Leisure Development Course

ENHANCING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PARKS & RECREATION PROFESSIONALS

Unlock your potential and elevate your career with the esteemed Leisure Development Course (LDC). Celebrating its 48th year in 2023, this groundbreaking course is designed to empower professionals in parks, recreation, culture, and community development.

LDC’s diverse faculty of industry experts equip students with the latest tools and knowledge to fuel personal and professional growth. Gain invaluable insights and practical skills that will make a lasting impact on your community and agency.

What sets LDC apart is its flexibility. Whether you’re just starting or looking to enhance your existing skillset, this three-year course offers multiple entry points. No need to follow a rigid sequence – choose the module that suits you best and dive right into your growth journey.

But that’s not all! As a bonus, LDC graduates are eligible to apply for post-secondary credits through Langara College, further enhancing their educational achievements.

Take advantage of this unparalleled opportunity for professional development. Join the ranks of successful LDC alums who have transformed their careers and made a positive difference in their communities. Enroll today. The future starts now! 

 

Click below for a description of each module and registration information. Please note topics may change from time to time to correspond to current trends and issues in the industry.

The Leisure Development Course is proud to partner with patron sponsor Recreation Excellence Inc. and premier sponsors DB Perks and Associates, and Langara College Recreation Studies.

Endorsed by:

Registration Fee:$550.00 + Accommodations and Meals (approx. $1,200.00)

Register for this Course

Community Development Module 

Introducing the Community Development Module, your ultimate guide to creating thriving communities! Join us in exploring the vital role of parks, recreation, and culture agencies in shaping vibrant neighbourhoods. Our interactive sessions will empower you with the knowledge and tools to navigate societal and organizational trends seamlessly. Discover the art of program management, adapting to change, and implementing best practices.

Audience

Park, recreation, culture, and community development personnel.

Course Goals

To receive timely information and modern tools to enhance personal and professional growth and, in turn, the respective community and/or agency. Part of a 3 year program to be a successful graduate of the Leisure Development Course.

Course Topics

  • Community Programming & Unique Events
  • Outcome Based Management
  • Marketing Your Organization
  • Developing & Using Motivational Skills
Breakdown of Topics
NOTE: You do NOT have to take the modules in any particular order. You can take this module in your first, second, or third year!

Upcoming Courses

Sorry, there are no courses scheduled at this time. Please email education@rfabc.com to express your interest for future courses.

Registration Fee:$550

Register for this Course

Facility Development Module

Unlock the secrets of community planning and facility development, and delve deep into strategic thinking, risk management, and the art of crafting vibrant public spaces that resonate with everyone.  Our expertly curated curriculum is your roadmap to turning visionary ideas into tangible realities.  Join us as we redefine the landscape of recreation facilities, harness the potential of natural resources, and shape a brighter future for our communities, together.

 

Audience

Park, recreation, culture, and community development personnel.

 

Course Goals:

To receive timely information and modern tools to enhance personal and professional growth and, in turn, the respective community and/or agency. Part of a 3 year program to be a successful graduate of the Leisure Development Course.

 

Featured Sessions

Designing for Risk Management

As recreation departments provide programs and facilities for their clients, increase in facility use and sponsored activities can enhance the likelihood of accidents and claims. This session provides the student with an understanding of risk and hands-on information we should work to minimize risk within department operations.

Instructor: 

Lance Kayfish | Director of Community Safety | City of Kelowna

 

Community Development & Recreation

Community development is part of a fresh role in the recreation profession. This session discusses the role the recreation professional can play in supporting the development of responsible citizens, personal well-being, community awareness and, in turn, a healthy living environment.

Instructor: 
Chris Nelson | Principal | Recresynthesis Consulting Inc.

 

Creating Better Places – Open Space Planning

The planning of park spaces begins with strong creative vision, a balance of competing interests with knowledge, skills and experience to create projects that contribute to the community’s quality of life. This session involves park planning processes and their relationship to other areas of environmental design to create a positive experience for the user.

Instructor: 
Fiona Barton, MBCSLA | Discipline Lead Landscape Architecture | Ecora Engineering

 

Facility Planning – From the Ground Up

Adequate planning has become the challenge of every community and is particularly urgent because of increased demand and costs of recreation facilities. This session provides practical terms and guidelines to assist with the task of setting standards and of planning for public recreation facilities.

Instructor: 
Mark Hentze | Sport & Recreation Design Practice Leader | Dialog Design

 

COURSES & ASSIGNMENTS

Each session topic will consist of approximately six hours of interactive classroom instruction as well as correspondence assignments issued by each instructor at the completion. To be eligible for the Leisure Development Course Graduation Certificate it is expected that the student attends all instructional sessions, successfully completes each assignment, and participates in all program functions.

In 2024 Course pre-registration will begin June 5th at 2:15PM in the Chilcoot Conference Centre with first class scheduled to start at 3:00PM. The final session will end prior to noon on Sunday, June 9th.

 

TO REGISTER:

Your $550.00 registration fee includes course registration and instructional materials paid directly to the Leisure Development Course by cheque, money order, purchase order or e-transfer (preferred).

Accommodation/meal information (±$1,000/person) will be forwarded directly to all registered students upon receipt of registration fee.

Course registration refunds will not be issued to successful applicants after the registration deadline of April 30th, 2024.

 

NOTE: You do NOT have to take the modules in any particular order. You can take this module in your first, second, or third year!

 

Upcoming Courses

Sorry, there are no courses scheduled at this time. Please email education@rfabc.com to express your interest for future courses.

Registration Fee:Member Rate: $575 | Non-Member Rate: $650

Personal Development Module – June 11-15, 2025

Unlock your full potential with the Personal Development Module! Explicitly designed for recreation and leisure professionals, this powerful tool is your key to becoming more effective in all aspects of your work. Gain invaluable insights into interpersonal communication, problem-solving, leadership, and education for leisure. Elevate your personal success and professional development while enhancing the effectiveness of your organization.

Audience

Park, recreation, culture, and community development personnel.

Course Goals:

To receive timely information and modern tools to enhance personal and professional growth and, in turn, the respective community and/or agency. Part of a 3 year program to be a successful graduate of the Leisure Development Course.

Featured Sessions

  • Developing Personal Leadership
  • Group Dynamics
  • Agency & Community Communications
  • Educating for Leisure
NOTE: You do NOT have to take the modules in any particular order. You can take this module in your first, second, or third year!

Upcoming Courses

Jun. 11 - 15, 2025
SilverStar Mountain, Vernon, BC

Please Note: The registration system uses your email address to identify you as a member or non-member and assign the correct fee. After transferring to the CVent registration portal, click the registration button to start the process.