Recreation Nova Scotia (RNS) is excited to be creating a new Recreation Leadership Training Program! When completed, this new program will serve as a recognized standard for frontline recreation leaders, particularly those leading programs for children and youth.
Through funding from the Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage (CCTH), Recreation Nova Scotia has engaged J. Griffin Consulting, in partnership with Ready4 Consulting, as the lead consultant team. Led by Jillian Griffin, the team brings over 40 years of combined experience in recreation leadership training, adult education, inclusive program design, and sector engagement across Nova Scotia.
Phase 1: Deliverables and Design Updated Project Timeline
Project Engagement - What we Heard
Sector Survey
- Hosted in Late 2025
- 88 Responses
Key findings from survey:
- Respondents identified training gaps in:
- Behavioural management
- Emotional regulation
- Communication and relationship building
- Inclusion beyond awareness
- Leadership and supervision skills
- On-boarding often prioritizes “what to do” over “how to respond”
- Confidence decrees as situations become more complex
- training is not always impactful
- The sector values applied learning
- Staff want human centred skills training
- Training prioritizes risk-management
- Blended, flexible models are preferred
- Organizations recognize training gaps, but lack ability to address them
In-Person Focus Groups
There were 4 in-person focus groups held across the province between the months of November 2025 to January 2026. In total, 47 people participated in sessions in the regions of Cape Breton, Highland/Fundy, South Shore/Valley and Central.
Here are some insights from each of those focus groups as well as an overall snapshot from focus groups across the province:
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Cape Breton Regional Insights(235 KB)
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Central Region Insights(169 KB)
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South Shore/Valley Insights(176 KB)
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Highland/Fundy Insights(178 KB)
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Provincial Insights(459 KB)
Virtual Focus Groups
- Three virtual sessions
- Focused on the following groups:
- Frontline staff
- Upper and middle management
- Mi'kmaq Physical Activity Leaders
Summary of what was heard at these sessions:
- Frontline staff
- In-person/hands on
- Collaborative environment
- Real world stories
- Options for staff with different levels of experience
- Mentorship
- Upper/Middle Management
- Easy portal to track training for team
- Mix of of online and in-person
- Cost of Training and “Staffing Crisis” make it difficult for Professional Development
- Community of Practice
- Resource Library
- Mi'kmaq Physical Activity Leaders
- Shared foundation, while allowing flexibility for communities realities
- Meaningful engagement sessions/talking circles
Steering Committe
Role: Project oversight and guidance. Commitee comprised of recreation professionals from across Nova Scotia
- Misty James- Municipality of Barrington
- Laura Jacobs - Town of Kentville
- Shawna Shirle - Halifax Regional Municipality
- Debby Smith - Community Rep
- Debbie Bauld - Communtiy Rep
- Kate MacDonald- EXCEL Halifax Regional Centre for Education
- Mike Hudson - Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
- Laura Swaine - YWCA
- Heather Brennan- Strait Regional Centre for Education
- Kerri Jack - Recreation Nova Scotia
- Alan MacKeigan - Recreation Nova Scotia
- Graham Mounsey - Recreation Nova Scotia