(This story is sponsored by Langara College.)

At a time when many of us are facing unprecedented change and uncertainty, the faculty at Langara College know that students are continuing to make important decisions about their education.

Our communities need recreation professionals now more than ever.

Recreation simply isn’t what it used to be—physical activity has been replaced with video games, social interaction now takes place over text message, and it’s hard to leave the couch after you’ve worked a 10-hour day.

Social isolation is prevalent in many areas as neighbours living side-by-side go about their days without interaction, causing their connection to the community to degrade.

As Langara College (100 West 49^th Avenue) celebrates 50 years of recreation education, it seems fitting to look at the impacts that can be made by compassionate individuals working in the field.

Participating in recreational activities directly impacts one’s well-being, provides them with a sense of belonging, and strengthens their sense of community engagement. This is essential for people who battle anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Feeling involved in the community can help them find or maintain joy in their lives.

It’s common to draw parallels between recreation and physical activity but there is much more to it than that. The recreation sector addresses increasing fitness among children and youth, improving physical literacy, increasing access to nature, enhancing participation in community sport, arts, cultural activities, and promoting active aging—to name a few.

Working within the recreation field is great for people who are active and dislike the idea of sitting at a desk all day. Recreation professionals also feel proud and fulfilled as they see their contributions change their community for the better.

Graduates from the recreation leadership diploma and bachelor of recreation management programs at Langara go on to gain employment in a variety of settings: sports, leisure, arts and culture, tourism, and community development.

Career opportunities are available in local governments, senior governments, nonprofit and community organizations, industry associations, the private sector, the fitness industry, volunteer management, and academia.

In these roles, recreation professionals support community health and wellness by removing barriers such as age, gender, physical ability, and ethnicity. Intercultural competencies are becoming increasingly important for recreation professionals as communities are becoming more diverse.

Langara College’s close partnership with the RFABC (Recreation Facilities Association of British Columbia) and the BCRPA (British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association) ensures that its programs evolve with the changing industry.

To learn more about Langara’s recreation studies programs, click here. Follow Langara College on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for updates.