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$10

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$23

How much do recreation internship jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreation internship in the United States is $17.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 experience in recreation, leisure studies, or a related field, along with a passion for community engagement. Familiarity with program management software, scheduling tools, and basic first aid certification is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and adaptability help interns connect with diverse participants and handle dynamic situations. These competencies ensure effective program delivery, participant safety, and positive community experiences.

What types of projects or responsibilities can I expect during a Recreation Internship?

As a Recreation Intern, you can expect to be involved in a variety of hands-on projects such as assisting with the planning and execution of recreational programs, helping coordinate events, and supporting daily operations of recreation facilities. Interns often work closely with experienced staff, gaining exposure to program evaluation, participant engagement, and administrative tasks like scheduling or marketing activities. This role provides valuable experience in teamwork, communication, and leadership, all within a supportive learning environment. It's a great opportunity to develop practical skills that are highly regarded in the recreation and leisure industry.

What is a Recreation Internship?

A Recreation Internship is a temporary, supervised work experience designed for students or recent graduates interested in the field of recreation, parks, or leisure services. Interns typically assist with planning, organizing, and leading recreational programs and activities for various populations, such as youth, seniors, or special needs groups. The internship provides practical, hands-on experience and helps individuals develop skills in leadership, communication, and program management. Many recreation internships are offered by community centers, parks departments, camps, or non-profit organizations.

What is the difference between Recreation Internship vs Recreation Coordinator?

AspectRecreation InternshipRecreation Coordinator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or ongoing college coursework; some positions may prefer related courseworkBachelor’s degree in recreation, leisure studies, or related field; certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, temporary, or seasonal settings such as community centers, parks, or campsFull-time, professional role managing programs and staff in community or recreational facilities
Employer & Industry UsageInternship programs in parks and recreation departments, community organizations, or campsMunicipal parks and recreation departments, private recreation companies, or non-profits

Recreation Internships provide hands-on experience for students or entry-level individuals interested in recreation fields, often with a focus on learning and supporting existing programs. Recreation Coordinators are full-time professionals responsible for planning, managing, and overseeing recreational activities and staff. While internships serve as a stepping stone, coordinators hold more responsibility and require relevant education and experience.

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Recreation Internship jobs near you

Therapeutic Recreation Internship Program

Ascendigo

Carbondale, CO • On-site

Other

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Salary:

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.