Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador is excited to announce the Volunteer Recreation Leadership Toolkit!

The Volunteer Recreation Leader Toolkit was created in partnership with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, and Recreation, and provides support and guidance to Volunteer Recreation Leaders by means of accessible resources. The Toolkit includes detailed guides from incorporation, programming for success, building capacity, access to schools and everything in between!

This toolkit is accessible to everybody and can be found on our Education & Training page. Training and information sessions will be available in the future to learn more about how to use the toolkit and to receive the most benefits from this toolkit.

Learn how to navigate the toolkit and access all resources by attending a regional information session!

These free sessions will take place via Zoom and are available for anybody to register! Registration is organized by region and can be accessed through the following links:

Eastern Region: Thursday March 23rd, 2023 from 7-9pm (Register here!)

Central Region: Thursday March 30th, 2023 from 7-9pm (Register here!)

Western Region: Tuesday April 4th, 2023 from 7-9pm (Register here!)

Avalon Region: Tuesday April 18th, 2023 from 7-9pm (Register here!)

Labrador Region: Wednesday April 26th from 7-9pm (Register here!)

St. John’s, NL – Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador (RNL) is pleased to announce its 2022-23 Board of Directors, elected at its 50th Annual General Meeting on October 14, 2022. RNL welcomes 2 new recreation and community leaders to its board, who join 9 returning directors.

Board members newly elected at the AGM include Avalon Director Cathy Green, and Western Director Marissa Abbott. The elected Members will join returning Board Members Steve Martin, Jerry Knee, Gerry Hall, Brandon Reardon, Shauna Hewlett, Nick Miller, Tina Auchinleck-Ryan, Carla Sullivan, and Sue Collins to form RNL’s dynamic board.

“Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador is honoured to have these individuals create our board as they bring a wealth of experience in the field of recreation,” said RNL President, Steve Martin.

“Our board members are very crucial in guiding Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador through its strategic plan and achieving its vision. Their experience will help engage communities of this province to embrace the benefits of recreation.”

“On behalf of Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador, I welcome the new board members, as well as thank outgoing members for their dedication. We value and appreciate the contributions they made during their time on our board.”

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About Recreation NL: A not-for-profit organization established in 1971 to promote the values and benefits of recreation. In partnership with volunteers and the professional recreation community, Recreation NL has been supporting the benefits of recreation through community, advocacy, education, and training for 50+ years.

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

St. John’s, NL – This week, two students in the metro area were announced as the 2022 recipients of the Recreation NL Kevin Waterman Student Scholarship.

The Kevin Waterman Student Scholarship is presented annually in memory of Kevin Waterman, an outstanding recreation leader whose career spanned thirty-eight years of dedication and passionate leadership to the recreation sector.

The objective of the Recreation NL student scholarship program is to ensure future quality leadership through the provision of financial support to emerging leaders enrolled in recreation related studies throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

“This scholarship is part of a positive move to help increase the number of knowledgeable professional recreation leaders within the province,” states Gerry Hall, President of Recreation NL.

This year’s recipients, Holly Hedderson, enrolled in Academy Canada’s Therapeutic Recreation Program and Jamie French, enrolled in CNA’s Community Recreation Leadership Program.

“With increased interest in recreation and wellness, there is a growing need for more professional recreation leaders,” Hall pointed out. “Aiding students in the recreation sector by providing scholarships will help in obtaining more of these leaders.”

He adds, “The 2022 recipients both displayed innovation in their academic work, as well, they demonstrated commitment and leadership in the recreation sector of the province – that makes them stand out! We are pleased to present them with this scholarship and to have them as members of Recreation NL.”

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

Facility Logbook requests can be forwarded to info@recreationnb.ca or by calling 506-459-1929 Ext 1.

St. John’s, NL – Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador (RNL) is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2021 Provincial Awards. The awards were celebrated in an online week-long event on November 22-26.

“These awards recognize the contributions of professionals, community groups, volunteers, and service groups who improve recreation in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Gerry Hall, President of RNL. “It is an honour to celebrate those individuals and their contributions. Without such hardworking folks, we wouldn’t be able to engage our communities like we do. Or help our fellow Newfoundlanders and Labradorians live healthy and active lifestyles.”

RNL committees selected award recipients from many nominees. There were 6 awards presented this year and they include the following:

• Bridging the Gap Award: TA Loeffler

This award recognizes an individual, group, program or facility that has furthered the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the area of recreation, sport and active living.

• Active Communities Award: Town of Peterview

The award recognizes the achievements of communities that have worked to identify and create facilities, open spaces and opportunities for people to be active and engaged in their communities.

• Community Healthy Living Award: Open Door Community Youth Network, Gander, NL

This award recognizes the achievements of communities or organizations that have worked to create a healthier food environment in their facilities, programs and events.

• Cy Hoskins Memorial Award of Merit: Norm Hill, Bay Roberts, NL

This award is presented to a full-time recreation practitioner who has made significant contributions to the growth and development of recreation.

