Recreation and Leisure Services

Humber’s Recreation and Leisure Services diploma program provides you with the skills needed to start your career in government, not-for-profit and commercial recreation organizations. You will learn about recreation programming, special event management, staff management, facility operations, marketing and other services within the industry.

The curriculum is designed with industry collaboration, ensuring it is current and relevant. Within the program, students use ActiveNet software and PerfectMind, the most widely used registration management software in the recreation industry.

Students apply their skills by planning and implementing events for local community and charity organizations. A one-day leadership camp at Pursuit OCR helps build communication and leadership skills while guest speakers, practical training and field trips provide added benefits in preparing you for the workplace.

Learning from professors, managers and directors of recreation programs, centres and agencies will give you valuable exposure to the industry and training in current issues.

Qualified students will complete a field experience in Semester 4 – three days per week for 15 weeks (total of 250 hours). The faculty works with the student to find a field experience with an industry partner. The placement occurs across industry sectors including municipal recreation facilities, professional sport associations, community and amateur sport governing bodies, and private sector recreation and/or sport organizations. These field experiences provide valuable practical and professional skills and industry contacts.

Qualified students in this program may apply to participate in our annual short duration experiential trips in May that are seven to ten days in length at various recreation and sport facilities in the United Kingdom. 

Qualified students in this program may also apply to a study abroad service learning trip to contribute to a global community. Past service learning trips were to Nunavut and Nicaragua. In addition, eligible students have the opportunity to apply for a study abroad experiential trip to Peru.

These trips vary each year and are subject to availability and eligibility requirements. Additional fees apply.

People and governments are focused on the benefits of having an active lifestyle. Current estimates place the health-care cost of physical inactivity in Canada at $6.8 billion annually. As a result, the need for dedicated professionals who can help Canadians live healthier, active lives is greater than ever.

Graduates plan, deliver and manage leisure, recreation and wellness operations in a variety of roles and responsibilities for:

• commercial recreation organizations
• leisure centres
• municipal governments
• not-for-profit agencies
• outdoor education centres
• sport organizations

Potential employment opportunities include:

• active living co-ordinator
• aquatics supervisor
• camp supervisor
• program supervisor
• recreation programmer/co-ordinator
• special events co-ordinator

Certification Opportunities

Qualified students have the opportunity to earn certification in Parks and Recreation Ontario’s HIGH FIVE Principles of Healthy Child Development program, QUEST Training for supervisory staff as well as a certificate in Inclusive Recreation Programming – Level 1. All full-time students receive a student membership with Parks and Recreation Ontario.

Additional requirements may apply.

Note: The requirements for the additional credential(s) are determined by the granting body, which is independent from the College. Students are encouraged to obtain the specific requirements directly from the granting body before enrolling.