Recreation Workers

Recreation workers lead groups in activities such as arts and crafts.

Recreation workers design and lead leisure activities for groups in volunteer agencies or recreation facilities, such as playgrounds, parks, camps, aquatic centers, and senior centers. They may lead activities such as arts and crafts, sports, adventure programs, music, and camping.

Duties

Recreation workers typically do the following:

·         Plan, organize, and lead activities for groups or recreation centers

·         Explain the rules of the activities and instruct participants at a variety of skill levels

·         Enforce safety rules to prevent injury

·         Modify activities to suit the needs of specific groups, such as seniors

·         Administer basic first aid if needed

·         Organize and set up the equipment that is used in recreational activities

·         Teach activity participants about the local environment, such as area wildlife

The specific responsibilities of recreation workers vary greatly with their job title, their level of training, and the state they work in. The following are examples of types of recreation workers:

Camp counselors work directly with youth in residential (overnight) or day camps. They often lead and instruct children and teenagers in a variety of outdoor activities, such as swimming, hiking, horseback riding, or nature study. Counselors also provide guidance and supervise daily living and socialization. Some counselors may specialize in a specific activity, such as archery, boating, music, drama, or gymnastics.

Camp directors typically supervise camp counselors, plan camp activities or programs, and do the administrative tasks that keep the camp running. Directors may also be involved in fund-raising, public relations, and community engagement.

Activity specialists provide instruction and coaching primarily in one activity, such as dance, swimming, or tennis. These workers may work in camps, aquatic centers, or anywhere else where there is interest in a single activity.

Recreation leaders are responsible for a recreation program’s daily operation. They primarily organize and direct participants, schedule the use of facilities, set up and keep records of equipment use, and ensure that recreation facilities and equipment are used and maintained properly. They may lead classes and provide instruction in a recreational activity, such as kayaking or golf.

Recreation supervisors oversee recreation leaders. They often serve as a point of contact between the director of a park or recreation center and the recreation leaders. Some supervisors also may direct special activities or events or oversee a major activity, such as aquatics, gymnastics, or one or more performing arts.

Directors of recreation and parks develop and manage comprehensive recreation programs in parks, playgrounds, and other settings. Directors usually serve as technical advisors to state and local recreation and park commissions and may be responsible for recreation and park budgets.

Work Environment About this section

Workers who provide instruction and coaching primarily in one activity, such as art, music, dance, swimming, or tennis, are called activity specialists.

The industries that employ recreation workers are:

·         Local government, excluding education and hospitals

·         Nursing and residential care facilities

·         Religious, grant making, civic, professional, and similar organizations

·         Arts, entertainment, and recreation

·         Social assistance

Recreation workers are employed in a variety of settings, including summer camps, recreation centers, parks, resorts, and cruise ships. They may also work in nursing and residential care facilities as well as in community and vocational rehabilitation services. Many workers spend much of their time outdoors. Recreation directors and supervisors, however, typically spend most of their time in an office, planning programs and special events.

All recreation workers may risk injury while participating in physical activities.

Work Schedules

Most recreation workers work full time. Some recreation workers, such as camp counselors, may work weekends or irregular hours or may be seasonally employed.

How to Become a Recreation Worker About this section

The education and training requirements for recreation workers vary with the type of job, but workers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree.

Education and Training

Recreation workers who work full time typically need at least a bachelor’s degree. Though less common, associate’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees are also available.

In 2012, the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Related Professions, a branch of the National Recreation and Park Association, accredited 81 bachelor’s degree programs in recreation or leisure studies.

Programs typically include courses in management, human development, community organization, supervision, and administration. Students also take courses in developing programs for populations with specific needs, such as the elderly or people with special needs. Students may specialize in areas such as park management, outdoor recreation, industrial or commercial recreation, and camp management.

A bachelor’s degree in other subjects, such as liberal arts or public administration, may also qualify applicants for some positions.

Supervisory positions may require at least a master’s degree in parks and recreation, business administration, or public administration.

A seasonal or part-time worker may not need postsecondary education. They typically learn to do their jobs through a short period of on-the-job training.

Important Qualities

Communication skills. Recreation workers must be able to communicate well. They often work with large groups of people and need to give clear instructions, motivate participants, and maintain order and safety.

Flexibility. Recreation workers must be flexible when planning activities. They must be able to adapt plans to suit changing environmental conditions and each client’s needs.

Leadership skills. Recreation workers should be able to lead both large and small groups. They often lead activities for people of all ages and abilities.

Physical strength. Recreation workers need to be physically fit. Their job may require a considerable amount of movement because they often demonstrate activities while explaining them.

Problem-solving skills. Recreation workers need strong problem-solving skills. They must be able to create and reinvent activities and programs for all types of participants.

For recreation workers who generally work part time, such as camp counselors and activity specialists, certain qualities may be more important than postsecondary education. These qualities include a worker’s experience leading activities, the ability to work well with children or the elderly, and the ability to ensure the safety of participants.

Advancement

As workers gain experience, they may be promoted to positions with greater responsibilities. Recreation workers with experience and managerial skills may advance to supervisory or managerial positions. Eventually, they may become directors of a recreation department or may start their own recreation company.

Similar Occupations

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Recreational Therapists:              Recreational therapists plan, direct, and coordinate recreation-based treatment programs for people with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses. Recreational therapists use a variety of modalities, including arts and crafts, drama, music, dance, sports, games, and community reintegration field trips to help maintain or improve a patient’s physical, social, and emotional well-being.          

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