Fleming College

Program Highlights

Our graduates are working across the country and around the world, at Rimrock Resort, Banff Springs Resort, Carnival Cruise Lines, Killary Outdoor Centre, Ireland, and Surf School in New Zealand.

Many of our graduates also transfer to Brock University with significant credit towards a degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies.

Organizations that have hired our grads include:

• Boys and Girls clubs in Lindsay and in London, Ontario
• City of Ottawa Recreation Department
• City of Peterborough Recreation Division
• Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre
• City of Kawartha Lakes
• Queen Street Mental Health Centre, Toronto
• Seneca College Outdoor Recreation Program
• numerous hospitals and seniors' residences throughout Ontario.

Being well-prepared for a range of recreation careers means hands-on training is essential. You will become skilled in how to be a leader, how to manage and develop recreation programs, do marketing, manage human resources, plan and conduct research, special event management and facilities operations. Besides these managerial skills, you'll need to be able to work at the grassroots level to bring appropriate recreational and leisure programming to the community. Training in community development, leisure and lifestyle enhancement, and inclusive recreation are important aspects of your program. To top off your studies in the "how" and "why" of recreation and leisure services, and tailor your learning to your career interest, you'll put it all into practice with a semester-long placement at the end of your program.

Make lasting friendships, develop confidence and professionalism, and learn new skills through a variety of field trip experiences that include rock climbing, high/low rope, canoeing, kayaking, theatre, golf, swimming, caving and hiking.

Success Stories

"The program can lead you into a wide variety of career opportunities. I would like to thank my teachers for providing me with the necessary skills to become an Activity Director."

Shari Forsyth, Program Graduate,
Activity Director, Empress Gardens, Peterborough, Ontario.

“This program valued the elements of good-natured fun, leadership development and healthy living—this stuff really appealed to me. Lastly, I was sold on the potential of having an adventurous placement experience.”

Program graduate Keary Dean spent his placement at Whistler Olympic Park and was later hired as a Guest Service Representative. He then studied nutrition at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition and plans to pursue a career as a Registered Holistic Nutritionist with a specialization in sports nutrition.

Read his story here.

Why Choose Fleming

Many organizations have come to trust the quality of education in Fleming's program, and seek out our graduates. The four-month placement opportunity is the longest available in this type of program, while the broad base of studies within management, community development and practical skills make graduates an asset to employers.

Work Experience

Your four-month placement offers you an intensive, challenging opportunity to put your skills into practice. You choose the location and setting, your instructors will encourage you as you find and negotiate your placement. You can do your placement locally, provincially, across Canada or in an international setting.

You'll work with community-based agencies (of your choice) on real -- not simulated -- recreation/leisure projects. This will be valuable learning for later, when you're looking for a job. Your placement could be working with youth at risk, with seniors, in outdoor education programs, fitness organizations/centres, children's programs, schools, resorts or municipal settings. There are few limitations as to where you can do your placement. For example, Fleming has a unique partnership with the Resort, Recreation and Tourism Management Student Internship Program in the United States that students can take advantage of. You can work as an activity coordinator at a resort or prepare for a career on a cruise ship.

For your placement, field agencies may require you to submit a current police records check, which is available from your local police department upon payment of a fee. In addition, you may also be required to provide a current Standard First Aid Certificate, and a current Basic CPR Certificate (level C).

Is this You?

• enjoy working with people
• interest in maximizing human potential and healthy lifestyles
• able to work as part of a team or independently
• good organizational and time management skills
• flexible/open-minded
• an interest in sports, arts, fitness, or adult education is an asset

Dual Diploma Option: Broaden your career options in the recreation and fitness sector.

The Recreation and Leisure Services and Fitness and Health Promotion programs have shared a common first year since the launch of the Dual Diploma Option in 2017. The option allows you to discover what areas of these health-related industries best suit your goals. In this foundation year, you'll benefit from expanded learning outcomes that are only available at Fleming and select colleges that offer this pathway. You’ll increase your skill base, and you could earn a dual diploma in just five semesters. Students are not locked into one career stream and don't have to decide until the end of semester four to pursue the fifth semester dual diploma option. For details, contact the program coordinator.

Career Opportunities

Take your pick of a variety of employers - why not consider a career with:

Job titles include:

Related Programs

The Recreation and Leisure Services program offers a dual credential opportunity through Brock University. Program graduates receive their college diploma and can obtain significant credit towards the Bachelor of Recreation and Leisure Studies three year or Honours degree. See Transfer Agreements below for more information.

Additional Costs

You should plan to spend approximately $700 per year for books and supplies.

Health and Non Academic Requirements

Immunization Requirements

Your program has mandatory immunization requirements that include a "pre-entry" deadline date for submission. For more information, and to print a copy of the immunization form, please see the Immunization Information page.

Non Academic Requirements

Your program has mandatory requirements which may include a criminal reference check, first aid, CPR-C, etc. For more information, please see the Non Academic Requirements page.

Failure to provide any of the required Non Academic Field Requirements by the specified due date will result in an inability to participate in the mandatory placement components of the program.

Transfer Agreements

You may be able to use credits obtained at Fleming College to continue your postsecondary education in pursuit of a degree. The articulation and credit transfer agreements with our partner institutions are summarized below.