Therapeutic Recreation Awareness Month

Therapeutic Recreation Awareness Month

The Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies is a leader in Therapeutic Recreation education, offering both an undergraduate major in Therapeutic Recreation and the opportunity to direct your studies in therapeutic recreation as part of our master's program or doctoral program.

Therapeutic Recreation is a profession which recognizes leisure, recreation and play as integral components of quality of life. Service is provided to individuals who have physical, mental, social or emotional limitations which impact their ability to engage in meaningful leisure experiences.

Therapeutic Recreation is directed toward functional interventions, leisure education and participation opportunities. These processes support the goal of assisting the individual to maximize the independence in leisure, optimal health and the highest possible quality of life.

Therapeutic Recreation Awareness Week has been promoted by the Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association (CTRA) since its inception in 1996. During the first full week of February each year, members are invited to join in promoting and celebrating the role of Therapeutic Recreation in Canada.

In 2012, the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) proclaimed February as Therapeutic Recreation Month, marking the first time in history that Therapeutic Recreation Awareness Month was celebrated internationally by the Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association, the American Therapeutic Recreation Association and the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification.

2020 events February 24-28

TR practice lab February 24

TR students are invited to join in the first TR practice lab "Medical shorthand and inter-professional relations" facilitated by faculty and graduate students. It will be held Monday, February 24 at 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (location TBD).

Refreshments and materials provided by the RLS 25th Anniversary Endowment Fund.  

Yoga February 26

Join in a yoga class led by our own PhD student, Rasha Salem, on Wednesday, February 26 at 1:00 in PAC Studio 2. Come early to set up and be ready to start at 1:00. 

Flash Jenga February 26 and 27

Come to the Student Life Centre (SLC) Great Hall to join in a giant Jenga game.

  • Wednesday February 26, 2:30-4:00
  • Thursday February 27, 1:00-2:30

Hike around north campus lake February 28

Meet in AHS lobby by 1:00 dressed in winter boots and warm gear for a hike around the north campus lake, 1:00-2:00.

Follow us on social media @uwrecandleisure

Instagram @uwrecandleisure

Twitter @uwrecandleisure

​Post your pictures with the hashtags #TRAwareness, #uwaterlooTR, #tealtuesday

Watch for Instagram takeovers every Tuesday in February showcasing what our unique TR students do on a daily basis! 

Send a message to Kim at kjlopez@uwaterloo.ca if you would like to get involved this year or in future years! 

TR messages February 24-28

Look for TR messages on QNC whiteboards and Math and Engineering overhead walkways

TR practice lab March 16 - postponed

This event has been postponed due to COVID-19 safety concerns.

The second in a series of practice labs for TR students to connect with practitioners in the field has been postponed. Topic: Program Proficiency.