RTRA Blog

January 2018

The RTRA gives bursaries out to its members to provide financial assistance for professional development. For January's blog we are looking at one of our recipients from 2017's Bursary, Alynn Skalicky. Alynn had applied for our Bursary to help her attend the Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association (CTRA) conference this past May in Kelowna, BC. Read below to see Alynn's thank-you letter and find out more about her CTRA Conference experience.

"Dear RTRA Bursary Committee,

Thank you for providing me with the financial assistance to pursue professional development at the Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association 2017 Conference in Kelowna, May 24-16. I have been a CTRS for over a year, and this was my first time attending this conference. Given the amount of networking I experience and knowledge that was gained, I can confidently say that it will not be my last either.

I am currently working in a privately owned retirement residence, and am the only known CTRS working for the company who owns 30+ buildings across Canada. Often times, the schedule of the day can because so busy, I feel it is difficult to effectively work within the Therapeutic Recreation process. Attending the CTRA conference gave me the motivation and ideas I needed to focus more on the TR process within our building as well as advocate for change across the company. For example, after attending various sessions and talking with other professionals who work with similar client groups, I realized that the first place to start is with assessment. I found a large number of professionals were using the MARRCC assessment. Though I knew about this assessment, I had not considered implementing it in our facility. I gathered research and brought it back to our Executive Director with hopes we could implement this software in the future. Fortunately, he was supportive and allowed me to purchase the software and pave the way for more in-depth assessment within the company.

In addition to assessment, I attended beneficial sessions regarding ambient activity for individuals living with dementia. Though the session was about a particular piece of elaborate technology, it provided me with insight and ideas on how we can better keep residents with dementia occupied with more meaningful activity throughout all times of the day. Another informative session touched on evaluation and what certain organizations are doing to evaluate effectiveness of programs and goals for clients. These are things that I have learned in my previous education, though at times it is easy to forget amongst the busy day to day in practice. However, the conference as a whole motivated me to make these areas a priority within my work schedule. I look forward to continuing to connect with the relationships I made at the conference as well as make new ones at the next CTRA conference.

Thank you once again,

Alynn Skalicky, CTRS"

To find out more about our Bursary and how you can apply, see Bursary Information.

Meet the Executive

April 2017

For April's blog we are returning to our Meet the Executive series. This month, we are featuring RTRA chair, Rebecca Genoe. Read on to learn more about Rebecca.

What is your current position?

I am an associate professor at the University of Regina where I teach in the Therapeutic Recreation program. I teach a variety of courses ranging from Therapeutic Recreation Foundations e to the 4^th year capstone course in TR. I also manage an active research program. Currently, I am part of a collaborative team of TR professionals in SK looking at TR in the province. I am working with colleagues in Ontario and Quebec to explore friendships among people living with dementia. My job also involves mentoring grad students and contributing to the University and Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies through service.

What is a typical day like for you at your job?

I’m not sure if there is any one typical day in my job, but I usually start my day by answering emails and then prepping for class. This involves creating lectures and learning activities for my students based on the latest TR research and information. Depending on the semester, I usually teach around mid to late morning. In the afternoons, I start prepping the next lecture, grade assignments and exams, meet with undergraduate and graduate students, attend faculty meetings, and manage my research projects. I try to dedicate one day each week to research. On my research day, my activities may involve working on data collection and analysis, mentoring grad students, working on grant applications, preparing manuscripts for publication, and meeting with my research collaborators.

What is the best part of your job?

The best part of my job is interacting with students. I love getting to know our TR students and I love learning from both undergrad and graduate students.

What is your favourite part of the TR process?

My favourite part of the TR process is probably implementation – that’s when all of your hard work from assessment and planning come to fruition, and while challenging, it can also be a lot of fun.

What is your favourite TR resource?

My favourite TR resource is Anderson and Heyne’s Therapeutic Recreation: A strengths approach. This book reframes the way I think about TR and has taught me the importance of focusing on strengths not only as part of TR practice but also as an instructor. I love how Anderson and Heyne challenge dominant understandings of TR with this book.

Where do you seek out professional development opportunities?

I seek out professional development opportunities through conferences, webinars, and journal articles. CTRA is a good resource for learning about new developments in TR, and I have found their webinars to be educational. I attend academic conferences as well, like Canadian Congress on Leisure Research, which is a great way to catch up with colleagues who teach TR across the country and learn about cutting edge leisure research. Because my research focuses on aging, I also attend a few Gerontology conferences, such as Canadian Association on Gerontology’s conference.

