An exercise in living fully
Today we are seeing an increased focus on personal wellness and the compelling recognition that it is paramount to leading full, satisfying and productive lives. This proactive movement is generating an increased demand for trained professionals in community and therapeutic recreation. These leaders create programs that embrace the diversity of communities, emphasize the importance of cultural connections and bring awareness to the benefits of balanced living.
If you are interested in pursuing a rewarding career in therapeutic and community recreation, this program not only delivers engaging coursework for a strong academic foundation, it also provides opportunities for practical experience and field placements in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and community and municipal centres. Through this strategic combination you will develop the leadership, communication and problem-solving skills needed to be successful in this dynamic field.
Discover the importance of physical literacy and recreation, and how they promote independence, self-esteem and satisfaction in a person’s life. Learn to apply the recreation and therapeutic processes of planning, implementation, evaluation and assessment to empower others and support their leisure and recreation, assisting them in mastering their own fitness, health and wellness goals.
In this career, you will contribute to the enhancement of the quality of life that shapes a community. You will have the opportunity to foster the growth for individuals’ social, emotional and physical well-being that contributes to a thriving society encompassing all ages, genders, cultural needs and abilities. Equipped with this program’s exciting coursework, practical experience and field placements, complemented with several health and wellness certifications, you will be ready to dive into this ocean of opportunity and potential.
Take that leap – apply today!
Program Highlights
- Access to a wide range of recreational pursuits including therapeutic recreation, outdoor recreation, and community-based programming appropriate to the various sectors of the industry
- Practical skill development
- Field placements
- Exposure to health and wellness, therapeutic and community recreation initiatives
Did You Know?
- Research shows that play is beneficial for social and emotional development. It helps children to learn self-control, emotion-regulation, communication, conflict resolution and much more.[1]
- Taking part in leisure activities as a family is beneficial for children because adults are modeling healthy ways to handle stress and emotions.
- When you feel good physically, you are more likely to feel better emotionally.
- Therapeutic recreation improves an individual’s mood and overall wellbeing.
- Regular exercise reduces both anxiety and depression – both conditions improve after nine to 10 weeks of regular aerobic activity.[2]
- Community recreation creates social connections and bonds that lead to strong, healthy and inclusive communities.
OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Work effectively and professionally with communities to address current needs and issues (e.g. working with diverse populations, child and youth care, seniors and age-friendly communities, immigration, disabilities and inclusion, mental health and well-being, violence, addictions).
- Demonstrate leadership competencies with innovative approaches to problem-solving, decision-making and managing projects and/or community programs/services.
- Work effectively with individuals, families, groups and organizations, by having a foundational knowledge of the stages of human development and recognizing the value of social and cultural diversity.
- Participate during a non-profit organization’s strategic planning, board governance, volunteer recruitment and advocacy.
- Utilize social media and technology for professional purposes, particularly with non-profit community-based organizations and their networking/stakeholder engagement activities.
- Research, organize, facilitate and manage community projects and initiatives.
- Demonstrate a capacity to act as change agents to amend conditions within communities.
- Communicate with proficiency, clarity, accuracy and confidence among groups and stakeholders.
- Write professional proposals, complete grant applications and fundraise secure funds and sustain existing initiatives and projects.
- Demonstrate by example the importance of self-care and healthy living while also exploring proactive measures towards mental health, well-being and healthy aging by lifelong learning and collaboration with others.
- Cultivate community partnerships, build relationships and raise awareness of common issues and goals among partners and stakeholders (e.g. non-profit organizations, government agencies and the private sector).
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
1. High School
Provincial High School Graduation Certificate with a 60% average in nine level 3000 credits or equivalent
2. Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition
Comprehensive Arts and Science Transition Certificate
3. Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with General College Profile (or Business-Related College Profile or Degree and Technical Profile) with an average pass mark of 60%
4. Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program, are at least 19 years of age at the time of application and have been out of school for at least one year may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.
5. International Applicants – English Proficiency
All international applicants must meet the College’s English language proficiency requirements for acceptance into regular programs. The College will accept these recognized tests of English language proficiency (TOEFL paper based 550, TOEFL Internet based 79, TOEFL computer based 213 or equivalent, IELTS Academic Test overall band score of 6.0, or Pearson PTE 53 or greater, etc.).
If a language proficiency test other than those referenced above was used, applicants can forward for assessment.
If an international applicant has attended an educational institution (high school or post-secondary) for a period of three years or more where the official language of instruction was English, the English language proficiency test will not be required.
Note: Some programs may require specific English language requirements and proficiency scores that differ from those stated above; therefore international applicants are advised to please refer to the specific program admission requirements as identified in the College Calendar.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
Certificate of Conduct
A Certificate of Conduct, including a vulnerable sector category, will be required. This Certificate can be obtained from the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and must be dated no more than three months prior to the first scheduled day of classes for the program. Please note that this documentation is required in order to be accepted into the program.
PLEASE NOTE
- Factors contributing to student success within this program include the following: good writing skills, volunteer work and the enjoyment of helping others.
- Additional documentation may be required by organizations for field placements and volunteer activities.
- Students should be aware that additional fees apply for certifications.
FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
Working within the human services field offers profoundly rewarding opportunities and work experiences. Graduates of the Community Leadership Development Diploma program may find employment with diverse populations among a myriad of organizations and agencies within community, private and public sectors.
This may include, but is not limited to, employment in the following areas:
Addiction Services
Child and Youth Care
Community Education
Disability Services
Family Services
Mental Health & Wellness
Residential Support
Senior Wellness
Violence Prevention
Youth Justice