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Recreation Intern Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

YMCA of South Hampton Roads

Unpaid Intern

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Sports Intern The Sports Intern provides a structured, hands-on learning experience designed to ... Interest in nonprofit leadership, youth development, community health, education, recreation, or a ...

YMCA of South Hampton Roads

Unpaid Intern

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

ABOUT OUR INTERNSHIP The Sports Intern provides a structured, hands-on learning experience designed ... Interest in nonprofit leadership, youth development, community health, education, recreation, or a ...

YMCA Of South Hampton Roads

Unpaid Intern

Chesapeake, VA

$13.50 - $18/hr

ABOUT OUR INTERNSHIP The Sports Intern provides a structured, hands-on learning experience designed ... Interest in nonprofit leadership, youth development, community health, education, recreation, or a ...

Bartlett Tree Experts

Arboriculture Internship

Fishersville, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

As an Arboriculture Intern, you will work alongside Bartlett's dedicated team of arborists, gaining ... Outdoor Recreation, Agriculture or a related field * Interest in working outdoors in all weather ...

Bartlett Tree Experts

Arboriculture Internship

White Stone, VA · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

As an Arboriculture Intern, you will work alongside Bartlett's dedicated team of arborists, gaining ... Outdoor Recreation, Agriculture or a related field * Interest in working outdoors in all weather ...

Bartlett Tree Experts

Arboriculture Internship

White Stone, VA · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

As an Arboriculture Intern, you will work alongside Bartlett's dedicated team of arborists, gaining ... Outdoor Recreation, Agriculture or a related field * Interest in working outdoors in all weather ...

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Recreation Intern information

What is a recreation intern?

Recreation Interns are students or recent graduates who work under the supervision of recreation professionals to gain practical experience in organizing, planning, and leading recreational programs and activities. They assist with tasks such as event planning, activity coordination, community outreach, and facility management in settings like parks, community centers, or camps. The role provides hands-on learning opportunities and helps interns develop skills needed for a career in recreation or related fields.

What is the difference between Recreation Intern vs Recreation Coordinator?

AspectRecreation InternRecreation Coordinator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or ongoing college coursework; some certifications may be preferredBachelor's degree in recreation, leisure studies, or related field; certifications like CPR/First Aid often required
Work EnvironmentAssists in recreational programs, often in parks, community centers, or sports facilitiesManages and oversees recreational programs, staff, and facilities in similar settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by parks departments, community centers, and recreational organizations for entry-level rolesUsed for supervisory roles in similar organizations, involving program planning and staff management

The main difference between a Recreation Intern and a Recreation Coordinator lies in experience and responsibilities. Interns typically assist with programs and gain experience, while Coordinators oversee and manage recreational activities and staff. Both roles are vital in community recreation settings, but the Coordinator position requires more experience and often a relevant degree.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a recreation intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Recreation Intern, you generally need coursework or a degree in recreation, physical education, or a related field, along with basic knowledge of program planning and implementation. Familiarity with scheduling software, Microsoft Office, and sometimes CPR/First Aid certification is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and adaptability help you effectively engage participants and manage group dynamics. These skills are crucial for delivering safe, enjoyable, and well-organized recreational activities that meet community needs.

What kinds of projects or responsibilities can a recreation intern expect to handle during their internship?

As a Recreation Intern, you can expect to work on a variety of projects that support the planning, coordination, and delivery of recreational programs and community events. Typical responsibilities might include assisting with event setup and logistics, helping to develop activity schedules, supporting participant engagement, and collaborating with staff to evaluate program success. Interns often gain hands-on experience in both administrative and direct-service capacities, making this role a valuable stepping stone for a career in recreation or community services.
What are the most commonly searched types of Recreation jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Recreation jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Recreation Intern jobs in Virginia? For Recreation Intern jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Recreation Intern jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Recreation Intern jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Recreation Intern jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Recreation Intern job openings:
Recreation Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recreation Intern job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Unpaid Intern

YMCA of South Hampton Roads

Chesapeake, VA • On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Other

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Sports Intern

The Sports Intern provides a structured, hands-on learning experience designed to give the intern insight into YMCA programs, operations, and community impact. This internship is an unpaid educational experience intended to help students develop professional skills aligned with their field of study or career interests.

Interns will work closely with YMCA professionals to support program delivery, special projects, or community initiatives that advance the Y's mission of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

What You Will Gain

  • Professional mentorship and skill development opportunities.
  • A deeper understanding of community-focused nonprofit operations.
  • Experience working in a mission-driven, values-based organization.
  • A culminating project to demonstrate learning and impact.

Key Projects & Learning Objectives

  • Gain real-world experience in league organization, program execution, staff management, financials, and more.
  • Develop skills in managing sports leagues, leadership, communication, event management, organizational, customer service, marketing and more.
  • Understand how nonprofit organizations like the YMCA serve diverse communities.
  • Build confidence in communication, teamwork, and project management.

Qualifications

  • Currently enrolled in or recently completed a college or university program (or equivalent experience).
  • Interest in nonprofit leadership, youth development, community health, education, recreation, or a related field.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Reliable, self-motivated, and eager to learn in a team setting.
  • Ability to assist with planning, coordination, or delivery of YMCA programs or services.
  • Ability to support special events, community outreach, or member engagement activities.
  • Desire to collaborate with YMCA staff and volunteers to achieve team goals.
  • Ability to complete assigned projects or reports related to the internship focus area.
  • Demonstrates professionalism, dependability, and initiative.
  • Adheres to all YMCA policies, safety standards, and code of conduct.

Note: This internship is unpaid and offered for educational enrichment only. Participation does not create an employment relationship with the YMCA of South Hampton Roads.

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