What do you see as the most important trends in TR?

From my perspective strengths-based practice is one of the most important trends. Its roots in positive psychology and its focus on what is going well rather than fixing “problems” change the way we look at disability. Strengths-based practice focuses on empowerment and a collaborative approach to TR rather than positioning the professional as the expert.

What you like to do for fun?

I enjoy camping, hiking, and getting outdoors whenever the weather allows for it. You can find me in my backyard most days in the spring, summer, and early fall before the snow flies gardening or reading fiction. I also enjoy travelling and visiting my family in Ontario and Nova Scotia.

Is there anything else you think might be interesting for our members to know about?

Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about the importance of getting involved in the profession, whether through RTRA or joining CTRA. While TR has come a long way, there is still a ways to go in developing the profession. All of us can make a difference, whether through mentoring students and peers, networking with colleagues, sharing our expertise with others, or just learning about what is going on in the field.

Tips for Preparing for the NCTRC Exam

A recent look into trends as they relate to the field of Therapeutic Recreation has shown that there are often questions and concerns that arise about the NCTRC certification exam. This has been noticed both at a local level as well as on a larger scale. With this in mind, a handful of local professionals in the field have provided guidance and shared their top tips for success in the certification process.

NCTRC Certification is a process that is becoming very relevant in the field of therapeutic recreation across Canada. Douglas Cripps (Associate Dean – Undergraduate, U of R Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies) shares: "As the current Past-President of the Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association I would strongly encourage all degree based TR students and current Recreation Therapists, who are not currently a CTRS, to give serious consideration to pursuing the CTRS designation. In 2007 at the CTRA Conference in Regina the CTRS Certification Task Force, after many years of work and study, recommended the NCTRC CTRS credential for Recreation Therapists in Canada and, following a period of consultation with its membership, CTRA ratified this recommendation in 2009 at its Annual General Meeting. Since that time, the growth in number of CTRS' in Canada has grown considerably. As the TR profession continues to grow and evolve, the demonstration of a professional credential, similar to those of our allied health professions colleagues, is central to the long term viability of this great profession. Become part of the movement. If any RTRA member would like to discuss how to become a CTRS or discuss the added value of the CTRS credential, I'd be happy to chat. Please give me a call."

If you are looking to write the certification exam, you might also be starting to think about the preparation process. In regards to studying, Emily Diede (CTRS) suggests “to do a little each day, then it’s not as overwhelming”. She also notes that “you store it for longer, too” by using this technique to review information. Alynn Skalicky (CTRS, Health & Wellness Director) shares: “my biggest tip would be to just use the NCTRC study guide. I looked at other books, flashcards, and guides and it just got overwhelming. The NCTRC guide with your lecture notes I think is enough. Don't over think it!”

Another local professional adds “my biggest tip for studying for the exam is use the study guide for sure! Give the practice exam a try and it will give you a good basis of where you need to start, like which areas you need to review. Definitely use your notes, which means for students - keep thorough ones. Also keep your textbooks as they can supplement your notes. Most importantly, remind yourself that there is no possible way that you can know everything nor can they ask everything. The questions are taken from a pool of thousands so it is impossible!” (anonymous)

In regards to the overall exam process, Erica Harrison (CTRS) advises that individuals that are looking to become certified “[do not] wait to take the exam. Your internship prepares you extremely well. I recommend getting the study guide and doing the practice tests and going over the areas you score lower on the practice tests. Also speaking with individuals who have done the exam is also very useful.”

You can reach Doug by phone at 306.585.4925 or by email at KHS.UG-AssocDean@uregina.ca.

The NCTRC website also has valuable information about the certification process and is your source for official information. You can find further details about the exam at http://nctrc.org/exam/nctrc-certification-exam/.

There are many resources available to those that are looking to write the certifications exam. Take a look through them and make a plan based on what works best for you. Hopefully these tips can help you start to prepare!

Happy Therapeutic Recreation Month!

February 2017

RTRA wishes all of our members a happy and fun TR month! On this month's blog, we are featuring Kathy Park, who is currently RTRA's secretary but has also served in the roles of education chair and issues chair. Check out Kathy's bio below!

What is your current position?

I work as a Recreation Therapist for the Adult Rehabilitation Program at Wascana Rehabilitation Centre (WRC). I provide Recreation Therapy (RT) services to outpatient clients with neurological and/or orthopaedic conditions. The RT services that I provide focus on leisure lifestyle education and community re-integration.

What is a typical day like for you at your job?

