Brock Recreation and Leisure Studies (BRLS) grad John Breeson (BRLS ’24), third from right, supported children during his Therapeutic Recreation internship at the Niagara Children’s Centre this past summer. The hands-on learning he experienced is also part of the University’s new Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation degree, which evolved out of the BRLS program. Wellness as a way of life and healing through leisure are at the centre of two new degrees offered by Brock’s Faculty of Applied Health Sciences.
The newly launched Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation (BTR) and the Concurrent Bachelor of Recreation and Leisure Studies (BRLS) with Honours in Outdoor Education/Bachelor of Education (BEd) aim to meet a growing demand for expertise in therapeutic recreation and outdoor education.
“This program stands out by equipping students with specialized skills to promote wellness through leisure,” said Associate Professor of Recreation and Leisure Studies Colleen Whyte. “The Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation emphasizes the integration of therapeutic principles with practical, hands-on experience, preparing graduates to create inclusive programs that address diverse community needs.”
The BTR program, which evolved from the former Therapeutic Recreation concentration within the Bachelor of Recreation and Leisure Studies (BRLS), is specifically designed to prepare students for careers that promote health and well-being through leisure activities.
Graduates will be eligible to sit for the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) exam, a key qualification for practitioners in the field.
Whyte says the growing demand for degrees like BTR stems from a societal shift recognizing leisure as essential to well-being and recovery.
“This new degree is a testament to the need for a program that equips students with in-depth knowledge and experience in therapeutic recreation,” she said. “Our graduates will be ready for impactful careers in health care, community organizations and other settings.”
Through the new Concurrent BRLS/BEd program, future educators will learn to integrate outdoor learning with classroom teaching and to foster a connection with nature among young learners.
The curriculum focuses on resource and risk management, leadership and the development of outdoor skills.
“The Concurrent BRLS/BEd program uniquely blends outdoor education principles with the skills needed to teach junior and intermediate students,” said Tim O’Connell, Professor and Chair of Recreation and Leisure Studies. “Our goal is to cultivate educators who can use outdoor experiences to foster learning, resilience and environmental stewardship in young people. By merging these disciplines, we’re preparing teachers who can bring classroom lessons to life in nature.”
O’Connell says these educators can have a lasting impact on their students.
“This program encourages future educators to see the outdoors as both a classroom and a platform for change,” he said. “We hope to inspire teachers who instill a love of nature and a commitment to social and environmental responsibility, shaping future generations to be thoughtful, engaged citizens.”