• Volunteer(s) of the Year Award: Kelly & Rodney Joyce, Bay Bulls, NL

This award recognizes a volunteer for outstanding efforts and invaluable contributions to the development of recreation.

• Volunteer Group of the Year: Kinsmen Club of Witless Bay & Area

This award is presented to a volunteer group in honour of their outstanding efforts and invaluable contributions to the development of recreation.

“Our 2021 award recipients are an outstanding group of individuals and groups who are making a positive impact on the health and well-being of Newfoundland and Labrador through recreation,” said Hall.

Congratulations to all recipients on their hard work and dedication.

Our role as wellness supporters, and our belief in the body, mind, and soul benefits that come from making ‘you’ time!

For 50 years, RecreationNL has been a dedicated team of wellness supporters who believe in the body, mind, and soul benefits that come from making ‘you’ time, via activities of any kind. As a not-for-profit organization, our vision is to develop a province of engaged communities where all people embrace the benefits of recreation to enhance their quality of life. 

Our 50th Anniversary Celebration

As we turn the page on our 50th year, we are launching a year-long campaign that focuses on improving the health of our body, mind, and soul for everyone in the province. We have partnered with 18 community members who will serve as Wellness Ambassadors throughout the year and provide us with helpful information that we can use to improve ourselves both physically and mentally. 

Sharing Our Message

We hope our short narrative core that represents Recreation NL as an organization inspires and connects you to our goal of making recreation a dynamic and diverse opportunity for everyone across the province to engage in:

What moves you?
Activities do; they keep us healthy and happy.
Your body, mind, and soul deserve the feelings of
wellness that activity provides.
It may sound simple, and it is.
All you need to do, is to make time – for you.
We are proud supporters of ‘you’ time.
Let our team of wellness supporters connect you with all
there is to do – in every community, in every way.

Celebrating All Year Long

We are beyond excited to share what our 50th Anniversary campaign for 2021 means for you! Throughout the year, you will find opportunities to make ‘you’ time and learn more about wellness support from many of our friends from local communities. Each month will showcase new partners across all digital media channels and they will present healthy tips and fun easy challenges for you and your family to try. 

Meet The Wellness Ambassadors

Our team of Wellness Ambassadors will help us spread important messages on the topics of body, mind, and soul. Learn more about the Ambassadors that will represent RecreationNL in 2021 below!

Rod Snow 

A former Professional Rugby Player and a member of the inaugural inductees in Rugby Canada’s Hall of Fame 

Paddy Daly 

A long standing personality in local media and currently the host
of VOCM Open Line

Carl English

A former Professional Basketball Player and a long-time staple on Team Canada, and founder of the CE23 Basketball Academy

Amelia Curran

An activist, a Juno Award-Winning Singer Songwriter, and a mental health advocate as a founding member of It’s Mental

Jesse Stirling

The host of Meetings with Remarkable People, Jesse has spoken with highly influential people across the province and country for 20 years 

Mike Wahl

Professor of Medicine at Memorial University and host of Wellness and Healthy Lifestyle Show on VOCM

Jodi Cooke

An established television news reporter and co-anchor of the NTV Sunday evening Newshour, with a handful of awards and nominations during her career

Andrew Furey

A passionate orthopaedic surgeon, an educator at Memorial University’s Faculty of Medicine, and the 14th Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

Petrina Bromley

An actress, a director, and most recently could be found on Broadway as a cast member in Come From Away

TA Loeffler

An educator at Memorial University, a mountaineer that has reached summits across the globe, and selected to the 2020 Canadian Geographic “90 Greatest Canadian Explorers” list

John Andersen

Former Recreation Director for almost forty years and Ordinary Member for the Constituency of Makkovik. John is also a past president of Recreation NL

Steve Martin

The Director of Recreation and Community Events for the Town of Holyrood with a passion for making Holyrood a great place to live, work, and play 

Todd Mercer

The Manager of Leisure Services for the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor and key contact for the Mid Winter Bivver

Heather Hickman

The former Manager of Community Development and Recreation Division for the City of St. John’s for almost 30 years

Bernard Davis

A politician with a dedication for community involvement, Honourable Bernard Davis has been appointed as the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Minister Responsible for Labour and Minister Responsible for Workplace NL.

Mark Bradbury

The Chief Executive Officer of Easter Seals NL which empowers persons with disabilities by providing over 20 programs and services

Annette Oldford

The Supervisor of Family and Leisure Services for the City of St. John’s Recreation Division and member of the Youth Engagement Strategy 

Derek Bennett

Most recently sworn in as the Speaker of the House of Assembly of Newfoundland and Labrador, Honourable Derek Bennett has also worked as the Director of Recreation and Tourism with the Town of Lewisporte for 25 years

Looking Forward

Stay tuned to all of our social media channels throughout 2021 to learn more about recreation and making ‘you’ time with our team of ambassadors!

We look forward to your participation in our campaign and can not wait to get started!

Recreation NL Team