Foundations of Recreation Youth Services

This award is not eligible for Financial Aid

The Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Foundations of Recreation Youth Services is designed to introduce students to the field of recreation as it relates to youth services. The micro certificate provides a foundation in the study of play, recreation, and leisure focused toward youth. Students gain knowledge of the programming and delivery of recreation youth services and develop communication, group facilitation, management and leadership skills. A Certificate of Completion (CCL) and an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Recreation Management are available.

This is a Fast Track Certificate, which can be completed in two semesters or less.

Details

Field of Interest
Health Sciences
Degree Type
Certificate of Completion (CCL)
Academic Plan
Foundations of Recreation Youth Services (CER)
Academic Plan Code
5323N
Total credits required
10
Catalog Year
2025-2026
Effective Term
Fall 2025
Notes

This program is not eligible for Title IV Federal Financial Aid.
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.

What You'll Learn
  • Facilitate recreation using the conceptual foundations of play, recreation, and leisure as it relates to youth services.
  • Assess the major factors involved in the delivery of leisure youth services in government, commercial, and nonprofit sectors.
  • Design recreation services using the principles of experiential learning.
  • Apply safety guidelines and procedures associated with recreational services.
  • Analyze career opportunities in the field of recreation and leisure.
  • Demonstrate the basics of supervision including planning, organizing, staffing, leading, and evaluating.
  • Apply various operational strategies for planning, implementing and evaluating a recreational event or program.
  • Facilitate diverse groups using the theoretical frameworks, skills and attributes characteristic of recreation management.
  • Demonstrate effective communication skills in diverse public and interpersonal settings.
  • Utilize effective customer service in the planning and delivery of recreational services.
  • Apply ethical and legal principles and protocols to the delivery of leisure and recreation services.
  • Assess problems to make sound decisions using the theoretical foundation and analytical tools associated with recreation.
  • Demonstrate the technical skills necessary for the safe participation in recreational activities in a variety of environments.
  • Develop budgets related to recreational programs.

Successful completion of this certificate may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Arizona-based wages* for this certificate. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.

Amusement and Recreation Attendants
$29,830
Recreation Workers
$33,560
Tour Guides and Escorts
$38,180

* Career and wage information provided by Pipeline AZ using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources. Sources

Course Sequence by Term

The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:

  • Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Degree Progress Report Tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
  • The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
  • Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
  • Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.

Full-time Sequence

Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Credits
REC250 Recreation Leadership 3
RPM125 Youth Development Programming 2
RPM140 Wilderness First Aid 2
RPM150AB Outdoor Adventure Skills 3
Disclaimer

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.

Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.

This certificate is not eligible for Title IV Federal Financial Aid.

View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award (https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm11?id=16452789).

At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.