I have come to realize there is no such thing as a typical day for a Recreation Therapist working in rehab. I schedule clients one on one for assessments and counselling either on site in my office or off site in their home. When I schedule community re-integration sessions I need to coordinate dates and times that are convenient for the client and appropriate for the facility. One to two times a week I am monitoring a group of clients who are making the transition from outpatient therapy to a community based facility. Twice a year I co-facilitate with Speech Therapy a “Be Active and Communicate” group for clients who have had a stroke. In between scheduled appointments or when there is a day of cancellations (good old Saskatchewan winter storm) I try to catch up on paper work such as - documentation, updating protocols, completing stats and reading research articles.

What is the best part of your job?

The best part of my job is when I witness a client participating in a meaningful leisure activity in the community that they never expected they would be capable of doing.

What is your favourite part of the TR process?

My favourite part of the TR process is different for each client. Some clients are excited to explore what RT has to offer and the process begins quickly. Other clients are like an onion and we need to peel one layer at time or rather deal with one issue at time before they are ready to experience leisure in a new way.

What is your favourite TR resource?

The resources that I usually access are other professionals that work in the field, research articles, internet sites and the clients I am treating. Sometimes the clients we are treating offer the most valuable information we need to support the treatment plan for them.

Share one of your success stories with us

I am so fortunate to have many success stories as I have worked in three different programs at Wascana Rehabilitation Centre over the past 20 plus years but there is one that comes to mind. When I was working in the Functional Rehabilitation Program (treating SGI clients) as a new RT I provided treatment to a client that expressed a desire to golf. However, he did not think he would be able to golf again and he sold his golf clubs. I was not a golfer at the time nor am I now (I try) but I was and still am very good at modifying and adapting activities. So I worked with this particular client on site in the gym at WRC helping him develop a modified swing. After a couple of sessions off site at the indoor driving range we booked a session at the Lakeview Par 3 where he played a round of golf for the first time sense his injury. It was during this session when I witnessed for the first time (as a new professional in the field) the true value of RT and how I could help make a difference in someone’s life.

Where do you seek out professional development opportunities?

I would explore professional development opportunities with the following professional organizations: Regina Therapeutic Recreation Association (RTRA), Saskatchewan Association of Recreation Professionals (SARP), Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association (CTRA) and the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. It has been very helpful to have connections with the University of Regina TR program and the Polytech TR Diploma program in Saskatoon. I also have very strong partnerships with city and community organizations. Just doing what Penny on Big Bang does – getting out and meeting people (you know the episode where she gives Leonard and Sheldon a quiz about common everyday knowledge).

What is one of the biggest challenges facing you in your position?

One major challenge that I have learned to adjust to within this program is limited space and resources to facilitate groups related to leisure education and activity sampling.

What do you see as the most important trends in TR?

Certification! Seven years ago when I began the journey of pursuing certification it seemed so unattainable with work and family. However, as difficult as it was retaking four classes with all the perks of writing papers and studying for exams – so glad I did! The move to certification is sweeping across Canada and Canadian RTs are becoming a united voice (maybe a side ache) with NCTRC.

What you like to do for fun?

Leisure activities that I enjoy with my family are building Lego, playing board games, watching movies, visiting museums and zoos in other places. However, the most meaningful conversations often take place at the supper table or in the car driving to music lessons. Leisure activities I enjoy doing for myself are reading, walking, gardening, and curling.

Is there anything else you think might be interesting for our members to know about?

I just want to remind professionals in the field and students entering the field - no matter how many research articles you read or how many conferences you attend - it’s the hands on work you do with your patients, residents, and/or clients that that give you depth as an RT.

Meet the Executive

November 2016

Over the next few months, we will be featuring each of our executive members on the blog. We asked them to write about their current positions, what a typical day is like, and what their favourite aspects of TR are. In this month’s blog we are featuring Alicia Gurr. Alicia is a new RTRA executive member and is serving as our trends and issues chair. Here’s what Alicia told us:

Current position

I am a Quality of Life Coordinator at the Regina branch of the Saskatchewan Abilities Council. Here I facilitate recreation, education and volunteer opportunities for adults of all ability levels to engage in. However, I am currently on maternity leave and working toward a master's degree with the Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies.

What is a typical day like for you at your job?

Every day is different in my job. Most days I am able to start out talking to the clients about the activities that we can expect for the day. After that, I could be doing anything from facilitating activities, going into the community with clients for programming, attending meetings and professional development, creating activity plans and calendars, catching up on administrative work, or completing formal and informal assessments, either with individuals or groups. Most major parts of my day are planned in advance, though it is common for them to change as the day progresses, and there are always other activities that pop up along the way.

