Recreation and Leisure Services
The fast-growing Recreation and Leisure industry offers rewarding, challenging careers, providing recreation programs and special events to people of all ages, in a variety of unique and exciting settings.
Program Information
Start Date
September 03, 2024
Domestic Availability
Accepting Applications
International Availability
Closed
Program Code
RLS
Delivery
Hybrid
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Academic School
Location
Program Contact
Apply Now
Canadian StudentsView Curriculum
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.
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.
Keary Dean, Program Graduate
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.
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.
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).
- 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
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.
Take your pick of a variety of employers - why not consider a career with:
- resorts and cruise lines
- health and fitness centres
- special event planning services
- commercial recreation facilities
- municipal recreation departments
- golf clubs
- senior's centres, nursing homes
- hospitals, treatment centres
- correctional facilities
- outdoor recreation/education environments
- new immigrant services
- after school programs
Job titles include:
- recreation specialist
- recreation sports analyst
- team/club program coordinator
- activities assistant/director
- sports and leisure consultant
- community recreation consultant
- fitness coordinator
- outdoor education programmer
- special event coordinator
- youth programmer
- parks and facility coordinator
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Semester 3 | Semester 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Textbook Cost | $1,200.00 | $200.00 | ||
| Kit Cost | Sem 1 - $30 | Sem 3 - $90 | ||
| Field Placement expenses | Travel and or parking costs - varies depending on placement location | |||
| Uniforms/program shirts | Sem 1 - $30; Sem 4 - $40 | |||
| Professional Exam Cost | ||||
| NARS Cost | Police Check $50, TB test $50, Mask Fit $50 | |||
| Portfolio Builders | ||||
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.
The Indigenous Perspectives Designation (IPD) is an option available to students in this program. To qualify for an IPD, you must take and successfully complete a series of required Indigenous Studies courses as well as participate in a minimum of four approved co-curricular Indigenous events or experiences. Your transcript will indicate the IPD upon graduation, a designation that provides you with a comprehensive understanding of Indigenous cultures, histories, traditions, and contributions to our shared society within the context of your program of study. The IPD provides a valuable skill set sought after in today's employment sector.
- 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.
Students applying to Recreation and Leisure Services must meet the following requirements:
- OSSD including Gr 12 C English
In The News: Recreation and Leisure Services
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 here.
Bachelor of Professional Arts in Governance, Law and Management
Requirement
- Completion of the program.
Transfer Credit
- 60 out of a 120-credit degree.
- Refer to the articulation statement for further details.
To apply please see the Apply Alberta website.
For more information
Visit the Athabasca University website for further articulation and program information.
See the official articulation agreement.
Bachelor of Professional Arts in Human Services
Requirement
- Completion of the program.
Transfer Credit
- 60 out of a 120-credit degree.
- Refer to the articulation statement for further details.
To apply please see the Apply Alberta website.
For more information
Visit the Athabasca University website for further articulation and program information.
See the official articulation agreement.
Bachelor of Business (Ordinary) in Applied Sport with Business
Requirement
- Minimum 60% cumulative program average.
- Complete the Accounting for Non-Accountants module.
- Hold an externally accredited qualification in one or more Fitness Instruction (Can Fit Pro), Assistant Swim Teaching (Canadian National Swim Association) & Introductory Level Lifeguard (Emergency Response Award) before arrival.
Transfer Credit
- Entry into 3rd-year studies of a 3-year program.
- Refer to the articulation agreement for further details.
To apply please see the KOM Consultants website.
For more information
Visit the Atlantic Technological University – Sligo website for further articulation and program information.
See the official articulation agreement.
Bachelor of Recreation & Leisure Studies
Requirement
- Minimum 70-74.9% cumulative program average.
- OR
- Minimum 75% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- 5 out of a 20-credit degree
- OR
- 6 out of a 20-credit degree.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Visit the Brock University website for further articulation and program information.
See the official articulation agreement.
Bachelor of Science in Sports Performance
Requirement
- Completion of the program.
Transfer Credit
- Entry into 3rd-year studies.
- Refer to the articulation agreement for further details.
To apply please see the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) website.
For more information
Visit the Hartpury University website for further articulation and program information.
See the official articulation agreement.
Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies and Digital Technology
Requirement
- Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- 60 out of a 120 credit degree.
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Visit the Ontario Tech University website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
Bachelor of Commerce
Requirement
- Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
- Completion of the Ontario Tech Commerce Bridge.
Transfer Credit
- 45 out of a 120 credit degree.
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Visit the Ontario Tech University website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
See the official articulation agreement.
Bachelor of Arts in Global Tourism Management
Requirement
- Minimum B cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- Entry into 3rd-year studies of a 4-year program.
- Refer to the articulation agreement for further details.
To apply please see the Royal Roads University's admissions website.
For more information
Visit the Royal Roads University website for further articulation and program information.
See the official articulation agreement.
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies
Requirement
- Minimum 70% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- Entry into 4th semester standing in an 8-semester program.
To apply please see the Ontario Colleges website.
For more information
Visit the Seneca College website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
See the official articulation agreement.
Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation
Requirement
- Minimum 65% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- Entry into 3rd semester standing in an 8-semester program.
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Colleges website.
For more information
Visit the Seneca College website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
See the official articulation agreement.
Bachelor of Arts (Ordinary) in Sports Development & Performance
Requirement
- Minimum 60% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- Entry into 3rd-year studies of a 3-year program.
- Refer to the articulation agreement for further details.
To apply please see the Technological University of the Shannon: Midwest's international website.
For more information
Visit the Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest website for further articulation and program information.
See the official articulation agreement.
Bachelor of Arts in Business Studies with Sport Management
Requirement
- Minimum 60% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- Entry into 3rd-year studies of a 4-year program.
- Refer to the articulation agreement for further details.
To apply please see the Technological University of the Shannon: Midwest's international website.
For more information
Visit the Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest website for further articulation and program information.
See the official articulation agreement.