Recreation and Leisure Services
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Program Overview
Recreation and Leisure Services is a two-year Ontario College Diploma program designed to develop leadership skills to support the achievement of recreation and leisure outcomes for a broad spectrum of different communities. Students will learn the human relation skills required to successfully plan, organize and facilitate a diverse range of experiences in varied recreation settings.
Program Details
Program Code
RLD2
Credential:
Ontario College Diploma
Duration
60 weeks
Start Dates
Locations
Availability
Full Time Offerings
2025 September
London
Open
2024 September
London
Closed
Start Dates
Locations
Availability
Full Time Offerings
2025 September
London
Open
2024 September
London
Closed
Your Learning Experience
In the Recreation and Leisure Services program, you'll have the opportunity to take your love of people and activity to limitless career heights. You will acquire the knowledge and skills to plan, implement and evaluate quality recreation experiences across all ages and abilities.
Over two years, you will study the psychology of becoming an effective leader and working with teams, special event planning, outdoor recreation and experiential education, as well as inclusive programming through therapeutic recreation. Additionally, you’ll learn how parks and recreational facilities are operated.
You will also have the opportunity to learn outside of the classroom through exciting field practicums in various organizations including the YMCA, The City of London, St. Joseph Health Care, McCormick Care, The Western Fair District, The London Knights Hockey Club and London Children’s Museum and more!
The Recreation and Leisure Services program is committed to developing the leadership skills of each of its students to support the achievement of recreation and leisure outcomes for individuals, groups and communities. Through concentrated academic and fieldwork over the two years, students acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies to promote community development and involvement and to plan and implement special events and programs in a variety of recreation fields. This is practiced in settings that emphasize planning, implementation and evaluation that can respond to the multi-dimensional needs of all members of the community.
The students will be able to develop benefits-based programming that addresses recreation as an essential service; one that can effectively respond to a variety of individual or community needs.
Career Information
Graduates of Fanshawe’s Recreation and Leisure Services program can pursue a career in administration and/or programming in a wide variety of settings such as retirement facilities, non-profit organizations (e.g., YMCA-YWCA, Boys & Girls Club), hospitals, municipalities, aquatic centres, private agencies (e.g., resorts), treatment centres and special event organizations.
Did you know Fanshawe consistently ranks high in graduation employment rates among large colleges in Ontario?
Here are some examples of career opportunities for graduates of Fanshawe’s Recreation and Leisure Services program:
Director of Parks and Recreation
Be passionate about providing the highest quality of service to residents.
Youth Program Coordinator
Create, plan, implement and evaluate sports programs, leagues and camps.
Manager of Arena Operations
Assist with the day-to-day and seasonal operation and maintenance of arenas, community centres, libraries, outdoor pools, campgrounds, trails, sports fields and playgrounds.
Volunteer and Marketing Coordinator
Recruiting, supporting and enabling quality services for not for profit agencies.
Therapeutic Recreation Aide
Providing Therapeutic Recreation programs and activities for people dealing with various physical and mental health challenges.
Coordinator, Fund Development
Advocacy, running events to enhance quality services for an organization.
Sports Administration Officer
Working in a Community College Intramural, Varsity and Student Wellness Centre.
Visitor Centre Services & Park Interpreter
Providing camper education and services in Ontario's Provincial Park system.
Events Coordinator
Designing and organizing various Special Events for organizations in the Private and Not for Profit sectors.
Supervisor of Recreational Services, Neighbourhood Operations
Providing Municipal Recreation services within the Public Sector.
'Working in Play - Exploring the Recreation and Leisure Industry' is authored by one of our accomplished faculty members. Within its pages, this book offers invaluable insights and guidance for prospective students aspiring to achieve a Fanshawe Recreation and Leisure Services Diploma. Unveiling a roadmap to employment opportunities in the industry, it combines detailed career prospects with personal narratives from program alumni, sharing their unique journeys to success.
Read Working in Play - Exploring the Recreation and Leisure Industry
"In this economy, I needed solid skills, a post-secondary diploma and a career that would provide employment until I can retire. Working in geriatrics will be guaranteed employment. This is my goal, but there are endless possibilities with this diploma. I am inspired to find out what the world will offer me."
Jenny Rensby
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- 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;
- Apply administrative and customer service skills to support the delivery of recreation, leisure and wellness programs, events and services;
- Analyze, 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 which 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.
Related Programs
Academic School
Program Coordinator:
Rouchelle Gooden
Admission Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent,
or a
mature applicant with the following course:
- Grade 12 English (C or U)
Students who do not meet the admission requirements are
recommended for academic
upgrading. A conditional offer may be possible with proof of
enrolment. Alternatively, applicants may choose to do the one-year
Human Services Foundation preparatory program. Graduates who
have a final cumulative GPA of 2.0 will meet all the admissions
requirements for this program.
International Admission Equivalencies
Admission equivalencies for Fanshawe depends on your country of study. Please enter your location to see the requirements for your country below.