What is the best part of your job?

I would say that the best part of my job for me is the client interaction. I place great importance on building rapport with the individuals that I work beside and enjoy opportunities that allow me to do so.

What is your favourite part of the TR process?

My favourite part of the TR process is assessment. I love that there are so many different ways to conduct an assessment and gather information. I also enjoy getting to know individuals well, learning about their ambitions, and working with them to determine what variety of activities they would like to participate in to have fun and/or work toward their goals.

What is your favourite TR resource?

I have a hard time picking one favourite resource. Two that I consult often are www.recreationtherapy.com and a Facebook page called "Therapeutic Recreation Directory on Facebook". The website has a lot of activities listed that have given me ideas that I adapt to create programs that are suitable for my clients and facility. The Facebook page has thousands of professional members. There are often posts of activities, professional development opportunities, and anything else TR related. Members also ask all types of questions that receive many responses.

Share one of your success stories with us

There was an individual that I had worked with who really enjoyed doing puzzles. She would love to sit down and work them, every day if given the opportunity. After getting to know her and sitting down and completing various assessment activities together, I came to find out that she had a couple of goals related to social and physical activity. However, she preferred not to try a new and unfamiliar activity when we first met. It took a lot of hard work building rapport and trust, but after some time she was willing to attend/observe a group program in the community. She eventually worked herself right into the group and began regularly attending and engaging in this activity. She now takes part in quite a few activities with excited anticipation. She has even taken the lead and requested to become involved in certain activities! It has made me very happy to see her enjoy these activities and continue to grow.

Where do you seek out professional development opportunities?

I am involved with multiple organizations that often share professional development opportunities. For example, Saskatchewan in Motion hosts multiple seminars and workshops throughout the year and SARP and CTRA share and host opportunities as well. There are also often training and other development opportunities sent to my organization and these are posted within for employees to look into.

What is one of the biggest challenges facing you in your position?

The biggest challenge that I work around is limited resources, especially time. It takes some creative planning to make the best possible use of existing resources to facilitate programming as well as complete all tasks that are included in my job.

What do you see as the most important trends in TR?

I would argue that one of the most important trends in the field right now is an increase in community involvement. Regardless of the setting or population group that professionals are working with, I think the community is starting to play a larger role. I feel that it is important to incorporate trends into programming and try to create increasing opportunities in community-based programs and activities.

What you like to do for fun

My favourite activity is to tour around Saskatchewan with my husband and son finding new places to enjoy and explore. Our drives have taken us to Ogema for some of the best true Italian pizza I've had, Saskatoon for barbeque and ice cream, and Strasbourg to the Burger Barn. Some of our favourite places to explore so far have been Castle Butte and the Petroglyphs. We hope to go down to Grasslands National Park in the near future. At home, we keep busy with all of our animals including parrots, geckos, lizards, saltwater fish and coral, ducks, chickens, turkeys, dogs, cats and horses.

Is there anything else you think might be interesting for our members to know about?

There is a local organization/program called Wind on my Wings Sailing Club that I was exposed to during my fieldwork placement. They use adapted sailing equipment to all individuals of all ability levels the opportunity to sail. It was very cool to observe! This is something that I would love to look into more and get some of the individuals that I work with involved in once I am back from maternity leave.

Welcome Back!

Sept. 2016

After a restful and relaxing summer, the RTRA executive is happy to be back an eager to welcome new and returning members! As the last days of summer approach the executive has been starting to plan our social and education events for the coming year.

Our first meeting of the year!

Our membership drive and first meeting will be held Sept. 22^nd. One of our new executive members, Marisol, will be leading us through a pole walking experience, so bring your walking shoes and get active with RTRA! New and returning members will also have a chance to socialize, meet the executive, and have say on our education sessions for the coming year.

Some quick updates as we get back into the swing of things

At our most recent AGM, RTRA members voted on some important changes to our bursary. We have increased the amount that members can apply for, and we have eliminated the application deadlines. Check out the bursary webpage for more information and application guidelines. Applying for a bursary is a great way to cover some of the costs of professional development!

We have updated our membership application form as well. You now have the option of including your information in our membership directory, and can give permission to have your photo appear on our website and facebook page.

Seeking your ideas and input!

During our first meeting some time will be devoted to getting your ideas for our upcoming education meetings and social events. The executive has come up with a few ideas, but we need your input to make sure we are meeting your preferences and needs.

