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Recreation Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Responsibilities Recreation Therapy Intern Opportunity Coastal Harbor Health System is comprised of a 145-bed hospital for children and adolescents, providing both short- and long-term inpatient care ...

2026 Fall Intern

Derby, KS ยท On-site

$8/hr

College students majoring in Recreation Administration, Sports Management, Exercise Science ... What Winning Looks Like As An Intern: * Interns will spend time in all program areas as well as ...

Recreation Therapist Intern

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

Responsibilities Quail Run Behavioral Health Hospital Phoenix is seeking a dynamic and talented Recreation Therapist Intern to join our team of compassionate, dedicated professionals. Summary of ...

Recreation Therapist Intern

Phoenix, AZ

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

Responsibilities Quail Run Behavioral Health Hospital Phoenix is seeking a dynamic and talented Recreation Therapist Intern to join our team of compassionate, dedicated professionals. Summary of ...

Internship (Parks/Recreation)

Seguin, TX ยท On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

The intern will participate in many administrative duties within the Parks and Recreation Department including but not limited to customer service, marketing, special events, sports camps/leagues ...

Intern

New Canaan, CT ยท On-site

$15 - $19.50/hr

Participate in the therapeutic recreation process: assessment, planning, implementation ... The intern is supervised by a CTRS or designated Therapeutic Recreation professional. * Learning is ...

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Recreation Intern information

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How much do recreation intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreation intern in the United States is $17.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a recreation intern?

A recreation intern is a temporary position in which individuals assist with planning, organizing, and supervising recreational activities and programs. The role often involves working outdoors or in community centers, requiring good communication skills and knowledge of activity planning. Interns may gain experience in event coordination, customer service, and program development.

What are Recreation Interns?

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.

Do national parks do internships?

Recreation internships at national parks are common and often available through programs like the National Park Service's Student Conservation Association or other federal internship initiatives. These internships typically involve outdoor work, environmental education, and visitor services, and may require relevant coursework or certifications. They provide valuable experience for those interested in park management, recreation, or environmental fields.

What are the highest paying recreation jobs?

High-paying recreation jobs include positions such as recreation director, park manager, or sports facility manager, often requiring leadership skills and relevant certifications. These roles typically offer higher salaries due to increased responsibilities and experience in managing programs, facilities, or teams within recreational settings.

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 jobs fall under recreation?

Jobs under recreation include roles such as recreation coordinator, recreation therapist, park ranger, activity instructor, and recreation intern. These positions typically involve organizing and leading recreational activities, managing facilities, and promoting community engagement, often requiring skills in communication, organization, and sometimes certifications in first aid or activity-specific areas.
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What cities are hiring for Recreation Intern jobs? Cities with the most Recreation Intern job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Recreation jobs? The most popular types of Recreation jobs are:
What states have the most Recreation Intern jobs? States with the most job openings for Recreation Intern jobs include:

Therapeutic Recreation Internship Program

Ascendigo

Carbondale, CO โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted yesterday


Job description

Therapeutic Recreation Internship Program


The mission of this internship is to provide a dynamic, experiential learning experience that supports the development of professional competencies in Therapeutic Recreation. At Ascendigo Autism Services, the intern will engage in inclusive, strength-based recreational programming designed to empower individuals on the autism spectrum through adventure, social engagement, and personal growth. By working alongside experienced professionals in a supportive, interdisciplinary environment, the intern will gain practical skills in program planning, adaptive recreation, behavior support, and person-centered care. This internship strives to foster a deep understanding of the Ascendigo Way, promote the importance of meaningful recreational experiences, and prepare the intern to become a compassionate, creative, and confident Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.

Overview

This unpaid internship is designed for students pursuing a degree in Therapeutic Recreation who intend to meet academic fieldwork requirements as outlined by The National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).

Ascendigo's internship program introduces interns to a growing population that benefits significantly from therapeutic recreation. Interns will gain hands-on experience supporting individuals with autism across a range of community-based and experiential programs.

As the prevalence of autism continues to grow (1 in 31 children, according to the latest CDC estimates), so has the need for services.

Research supports the physical, psychological, and social benefits of physical fitness, recreation, and adaptive sports for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Studies highlight that structured exercise serves as a complementary therapy for the autism population and supports improvements in ASD symptoms (Toscano et al., 2022).

Eligibility

  • Perspective interns must be enrolled in a Therapeutic Recreation degree program from an accredited university.
  • Must be eligible to complete the internship for academic credit as required by the NCTRC (minimum 560-hour, 14-week internship under a CTRS), if completing the full internship requirement.
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Background check required.
  • Must obtain or possess a current, valid CPR/First Aid certificate prior to start date.

Supervision and Mentorship

  • Supervised by a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).
  • Weekly supervision meetings and progress evaluations.
  • Opportunities to shadow professionals in behavior therapy, outdoor recreation, and life coaching.

Intern Responsibilities

  • Plan and implement therapeutic recreation interventions and activities.
  • Maintain documentation (activity reports, progress notes, incident reports).
  • Communicate with participants and interdisciplinary staff.
  • Attend staff meetings, training, and reflection sessions.
  • Participate in data collection and program evaluation where applicable.
  • Complete all academic assignments and requirements.