St. John’s, NL – Recreation NL is once again raising the bar on what recreation is in this province! By launching a year-long campaign that focuses on the body, mind, and soul benefits that come from making ‘you’ time, Recreation NL hopes that with the help of province-wide wellness ambassador program, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will learn more about recreation.

Recreation NL has partnered with community members who will serve as wellness ambassadors throughout the year as they showcase the different recreational activities they offer or are found in their region.

These clips can be found in social media content, paid advertising, and other marketing opportunities throughout the year to promote the wide variety of recreation and wellness activities within the province.

“As part of this program, we wanted to see anything and everything – hiking treks, knitting groups, gardening, music lessons, craft corners, cooking classes, and beyond! Anything that keeps people happy and healthy – That’s Recreation! Showcasing the wellness activities that our recreation members are doing, can help others better understand what recreation really is. It’s also fitting that we launched this campaign within Recreation Month.” says Recreation NL President, Jerry Knee.

Be sure to follow Recreation NL on Facebook, Instagram and X throughout the year to learn more about recreation with our team of ambassadors.

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About Recreation NL: A not-for-profit organization established in 1971 to promote the values and benefits of recreation. Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador envisions a province of engaged communities where all people embrace the benefits of recreation to enhance their quality of life.

Media Contact: Pamela Sheppard – Communications Coordinator for Recreation NL, communication@recreationnl.com

 A Comprehensive 3-day course on Arena Operations.

This training provides the essential skills and knowledge you need to be a great Arena Operator. As well as the latest in practical tips and techniques from the experts, it includes classroom and practical sessions. Certificates of completion are awarded to successful participants. 

Hosted by the Town of Grand Falls – Windsor, this course will take place on August 19, 20, 21, 2024 at both the Joe Byrne Memorial Stadium and the Windsor Stadium.

Find more information about the course HERE.

DOUG MOORE SCHOLARSHIP

Jet Ice Limited, in conjunction with the International Icemakers Society, is offering the Doug Moore Scholarship to support an individual interested in attending the Arena Operators Course. Recreation NL is thankful for Jet Ice Limited’s continued support to this professional training for our members. Please find application attached. Maximum value of this scholarship is $1000.00, deadline to apply is July 19, 2024. Apply for this scholarship HERE.

Register for the Arena Operators Course HERE.

Date: Saturday, June 1

Time: 9am – 4pm

Location: Town of Paradise – Double Ice Complex

Cost: $225

Participants need to be 16 years of age and need their own bike and helmet.

To register contact Andy at andypoole19@hotmail.com

What is Sprockids?

Sprockids is a ready-made instructional program designed to engage young people, ages 5 to 18, in mountain biking. Biking provides a positive focus for youth, develops self-esteem, provides kids with a strong sense of community, and introduces them to a healthy active lifestyle. The program teaches off-road skills through drills, games, and fun activities, while tracking individual progress. Sprockids leaves no kid on the sidelines, cyclists of all abilities are celebrated and invited to participate.

Learn more at https://www.sprockidssd.com/

Community Biking Guide

Community Biking Guide has information regarding starting a biking program, learn more and download your copy at https://recreationnl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/mountainbiking-guide-2018-8x11size.pdf.

Experience the Principles of Healthy Child Development training – your guide for connecting with children aged four to twelve, rooted in extensive research and hands-on experience; become a Caring Leader, shaping their experience to prioritize quality programs, ensuring children not only grow but develop within their abilities.

Recreation NL is pleased to offer a PHCD Virtual session June 15

Registration – https://recreationnl.wildapricot.org/event-5707931

Visit https://www.highfive.org/calendar to find all upcoming HIGH FIVE Trainings

Should you have questions please contact Pam Mills – pammills@recreationnl.com

Registration for this year’s AGM & Conference in Corner Brook on April 26 -27, 2024 is NOW OPEN! Find all the information about this year’s conference by visiting our events page.

REGISTER NOW!

Recreation NL is planning a HIGH FIVE PHCD Trainer Course – Spring 2024 (date to be determined).

Having an in-house trainer can be a cost-effective way to help your organization improve the quality of programs. If your organization is interested in having an in-house PHCD Trainer, this is your opportunity to get trained.

For more details on the course and the trainer process: Becoming a HIGH FIVE PHCD Training – info sheet 2024 OR contact Pam pammills@recreationnl.com

HIGH FIVE Training Prices

Join us Wednesday, January 31 from 2pm-3pm for an Arena Members Meeting. This meeting will be open to all arena-related discussion including upcoming training.

No registration required, find the meeting link on The Rec Zone Calendar

 CPRA is now accepting grant applications for their Green Jobs Initiative – a program that empowers youth by creating meaningful job placements. 

The program will provide direct financial support (via 50% wage subsidies) to local governments (municipalities, Indigenous communities, etc.) and other sector organizations, to support nearly 140 jobs that focus on green career-related activities. 

By empowering youth with job opportunities and fostering environmental stewardship, we contribute to their personal growth, the advancement of community priorities, and creating a sustainable future for our communities and our planet. 

