Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood Services News

#PRNSBest Training the Next Generation of Summer Recreation Leaders

Over 250 recreation leaders participate in quality and safety training for the summer

Post Date:07/11/2024 9:00 AM

*This is a special feature from the City of San José, Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services
"As a teen working here, I had some of the best summers of my life," said Erica Rendler, Senior Safety Officer, and spoke to over 250 Recreation Leaders attending the City of San José's Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services (PRNS) Summer Recreation Leader Training.

Our recreation leaders play a crucial role in PRNS. Their work demands a high level of customer service, interpersonal skills, and communication skills. Many are assigned to summer camps, aquatic sites, after-school programs, and other youth programming that require training to meet California Education Code standards.

Recreation leaders are seated on bleachers. In the front, two recreation leaders are turned towards each other and laughing
Recreation leaders are the backbone of many recreation programs, providing guidance, support, and a fun atmosphere for kids.

The all-day training was a comprehensive program, featuring staff-led presentations and courses that covered a wide range of topics. These included Enrichment Basics, Field Trips 101, and Navigating Difficult Conversations, among others.

"Most people doing these presentations are veteran recreation leaders, subject matter experts, and specialists in their programs," said Nick Georgoff, a Parks, Recreation, and Facilities Supervisor. "Our partner, Santa Clara County Public Health, is also hosting a CATCH Kids Club Training."

CATCH is an evidence-based physical activity curriculum that PRNS preschool programs use.

Camden Community Center hosted this event and served as a learning environment for participants eager to learn new skills for their summer jobs. Michael Ramos from Camden Community Center shared his excitement about the training, stating that he's excited to learn new skills to work in CampSJ.

"I've been working the front desk at Camden for a year, and I saw the amazing work that CampSJ does. This is my first-time training to work for CampSJ, and the courses are very informative. They teach you what to do and what not to do. Since we're working with kids, we must be responsible, " he noted.

Recreation leaders stand in line shoulder to shoulder. Smiling, they hold their right hands in a salute gesture in front of their foreheads
Recreation leaders all bring unique experiences to the table, whether it’s their first or tenth year on the job.

Many participants expressed their excitement about the opportunity to learn the necessary skills for their seasonal position. For these recreation leaders, this summer is not just a job, but an opportunity for professional growth while contributing to their community.

PRNS Deputy Director Maria De Leon thanked the crowd of recreation leaders and shared an inspirational anecdote: "I want you all to understand that [as a Recreation Leader] you will be a role model to the kids you could be overseeing. You're going to be a positive influence on their lives, and at the same time, you're going to learn great skills that will help you with your career."

Deputy director of the recreation division Maria De Leon speaks into a microphone in a gym. Behind her is an inflatable screen with her name, photograph, and job title
Working as a recreation leader has its challenges, but also its rewards. Recreation leaders have the opportunity to advance critical skill sets that can help shape their future.

This training provides the participants a road towards career advancement supporting our community. The skills they learn provides the tools they need to pursue their dream career paths while also giving them a summer to remember!

The City of San José will be hiring recreation leaders again soon. To learn more about opportunities to become a recreation leader and to explore the wonders of our recreation programs firsthand, visit bit.ly/PRNSJOBS.

If you would like to learn more about PRNS, please visit sanjoseca.gov/prns. The ActivateSJ Strategic Plan is the City of San José's Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services (PRNS) plan to maintain, improve and expand our facilities, programs, and services. The plan guides how we care for and develop a diverse park system and an abundance of recreation programs and services for all in San José.

ActivateSJ’s mission is to connect people through parks, recreation, and neighborhood services for an active San José. To learn more about our department’s plan and vision to move forward, visit activatesj.org.

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