Recreation Leadership, A.A.S.

Degree: Associate in Applied Science
HEGIS Code: 5506.10
Curriculum Code: 0609
Campus Location: South
Business & Public Service Division

Pre-Admission Recommendations: Commmunication Skills, Computer Skills, Extra-curricular activities
Recommended H.S. Courses and/or Experiences: Biology, Art, Psychology, Music, Physical Education, Health
Career Opportunities/Further Education:  Community, Recreation and Therapeutic Facilities; Private, Workplace, Commercial, Therapeutic Agencies; Parks, Bowling Centers, Health, Physical Education, transfer to 4-yr. college

Program Description

Trends in modern leisure activities ensure that the recreation field will continue to grow. In fact, there has never been a time when the opportunities for recreation professionals have been greater.

The objective of the Recreation Leadership curriculum is to provide a broad education, qualifying students to enter a variety of entry-level, leisure-based industries or to transfer to a four-year college in sports or leisure related curricula. This degree may be obtained through either full-time or part-time study.

The Recreation Leadership track provides students with the skills required in municipal, private and/or therapeutic recreation services. During the first year of study, students take introductory courses in municipal and therapeutic recreation service, surveying theories and philosophies. During the second year, students will be able to select three recreation electives, allowing them to develop the necessary competencies for entry-level positions in a specific area of leisure service. Extensive fieldwork in local recreation agencies provides students with supervisory and leadership opportunities in geriatric recreation, institutional recreation, including correctional facilities, community recreation, officiating and programs for the disabled. Through these experiences, students develop skills in scheduling, planning and executing recreation activities.

The Recreation Leadership college transfer track prepares a student for transfer to a four-year school after graduation. This track is designed for those who wish to pursue a degree in Municipal or Therapeutic Recreation or other related field. Students should contact their faculty adviser for this option so a personalized program can be created to maximize transfer credits to the chosen college or university.

Certification

Graduates may apply for the following:
Certified Leisure Technician: granted through New York State Recreation and Parks Society Voluntary Certification Program.

Special Admission Requirements/Prerequisites

• Students should complete the following recommended high school courses: psychology, biology, art and music
• Students should be interested in working with people and have some experience in community service, leadership-type activities and/or athletics

Program Competencies

Upon graduation with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Recreation Leadership, the student will be able to:

• Understand the nature of the human body, associated illnesses and disabilities
• Administer first aid when appropriate according to agency policy
• Understand basic medical and psychiatric terminology
• Assist in the recruitment, training of part-time staff and volunteers
• Assist in programmatic functions in terms of planning, organizing and conducting activities
• Assist in the establishment of program goals, objectives and in evaluation of program outcomes
• Conduct and supervise recreational program activities based on agencies’ population, ages, needs and interests
• Counsel program participants and encourage individuals in groups to take part in a wide range of recreational activities
• Make a concerted effort to develop relationships with agency members based upon needs, interests and special problems
• Organize and conduct tournaments, leagues, skill tests and special events
• Teach skill fundamentals in individual and team sports, craft media, swimming, camping, music and dance
• Officiate organized sports and activities
• Provide daily care and maintenance of supplies, equipment and activity areas, especially the gymnasium, outdoor fields, locker rooms, weight rooms, exercise rooms, swimming pools and craft media rooms
• Recommend and requisition supplies and equipment for agency programs
• Make daily, weekly and monthly reports on activities as required by the recreation agency
• Ensure that all obstacles to safety are eliminated
• Adapt program activities based upon the bio-psychosocial limitation imposed by illness and disability as related to leisure involvement
• Understand the attitudes and self-concepts of disabled persons with regard to themselves and their illness or disability

Curriculum

Total Degree Credits: 66.0