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.
Deliverables and Project Timeline
Training developed for the Recreation Sector, by the Sector in Nova Scotia!
Sector Survey
Complete this survey to help shape this training. From frontline staff/programmers to managers/directors; if you’ve worked in a recreation setting within the past 12 months we want to hear from you!
Focus Groups
Focus group sessions will be held in person throughout the Province and virtually starting in November.
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What should fall under a Provincial Training versus what should be handled within each organization.
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Core competencies needed across the sector, especially for staff supporting children and youth.
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Practical and accessible ways to deliver training, including timing, format, and supports.
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Validation of the sector’s top training priorities, based on what you’re seeing in your programs and communities
Upcoming Virtual Focus Group Sessions
*Please email Kerri at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for a link to register for these virtual focus group sessions.*
Recreation & Play Leaders (Middle & Upper Management)
Recreation and play providers working in middle or upper management roles are invited to participate in a 90-minute closed focus group exploring current experiences, challenges, and gaps in delivering recreation and play-based training to staff across Nova Scotia. Organizations that support community wellbeing, youth, health, or social development, but do not identify as traditional recreation providers are invited. This session is an opportunity to share leadership perspectives and influence future training approaches.
Date & Time: Monday January 26th, 10:00am-11:30am (AST)
Recreation Frontline Staff
Recreation frontline staff are invited to join a 90-minute virtual closed focus group to share their lived experiences with employer-provided training. Participants will reflect on how previous training has prepared them for their roles, what worked well, and where additional support/education is needed. Your voice will help shape more effective, responsive training for frontline recreation professionals.
Date & Time: Tuesday January 27th, 7:00pm-8:30pm (AST)
Mi’kmaq Physical Activity & Recreation Professionals
Mi’kmaq physical activity professionals who deliver recreation or play-based programming, or oversee staff implementing recreational activities, are invited to a 90-minute virtual closed focus group. This session provides a culturally respectful space to share perspectives, experiences, and insights that will inform the development of more relevant and supportive recreation and play-based training.
Date & Time: Thursday January 29th 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Previous Focus Group Sessions
South Shore/Valley Focus Group
Halifax Region
Thank you to everyone who attended this session on December 18th.Fundy/Highland Regions
Thank you to everyone who attended this session on January 7th.
Cape Breton/Strait Region
Recreation Nova Scotia Conference Planning Session
Thanks to everyone who participated in our session at the Recreation Nova Scotia Conference in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Your participation was greatly appreciated and will have an impact on the final result of this project.
Steering Committe
- 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