Of course, we are always looking for ideas, stories, and best practices for the blog – share your photos, experiences and ideas with your colleagues. Contact us if you would like to be a guest blogger!

TR Resource Round-Up

May 2016

This month, the RTRA blog is rounding up TR web resources that are easily accessible for professionals to use. Tell us about your favourite resources are and we’ll add them to the list!

RT Wise Owls provides information about evidence-based practice, including several research studies that may be useful for professionals looking for evidence to build their own programs. This blog is maintained by Temple University’s Therapeutic Recreation Masters program and can be found at https://rtwiseowls.com/

The Therapeutic Recreation Directory lists tons of activity ideas and resources that you can access if you are looking for new programming ideas: http://www.recreationtherapy.com/

The RT blog is maintained by Dr. David Austin, who is a professor emeritus from Indiana. Dr. Austin has written several books and articles related to TR. His blog can be found at: http://rt-blog.blogspot.ca/

Activity Connection is a subscription service that provides lots of programming ideas for working with older adults. There are some program ideas available free of charge on the website, however, an annual subscription is about $145.00USD. http://www.activityconnection.com/

There are several websites outside of the traditional therapeutic recreation field that may also be useful for finding information, research, and program ideas.

The Leisure Information Network is a Canadian website that provides information and resources for parks, recreation, and active living professionals. The website includes a recreation database, conference abstracts, and you can find information about the National Framework for Recreation: www.lin.ca

For local resources, check out the City of Regina’s Interactive Leisure Guide can provide you and your clients with information about city programs and leisure centres. It can be found at: http://www.regina.ca/residents/recreation/leisure-guide/

The Children and Nature Network (www.childrenandnature.org) provides information about connecting children and nature, nature deficit disorder, and a research library as well as news centre. This resource may be useful for professionals working with children, youth, and intergenerational programming.

The Active Living Coalition for Older Adults promotes active living for all older adults. Their website includes information gathered from several research projects (e.g., ageism, diabetes, cancer, etc.) and tip sheets for active living in several languages. http://www.alcoa.ca/e/index.htm

Take Back your Time is an organization that advocates for vacations, emphasizing the importance of taking time away from work for one’s health and well-being. The website features a blog along with several articles, and describe why vacations matter. This could be a useful leisure education tool for your clients who might struggle to balance leisure and work (or for professionals who struggle with this)! https://www.takebackyourtime.org/

The Compassion Fatigue Awareness Project provides resources for professionals in caring professions who may be experiencing compassion fatigue. Remember to care for yourself as well as your clients! Check it out at http://www.compassionfatigue.org/

So that's it for our TR Web Resource Round-Up...for now. Stay tuned for future editions of Round-Up, which will include apps that are useful for TR. Once again, let us know if you have any suggestions or would like to write for our blog.

How to make the most of your RTRA membership

April 2016

RTRA’s mission is to provide educational opportunities and support for TR professionals and students in Regina and surrounding area. So how do we do this? Well, your executive works hard to organize educational sessions each year, which are typically held four times a year. These education sessions are a chance to connect with colleagues and pick up tips you’re your own practice (and for CTRSs, this is a good way to pick up some continuing education credits). In addition to these education sessions, every few years, RTRA hosts TR Innovations, a provincial conference for TR professionals who come together for education and networking.

But your membership fees aren’t just used for education sessions. Did you know RTRA has a bursary to help cover part of the tuition or registration fees of members who seek out educational opportunities in addition to our education sessions? Forty percent of our annual budget is dedicated to the bursary. Currently members can apply for funding to receive up to 50% of your registration or tuition, not exceeding $100.00. The application deadlines are Sept. 30^th and March 31^st.

We’ve helped members cover some of their costs to attend CTRA’s annual conference, TR Innovations, and Gerontology conferences, and even tuition for University courses. If you find a conference or other educational opportunity you want to attend, RTRA can help you out! All we require is a completed application form on or before the due date, evidence of contribution to RTRA, and a report back to RTRA when you return. This could be in the form of a post on our blog or a presentation to members at one of our education sessions.

Your RTRA executive is currently in the process of updating the policies and forms regarding the bursary. We will be bringing our updates to the AGM in June for approval from the membership. In the meantime, start looking for those educational opportunities so you can apply for a bursary next fall!

Finally, RTRA is a provincial partner with CTRA. This allows us to keep up to date about what’s going on in the other provinces and at the national level.

So how can you make the most of your RTRA membership?

