Field trips are a vital part of learning because they bring the classroom to life! There’s something special about stepping out of the traditional learning environment and seeing how things are done in the real world. When we visit recreation facilities, community centers, or other professional spaces, it’s an opportunity to observe, ask questions, and experience firsthand the day-to-day operations that we’ve talked about in class.

Beyond just seeing theory in action, field trips also give you the chance to connect with industry professionals who are passionate about their work. These experiences help you build relationships, gain practical insights, and better understand the field you’re preparing to enter. It’s a chance to not only learn but to get inspired by what’s possible in your future career.

In this course, we’re excited to offer four field trips that will give you a behind-the-scenes look at how different municipalities, and post-secondary institutions in BC manage their recreation facilities. Each organization has its own unique approach, and you’ll get a chance to see firsthand how these environments operate, from small community centers to large-scale recreation hubs.

Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation

False Creek Community Centre

City of Coquitlam

Porier Sports and Leisure Complex & Dogwood Pavillion

City of Surrey

Guildford Recreation Centre

BC Institute of Technology

BCIT Recreation Centre

Two of these trips will focus specifically on facility operations, giving you a deep dive into the nuts and bolts of running pools and arenas. You’ll learn about everything from daily maintenance to staffing and safety procedures, helping you understand what it takes to physically operate these spaces in a way that serves the community. These experiences are invaluable for seeing how the theories and practices we discuss in class are applied in real life.

You’ll walk away from these field trips not only with practical knowledge but also with a clearer understanding of the variety of career paths available in the recreation field. Plus, the chance to meet and learn from professionals currently working in these spaces will be an inspiring way to expand your network!

Have questions about the course?

Are you taking the course soon and need to know when the field trips are or have questions about the course? Book an appointment with Yue-Ching