluation of experience. Some programs also have specific prerequisite requirements that must be met prior to admission. Mature applicants must meet all program specific prerequisites. Those applying as mature students and having no documentation of Grade 12 education must supply, if requested, proof of age, such as a copy of an official birth certificate or driver's licence.
Graduation Requirements
18 Mandatory Courses
1 Optional Course
2 Communications Courses
3 General Education Courses
1 Co-op Work Term
Graduation Eligibility
To graduate from this program, the passing weighted average for promotion through each semester, from year to year and to graduate is 60%. Additionally, a student must attain a minimum of 50% or a letter grade of P (Pass) or S (Satisfactory) in each course in each semester.
Mandatory
COMP1058 Technology in Recreation
FITN1002 Fitness and Wellness
FNCE1001 Understanding Finance
MKTG1000 Introduction to Marketing
PSYL1003 Sport Psychology
REAS2003 Research in Recreation and Sport
RECR1000 Introduction to Recreation
RECR1001 Program Planning
RECR1002 Event Planning
RECR1003 Leadership in Recreation
RECR2000 Professional Issues
RECR2001 Outdoor Recreation & Environmental Sustainability
RECR2002 Recreation for Diverse Populations
RECR2003 Administration Practices
RECR2004 Trends and Opportunities in Recreation
RECR2005 Facility Operations
RECR2006 Community Development
RECR2007 Group Dynamics
Options
BUSI2007 Entrepreneurship and Small Business
TOUR2014 Sports Tourism
Communications
COMM1000 College Communications
COMM1001 Communications at Work
COMM1004 World Links: Wired Communications
COMM1006 Professional Writing
COMM1007 Oral Presentations
COMM1012 Visual Analysis in Communication
Co-op
COOP1031 Co-op Work Term
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
BUSI2007 Entrepreneurship and Small Business 42.0 Hours
This course will deal with creative and administrative elements and management concepts that impact a hospitality and tourism entrepreneur who wishes to establish a practical and viable small business. The required skills and aptitudes for small business management will be explored. The business background in which small business operates in Ontario and Canada will be studied to provide a solid basis for decisions regarding the undertaking of small business opportunities.
COMM1000 College Communications 42.0 Hours
Effective communication skills are essential for success in college and career. This entry level course promotes development of college level skills related to information literacy and current communication technology. Students focus on writing, researching, presenting, editing and proofreading. They incorporate writing conventions, analyze and evaluate information, and prepare and deliver ideas orally. In addition, they edit and proofread their own and others' writing.
COMM1001 Communications at Work 42.0 Hours
Students develop their communication skills for the workplace. Using available technology, they research, write and edit work-related correspondence and short reports, individually and collaboratively. With audio-visual support, they prepare and deliver professional presentations that have vocational emphasis. In addition, students complete other communication tasks specific to their vocational areas.
COMM1004 World Links: Wired Communications 42.0 Hours
Computers are revolutionizing our ability to communicate for the purposes of learning and conducting business. This project-based course develops skills to communicate effectively using electronic media. Hands-on experience is combined with an examination of the characteristics of computer-mediated communication, its role in society, and its use in the workplace. Prior experience with basic Internet functions and Web page construction is strongly recommended.
COMM1006 Professional Writing 42.0 Hours
Professional writing skills are required in all service, technical, and business environments. In this advanced course, students develop researching, planning, designing, and writing skills used to prepare workplace materials. Individually and collaboratively, they learn and practice the processes involved in producing such information as policies, written instructions, training materials, and online help. Experience with word processing is expected.
COMM1007 Oral Presentations 42.0 Hours
This advanced communications course is designed to further students' proficiency in verbal communication in both individual and group presentations. Students develop their delivery and presentation skills while working on a range of oral communication activities that start with short, informal introductions and comments and work up to more researched, persuasive, multimedia presentations.
COMM1012 Visual Analysis in Communication 42.0 Hours
In the modern visual world, the way messages are viewed and disseminated has changed dramatically with technological advances. In this course, students develop their theoretical and practical communication skills at an advanced level by investigating the power of visual imagery. Students focus on interpreting, analyzing, and critiquing a broad range of visuals in terms of intention and effectiveness. In addition, students complete research projects including presentations.
COMP1058 Technology in Recreation 42 Hours
Technology in Recreation is designed to expose students to a hardware and software packages which are relevant to recreation and leisure services. The course focuses on those technologies used for administrative, management, financial and planning aspects of the business of recreation.
COOP1031 Co-Op Work Term 700.0 Hours
Students are required to complete 20 weeks of paid work experience related to their program of study. Students work in a wide range of front line positions in recreation facilities or departments, leisure & sport organizations, community agencies, resorts, parks, camps and clubs. The co-op experience enhances their academic learning and develops practical skills and experience. Students are encouraged to attend and participate in scheduled co-operative education classes CPHR0001 which support the co-op process. Students are required to submit an employer evaluation and co-op work experience report for co-op credit.
FITN1002 Fitness and Wellness 42 Hours
This course will provide students with the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to integrate personal healthy living strategies in a variety of recreational settings. Students will conduct a personal nutrition, fitness and wellness self-inventory/analysis and will be exposed to a diversity of recreation and fitness initiatives through hands-on planned activities and personal self-driven experiences. There will be gym sessions connected with this course.
FNCE1001 Understanding Finance 42 Hours
This introductory course is predicated on the need for non-financial personnel to understand the accounting and financial procedures necessary to operate a successful business. A general knowledge of the accounting cycle and its basic application to financial statements will be covered.
MKTG1000 Introduction to Marketing 42.0 Hours
This is an overview course with primary focus on marketing products and services to the ultimate consumer. Emphasis is placed on the basic marketing premise that customer needs must be satisfied in order to achieve company objectives. The student gains insight into the complex and interdependent variables involved in developing successful marketing strategies. The strategic marketing planning process is introduced, along with the specific concepts and principles involved in the four key components of the marketing plan - Product, Price, Distribution, and Promotion Strategies.