English Language Requirements
English Language Requirements
| Test | Score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 79 |
| IELTS Academic | Overall score of 6.0 with no score less than 5.5 in any of the four bands |
| CAEL | Overall score of 60 with no score less than 50 in any of the four bands. score of 80 in listening |
| PTE Academic | 53 |
| Cambridge English | Overall score of 169 with no language skill less than 162 |
| ESL4/GAP5 | Minimum grade of 80% in Level 8, 75% in Level 9, or 70% in Level 10 |
| Duolingo | Overall score of 105, with no score lower than 95 |
Recommended Academic Preparation
Recommended Academic Preparation
- Grade 12 Recreation and Healthy Active Living Leadership (M)
-
Grade 11 Health for Life (C)
-
Grade 12 Healthy Active Living Education (O)
-
Grade 12 Child Development and Gerontology (C)
-
Grade 12 Human Development Throughout the Lifespan (M)
Recommended Personal Preparation
Recommended Personal Preparation
- Students should develop leadership experience in schools, church, community organizations and special activity interests appropriate to this field, e.g., volunteer work in municipal recreation departments, coaching, lifeguard, camp counsellor, school activities such as sports, dramatics, physical recreation, student council, etc.
- Students should develop good writing and speaking skills
- A knowledge of and interest in community development and helping others
Applicant Selection Criteria
Applicant Selection Criteria
Where the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available spaces in the program, the Applicant Selection Criteria will be:
- Preference for Permanent Residents of Ontario
- Receipt of Application by February 1st (After this date, Fanshawe College will consider applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until the program is full)
- Achievement in the Admission Requirements
Note:
- Admission to the Fanshawe College Human Services Foundation program does not guarantee admission in a subsequent year to the Recreation and Leisure Services program. Successful completion of the Fanshawe College Human Services Foundation program, however, does enable the student to be given additional consideration when applying to the Recreation and Leisure Services program. The Human Services Foundation program is the preferred designated preparatory program for admission to the Recreation and Leisure Services program.
Post-Admission Requirements
Post-Admission Requirements
The following items are applicable to the program and are time sensitive. Please refer to www.fanshawec.ca/preplacement for important information about preparing for placement by the due date.
- Possession of a Standard First Aid course certificate (either St. John Ambulance or Canadian Red Cross or equivalent) and a Basic Rescuer course certificate (Level "C" CPR)
- Evidence of Good Health
- Police Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening, including a check of the Pardoned Sexual Offenders Database
- Mandatory Placement Assessment for WRIT Course
- Guide to Completing your Professional Practice Requirements
- Pre-Placement Process
- Year 2: Professional Practice Health Form
- Placement Agreement
For all programs requiring the submission of pre-placement forms, please submit all supplemental forms (with the exception of transcripts) by email to regforms@fanshawec.ca.
The deadline for submission of these forms for the RLD2 program is August for year 2 students.
Courses
| Level 1 | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| WRIT-1094 | Reason & Writing 1 for Community Studies | 3 | ||
| This course will introduce Community Studies students to essential principles of reading, writing, and reasoning at the postsecondary level. Students will identify, summarize, analyze, and evaluate multiple short readings and write persuasive response essays to develop their vocabulary, comprehension, grammar, and critical thinking. | ||||
| COMP-1546 | Computer Applications in Recreation | 3 | ||
| An introduction to computer fundamentals designed to increase digital literacy and expose students to a range of software packages currently in use in organizations to support information processing. Software packages covered include: word processing, spreadsheet and presentations package as well as Web 2.0 tools to create charts, simple databases, and multimedia presentations. Connections to Recreation and Leisure are explored by using projects related to the field. | ||||
| RECN-1058 | Recreation Industry-Intro | 3 | ||
| This course is intended to provide students with a greater understanding of what the Recreation and Leisure Services Industry consists of. It will introduce students to the characteristic roles, structures, funding and operation of a number of different recreation fields (ex. Municipal, Therapeutic and Outdoor Recreation) in an attempt to help students understand the diversity that exists in the Recreation and Leisure Services Industry in Canada. In addition to learning about the many benefits associated with recreation services, students will explore the history of organized recreation in Canada and the 3 service sectors (Public, Commercial and Not for Profit) with respect to their roles in providing programs and services aimed at creating healthy communities. This course is also designed to help students identify a field of recreation that aligns with their values, interests and skills as they look ahead to future placements and potential employment. | ||||
| RECN-1035 | Field Orientation 1 | 3 | ||
| The student will visit a variety of recreation and leisure service-related agencies, organizations, and facilities. These experiences are focused on developing knowledge and understanding regarding the scope of recreation and leisure services, and the role of professionals related to the delivery of these services in the community. | ||||
| RECN-1059 | Org & Admin of Quality Physical Rec | 3 | ||
| This course introduces students to the fundamentals of safe fitness activities and classes for all ages including fitness training principles to ensure healthy outcomes for all participants. Students will also learn to create quality and inclusive recreation activities via designing and presenting programs with their peers. Basic nutrition and wellness will also be explored as well as the basic principles of Health Child Development through quality recreation programs and services. | ||||
| PSYC-1014 | Psychology-Recreation & Leisure Services | 3 | ||
| This course is designed to help Recreation & Leisure students learn basic principles of psychology, major sub-fields and important research findings. Major topic areas include psychological research, biology and behaviour, sensation and perception, consciousness, developmental issues (emphasized), thinking and intelligence, learning and memory, motivation and emotion, personality theory and assessment, health and stress, psychological disorders / treatment and social psychology. | ||||
| RECN-1002 | Becoming an Effective Leader | 3 | ||
| Using experiential and academic methods this course will focus on the development of various leadership styles with a strong focus on personal development. Through examination of various leadership styles and theories, students will develop the ability to select and apply the most suitable style to meet the needs of a given situation. Students become aware of the impact of behaviour, personality, attitudes and values, as they apply to leadership in recreation settings. Students will develop leadership and communication skills through cooperative learning strategies. | ||||
Tuition Summary
London
*Total program costs are approximate, subject to change and do not include the health and dental plan fee, bus pass fee or program general expenses.