Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Recreation Worker
What recreation workers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a recreation worker?
Set up for summer camp check-in. From there, the day usually includes plan and lead activities, supervise participants, and set up and maintain equipment. Many jobs are part-time or seasonal, with evenings, weekends and summers.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a recreation worker working full time.
- Set up for summer camp check-in.
- Lead team-building games.
- Supervise swimming with lifeguards.
- Lead an arts and crafts project.
- Run a sports clinic.
- Check children out to parents.
- Plan tomorrow’s activities.
Where recreation workers work
Recreation workers work indoors and outdoors at parks, centers, camps and facilities.
Hours and schedule
Many jobs are part-time or seasonal, with evenings, weekends and summers.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Plan and lead activities
- Supervise participants
- Set up and maintain equipment
- Enforce safety rules
- Organize special events
- Register participants
- Communicate with families
Tools you’ll use every day
- Sports and game equipment
- Craft supplies
- Registration software
- Radios
- First aid kits
- Activity calendars
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Fun, active work
- Great first job
- Outdoor time
- Path to parks and recreation careers
What’s hard
- Seasonal and part-time
- Modest pay
- Weather exposure
- Managing behavior
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love games and activities
- I enjoy kids or seniors
- I like being active
- I want a fun first job
- I’m creative
- I like working outside
Not sure? Take the free Recreation Worker fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Do frequent head counts
- Follow ratios and supervision rules
- Know medical and allergy needs
- Watch weather and heat