Job Description
The purpose of this position is to further my understanding and experience in the field of the parks and recreation (programming, park planning, administration, open space management, etc.). As the intern I assist staff with the implementation of recreation programs like summer camps, recreation center operation, special events, and races. My specific tasks have included:
- Working the Fourth of July and Memorial Day events
- Planning and implementing the Red, Hot and Pool event
- Assisting staff with implementation of programs
- Assisting staff with recreation center operations
- Supervising Sunny Dayz Summer Camp
- Answering telephones, to make reservations, cancellations, and provide general information
- Assisting with up keep of the recreation facility
- Technologically advanced in operating Outlook, Microsoft Teams, Office 365, Poster My Wall, Cognito Forms, Microsoft Word
- Trained and certified at the aerial ropes course, Texas Tree Ventures
- Participating in training sessions to learn new skills
- Assisting in training and mentoring camp counselors
- Planning and implementing STEM and Craft projects for the Sunny Dayz Campers
- Attend all field trips including the zoo, Urban Air, and a kayaking trip etc.
- Helping with any projects and office tasks
Requirements and Qualifications
To be the intern for The Woodlands Township Recreation Department you must first fill out an application on-line. The qualifications for this position include some knowledge in Parks and Recreation, and the individual must be in college classified as a senior or higher. Other requirements include majoring in sports management, parks and recreation, or something else related. The last requirement includes being able to work weekends and holidays. You must also live in the area, because of the demanding schedule.
Benefits and Opportunities
The position requires working 40 hours a week for 12 weeks, with a $6,000 stipend distributed in $1,000 checks every two weeks. Benefits and room and board are not provided. If you obtain this internship, there are many recreational opportunities in the area for you to enjoy in your free-time and sometimes while on the job. These include hike and bike trails, pools, recreation centers, Texas Tree Ventures (aerial ropes course), and boat houses for kayaking and water biking. Networking is also a benefit of this internship. Chris Nunes the Director of Park and Recreation for one of the best recreation departments in the country, has personally gotten to know me and helped me with my resume and given great advice about working in this industry. I also had the chance to interview 11 different higher up positions (recreation superintendent, assistant directors, environmental services manager, and the parks planning project manager) and they have all made it known that I can reach out to them anytime, and have even connected with me on LinkedIn. This is also a great opportunity to work with the community and learn how the Township operates everything that a government would usually operate.
Achievements
Throughout the course of this internship, I have learned the in's and out's of working for a recreation department. I have also had the opportunity to be included in the programming of summer camps, special events, and other recreation opportunities. I have gained camp leadership skills, customer service skills, programming skills, aerial ropes course skills, computer skills, and skills. I have learned how to budget, how to market, how to target programs for diverse populations, and what all it takes to properly operate a recreation center. I have become very knowledgeable with the recreation departments software known as "Active" and I now know so much about The Woodlands and all the recreation opportunities they offer.
Myself and the other recreation intern, at the Rob Fleming Recreation Center, worked together to plan, manage and implement and event called Red, Hot and Pool. For this event, each of the 14 pools in The Woodlands decorated their space, game up with games for the residents, and dressed up for The Fourth of July. Then there were 20 judges who went around to each of the pools and judged them on originality, involvement of guests, enthusiasm of the staff and overall impression. The judges had to fill out a Cognito form I created and submit it us after the event. We also managed all the judges, and told them all the information they needed to take part in this event. We then choose a first place and second place winner, and they received a price from the township. Every thing ran smoothly for this event, and it was a major hit with the residents.
Myself and the other recreation intern, at the Rob Fleming Recreation Center, worked together to plan, manage and implement and event called Red, Hot and Pool. For this event, each of the 14 pools in The Woodlands decorated their space, game up with games for the residents, and dressed up for The Fourth of July. Then there were 20 judges who went around to each of the pools and judged them on originality, involvement of guests, enthusiasm of the staff and overall impression. The judges had to fill out a Cognito form I created and submit it us after the event. We also managed all the judges, and told them all the information they needed to take part in this event. We then choose a first place and second place winner, and they received a price from the township. Every thing ran smoothly for this event, and it was a major hit with the residents.