Eligible Youth:

Must be:

• Between 15 and 30 years of age when employment begins (inclusive)
• A Canadian citizen, or permanent resident or a protected person as defined by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
• Legally entitled to work in Canada
• Legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations

Funding for this program is provided by Parks Canada as part of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS). As such, CPRA will prioritize funding for organizations who commit to hiring youth who face barriers to employment including but not limited to the following groups:

• Indigenous youth
• Youth with disabilities
• Visible minority youth and racialized youth
• Youth living in rural or remote regions (population below 25000)
• Official language minority communities and populations
• Immigrant youth
• Youth who have not completed high school
• Involuntary NEET (Not in Education, Employment, Training) for at least 6 months
• 2SLGBTQI+

All 2024 applications are due Friday, February 16, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. EST. 

To learn more about the program, please visit greenjobsinitiative.ca or contact your regional project manager. 

This program is funded by the Government of Canada. 

It is with great pleasure that acting President, Jerry Knee announces Steve Martin as the new Executive Director of Recreation NL.

Steve Martin, originally from the Town of Massey Drive on the West Coast, has been immersed in Recreation his whole life and brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and relationships to Recreation NL.

Steve graduated from Memorial University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Physical Education and again in 2008 with a Bachelor of Education from Memorial University. After his time at Memorial, Steve started his teaching career in Makkovik. Steve’s interest in recreation grew while working with the Town of Torbay in 2010 as Recreation and Community Events Coordinator.

Continuing to grow in his career, Steve began working with the Town of Holyrood in 2012 as Director of Recreation. For the past 11 years, Steve has continued to show his drive and commitment to the recreation community.

Steve has worked with Staff, Council, and various stakeholders to inspire a diverse and comprehensive based programming in Holyrood and elevated the needs of the community through the enhancement of festivals, events, developing programs, and infrastructure improvement. Steve continued to champion, promote, and advocate for recreation as an essential element in building a healthy, caring, and vibrant community. One of his greatest achievements in the Town has been working with staff to complete the Salmonier Line Recreational Park Plan, a plan currently in motion to develop and upgrade facilities in a hub location in Holyrood. Steve is a familiar face to Recreation NL serving more than 9 years on the Board of Directors as President, Vice-President, and an Inclusion Rep. Steve has already made a mark within our national stakeholders sitting on the Canadian Parks and Recreation Board of Directors for a total of 4 years.

Steve is proud to call Holyrood home with his family of 4. He enjoys time on the trail, coaching and playing basketball, and continuing to assist groups, volunteers, or practitioners with recreational opportunities.

Welcome to the Recreation NL staff, Steve!

About Us

Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador (RNL) is a province wide, not for profit organization established in 1971 to promote the values and benefits of recreation. We act as the provincial voice promoting and fostering the spirit and practice of recreation for all and provide a full range of services to enhance our members’ ability to deliver recreation throughout the province.

We work collaboratively with our communities, members, and connected associations to make change together – helping build a province of engaged communities where all people embrace the benefits of recreation to enhance their quality of life.

Overview of the Role

Reporting to the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for providing strategic direction, leadership, oversight, and governance for all aspects of RNL; developing a strong and innovative organization that can effectively respond to the changing external landscape of the community and evolve to support our members and stakeholder needs as it relates to recreation and overall wellness in the province.

As Executive Director, you will provide leadership and oversight in all aspects of running the successful operation of the organization including the development, promotion, and provision of leisure services throughout the province, funding opportunities and initiatives, government relations and board management, and membership engagement.

As the most senior leader, you are responsible for leadership of the organization; providing direct supervision and support to staff to enable their success by developing and implementing effective policies and processes, and ensuring they have the right skills, training, and support to succeed in their role.

You are an influential leader who effectively supports and collaborates across the organization to ensure success. With a strong focus on accountability and measurement, you focus attention on what RNL achieves, demonstrating the organization delivers on commitments and expectations. You are a strong collaborator and relationship builder, driving impactful relationships with communities, members, government, and others to drive the overall level of support to members that is expected.

Ideal Candidate

• Minimum of 7+ years’ leadership experience, must have knowledge in the field of recreation within the province.
• Knowledge of Municipal operations would be considered an asset.
• Demonstrated success in leading teams and building an effective and respectful workplace.
• Experience in (budgets / financial management / grant and funding initiatives).
• Experience in lobbying and government relations.
• Exceptional relationship management and collaboration skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong project management, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.
• Bachelor’s degree, diploma or certification in human kinetics, recreation, therapeutic recreation, or relevant field are considered an asset.

What We Offer

• Fair and equitable salary in line with market
• Vacation and leave entitlement
• Meaningful and impactful work
• Group benefit plan (health and dental)
• Defined Contribution Pension Plan

RNL is committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce and an inclusive work environment. We are a proud equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic that makes us unique.

If you require reasonable accommodation to take part in the employment process, please call 709-437-4300 or send an email to maddie@ethree.ca and let us know the nature of your request.

Location: St. John’s, NL (In-Office)

Application Close Date: September 22, 2023

Apply HERE