Attend educational events offered by RTRA;

Check out our resources page on our website;

Apply for a bursary to cover some of the cost of registration fees;

Attend the AGM in June to have your voice heard regarding RTRA and its bursary;

Like us on Facebook to connect with other members and find out about local, provincial, and national opportunities, share ideas, ask questions about TR.

RTRA needs the support of its members to continue offering education and networking opportunities. You can help by:

Offering suggestions for future educational sessions – let us know what you want to learn about and we’ll do what we can to make it happen;

Supporting colleagues and students by attending TR month celebrations and by promoting TR in your own workplace;

Writing a blog post or doing a presentation on a topic that is important to you;

Providing resources to be posted on our website;

Joining the executive or another committee

In other news:

Don’t forget to renew your CTRA membership if you haven’t already done so! Also, registration for CTRA’s conference in Kitchener, Ontario, June 1-3, is due April 8^th. Registration information can be found at: http://canadian-tr.org/professional-development/ctra-conference/

As usual, let us know if you have questions or comments about this blog!

Taking Care of our Brains

March 2016

March is Brain Awareness month - time to think about that organ that gets us through each day as we make decisions, remember, learn, create, and communicate. Therapeutic Recreation can play a pretty important role in cognition for our clients, ranging from cognitive functional abilities, such as learning and practicing cognitive skills like reading and memory, providing opportunities for clients to reflect on their pasts through reminiscence, facilitating learning opportunities through leisure education and other programs, and encouraging participants to exercise their brains by engaging in mentally stimulating activities like puzzles, creative arts, and discussion groups. TRSs are also skilled at adapting activities and programs as needed to meet our clients where they are at as we focus on strengths.

According to the Saskatchewan Brain Injury Association (2016), 2500 people experience a brain injury annually in Saskatchewan. Many of these are due to car accidents, but brain injuries may also be caused by falls, bicycle accidents, and health conditions such as a stroke or tumor (SBIA, 2016). A brain injury can have a significant impact on one’s life. No matter what setting a TRS is working in, he or she may have clients who have experienced a brain injury.

There are many resources available to learn more about brain injuries, health conditions that affect cognition, and how to take care of our brains. The Saskatchewan Brain Injury Association website is a great place to start (www.sbia.ca). There website has several resources that may be useful to you and your clients. The Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan also has several resources, including support groups and education sessions.

The Murray Alzheimer Research and Education Program has produced several resources for people living with memory loss and their family care partners. The resources can be found at https://uwaterloo.ca/murray-alzheimer-research-and-education-program/. Check out their “By Us For Us Guides”, created by people living with memory loss. They have several guides, including one about meaningful leisure and a memory workout guide.

Do you have other resources that you use for brain health? Let us know and we’ll include them on our resources page!

RTRA wishes everyone a happy and healthy brain awareness month!

Reference

Saskatchewan Brain Injury Association. (2016). Putting the pieces together. Retrieved from: http://sbia.ca/pdf/pieces.pdf

Celebrating Therapeutic Recreation Month

February 2016

February is Therapeutic Recreation month in Canada. It is a chance for us to celebrate TR professionals, the work we do, and the difference that TR can make in quality of life. Sylvester’s words above remind us just how important recreation and leisure are for all of us.

At RTRA we are celebrating TR month in several ways. This month, we are launching our newly designed website, where members can find information about RTRA, resources, upcoming events and useful links. The website is a work in progress so check back for updates. If you have any resources, links or photos that you would like us to post, please let us know.

We welcome you to our RTRA blog. Our intention is to use our blog to connect with RTRA members. We plan to introduce the RTRA executive, invite guest bloggers to share their thoughts on TR, share best practices and new research, and showcase our accomplishments. If you have ideas for the blog, or would like to contribute to the blog, please contact Rebecca at rebecca.genoe@uregina.ca. We welcome all members to have a say! We hope to post on this blog about once a month.

We are also celebrating your hard work and all you do for the profession by hosting a social on February 25^th at 6:30 pm. Come along and bring a friend! All members who bring a guest will have their name, and their friend’s name, entered into a draw for a chance to win movie passes. Location details to follow. We look forward to seeing you on the 25^th.

As we celebrate TR month with our colleagues and clients, take some time to consider Sylvester’s words. Embrace your own leisure and seek out those qualities of joy, time with family and friends, adventure, and community!

Reference

Sylvester, C. (2015). With leisure and recreation for all: Preserving and promoting a worthy pledge. World Leisure Journal, 57(1), 76-81. doi:10.1080/16078055.2014.1001169