PSYL1003 Sport Psychology 42 Hours
This course provides students with an introduction to human development, motivation, emotion, and social behaviour from mainstream psychology. Students will then examine various specialty areas within sport psychology, including theories and research related to mental training for performance enhancement using motivation, leadership, group processes, imagery and attention control strategies. Psychological issues such as drug abuse, injury, and burnout will also be explored.
REAS2003 Research in Recreation and Sport 42 Hours
Students will develop and strengthen research skills by conducting relevant research assignments including a major needs assessment project. Areas of study include: development of appropriate survey tools, evaluation and interpretation of research data and preparation of professional research and planning reports in a recreation context.
RECR1000 Introduction to Recreation 42 Hours
Students will be introduced to the necessary knowledge and skills required to succeed in a recreation and leisure services career. Course themes include: the relationship between recreation and personal well being, history and philosophy of recreation, an overview of recreation organizations, the importance of recreation and leisure in our society and career opportunities and resources. Students will visit a variety of different recreational facilities.
RECR1001 Program Planning 42 Hours
In this course, students will plan, develop, implement, and evaluate recreation and leisure programs. Through a variety of relevant case studies and assignments, students will gain an appreciation of the many details in this process. The significance of consumer involvement in needs assessments; the administrative functions to carry out the plan; and evaluation of data for analysis, policy making, and program modification will also be studied.
RECR1002 Event Planning 42 Hours
This course introduces students to the principles, concepts and steps involved in planning and executing successful events. Emphasis is placed on research into selecting the right type of event, event themes, and site selection. Topics include organizational structure, community participation and volunteerism, logistics, media relations, finances, sponsorship, promotion, evaluation and risk management.
RECR1003 Leadership in Recreation 42 Hours
The emphasis of this course is to help students develop basic leadership skills. After an introduction to leadership fundamentals, students will have the opportunity to lead participants in a variety of seasonal recreation activities.
RECR2000 Professional Issues 42 Hours
The focus of this course is on acceptable ethics and codes of conduct expected of a recreational professional, and the many legal aspects that impact recreation practice and sport in our communities. A central theme within this course is the management of risk inherent in most physical activities. Students will be involved in debates, case studies and simulations that they could encounter in different recreational settings.
RECR2001 Outdoor Recreation & Environmental Sustainability 42 Hours
This course is designed to present active classroom and outdoor experiences which will provide students with a multifaceted understanding of natural environments, including parks and protected areas. As well, students will explore the use of outdoor recreation as a means for achieving personal and group goals such as: team building, leadership, motivation, and problem solving. The course will also explore environmental impacts of recreation in the outdoors and more sustainable alternatives.
RECR2002 Recreation for Diverse Populations 42 Hours
This course focuses on the pivotal role recreation can play in the successful integration of diverse groups and individuals in our communities and provides specific concepts and models of service delivery for these groups. Students will develop awareness and confidence to successfully lead inclusive programs and services. The role of advocacy and public education completes the course.
RECR2003 Administration Practices 42 Hours
Students will acquire essential administration skills for recreation and leisure settings specifically dealing with budgeting, staffing, membership services and program delivery strategies. Special attention will be paid to conflict resolution, group facilitation, and apply the principles and practices of volunteerism. Students will utilize current software programs used by recreation administrators in their daily routines.
RECR2004 Trends and Opportunities in Recreation 42 Hours
This capstone course covers a range of important and current topics in recreation. Students will research a topic of personal interest that either builds on or branches out from prior learning in this program and that will lay the groundwork for their own careers in recreation. The second part of the course will be a seminar series lead by student teams and will integrate skills and knowledge developed within the program.
RECR2005 Facility Operations 42 Hours
This course provides students with the knowledge and skills that will enable them to contribute to the safe and effective management of recreation facilities. Recreation facilities are a part of the community, therefore students will also focus on the fiscal, environmental, and social impacts and benefits of these facilities in those communities. Development, design, operation, maintenance, scheduling, supervision, and resolution skills will be explored using relevant case studies and assignments.
RECR2006 Community Development 42 Hours
Understanding communities, large and small, is an essential aspect of becoming a successful recreation professional. This course introduces students to the concept, history and models of community development. Other topics addressed in this course include: an introduction to the various levels of government, trends and issues, strategic planning, facilitation and fundraising.
RECR2007 Group Dynamics 42 Hours
This course will build on leadership in recreation through a variety of applied experiences leading groups and teams. Students will identify facilitative and teambuilding skills and develop the abilities needed to effectively address dysfunctional team behavior. By analyzing the maturity/diversity of the groups they will then apply a variety of leadership styles to maximize group performance.
TOUR2014 Sports Tourism 42.0 Hours
In industrialized countries, sports tourism contributes between 1 and 2 percent of the GNP "Simon Hudson". Sport Tourism refers to vacations that include playing, or watching competitive or non-competitive sports or participating in recreation or leisure activities. Topics covered in this course include: sport industries, politics in sport, sport marketing, and sport facility operation. Sports have become a major demand generator for many countries around the world and consequently the growth and status of this phenomenon is a major aspect of this course. The process of creating proposals and bids for sport events will also be discussed.
Adults with significant life and work experience may receive credits toward a college certificate or diploma program through an assessment process.
More information about Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
NOTE: Information contained in College documents respecting programs is correct at the time of publication. Academic content of programs and courses is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational objectives and employment market needs. The college reserves the right to add or delete programs, options, courses, timetables or campus locations subject to sufficient enrolment, and the availability of courses.
Last Update: January 21, 2010.