Photo Credit: © Can Stock Photo - smeagorl
In the profession of parks, recreation and leisure services, creating, implementing and evaluating programs are the primary tasks. The scope of work is ever-changing, and now includes many non-traditional services. Further, agencies must modernize their mission statements and goals to capture the unique needs of culturally diverse communities. Finally, educating the public on the importance of sustainability and its place in the community is now considered essential.
Preparing A New Generation
Nationally and locally, recreation associations are addressing the needs of staff by providing continuing-education units through workshops and seminars. Through these opportunities, administrative staff can learn how to address sustainability issues, “green” facilities and, most importantly, overhauling annual budgets to coincide with agency mission statements and goals.
The commitment to education involves today’s students who will become tomorrow’s employees. Research demonstrates that students who learn in the field gain greater command of the subjects and also enjoy their time learning. Historically, the classroom has been the center of career education but this is changing. In today’s highly competitive global economy, employee performance is determined by knowledge, skills and continued professional development. Students can be assisted by offering them quality field experiences and productive internships. That desirable first job can then be offered to an experienced and enthusiastic recruit.