The Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies hosted a celebration to thank community partners that worked with students throughout the school year. 
The Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies hosted a celebration to thank community partners that worked with students throughout the school year.
The Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies hosted its annual community appreciation reception, bringing community partners to Brock to celebrate another year of collaborative success.
During the past academic year, 61 recreation and leisure students participated in field work projects at 44 community agencies. Another 50 students completed community-based projects in the classroom.
“Matching community partners with the appropriate curriculum increases our efficiency and effectiveness to help align student engagement with community needs,” said Janet Zanutto, co-ordinator of Experiential Learning in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies.
“The reception is important because it gives us a chance to formally thank our community partners. Their participation as student supervisors and content experts is an invaluable enhancement to student learning.”
In many cases, community partners are recreation and leisure alumni, re-engaging with the community learning experience as supervisors for current students.
“We wouldn’t be the same organization without these students,” says Jordan Clark, Recreation and Leisure Studies graduate and program co-ordinator for the PowerHouse Project.
The PowerHouse Project is a non-profit organization that offers social, leisure, educational and skill development opportunities to young caregivers at a drop-in centre and through other programs, giving children time to just be kids.
Community partners in attendance at the reception also included:
City of Niagara falls
Alzheimer’s Society: Niagara Chapter
Sports Training Academy
Niagara Safety Village
City of Welland
Youth University
Learning Disabilities Association of the Niagara Region
Canadian National Institute for the Blind
Powerhouse Project: Young Carers Initiative
Faith Welland Outreach
Chess Nation
Red Roof Retreat
Mainstream Services of Niagara
The RAFT
Project S.H.A.R.E.
Community Support Services of Niagara
