• Application Deadline: 
    March 1
  • Program Code: 
    391.A0
  • DEC in: 
    Community, Recreation and Leadership Training
  • Program Length: 
    3 years

Join one of the most dynamic programs on campus! Upon graduation, you could enjoy a career promoting well-being for all through positive recreation and community development activities. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through local, national and international fieldwork placements, which develop leadership skills and provide real work experience. Students are part of a close-knit and caring community. CRLT is the only three-year technical program of its kind offered in English in Quebec.

Being part of the CRLT program at Dawson College was a game-changer for me. I didn't just learn about leadership – I became more confident, better at communicating, and ready to lead in my community. The skills I picked up go way beyond the classroom. If you want to grow as a leader and make a real impact, this program is amazing.
— Leslie K.

What you will learn?

  • To plan, lead and evaluate a variety of recreational and community-based activities and events
  • To develop leadership skills
  • To work as a team and develop group dynamics skills
  • To plan fundraising events
  • To develop networking, communications and public relations skills
  • To develop entrepreneurship, administrative and human resource management skills

Where will this program lead you?

CRLT graduates are immediately employable as leaders, supervisors or coordinators in various fields, such as:

  • Community centres
  • Municipal recreation
  • Outdoor recreation
  • Hospital and therapeutic recreation
  • School and campus recreation
  • Event planning
  • Fitness centres and community recreation associations
  • Tourist destinations, resorts and overnight camps
  • Recreation or sports management
  • Education and teaching
  • ... and many more!

CRLT graduates are well prepared to further their studies in various disciplines such as Recreation Management, Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation and Leisure Studies, Education, Human Resource Management, Kinesiology, Physical Education and Sports Management.

CRLT graduates may receive advanced standing credits from particular universities (e.g. Concordia University) for specific programs, making it possible to complete a degree in only two years.

What else you should know?

  • Students accumulate over 580 hours of practical work experience through three internship placements, which they can choose based on their interest
  • CRLT is well known for organizing one of Quebec’s largest student-driven outdoor education programs. Final-year students lead a camp for 100 first-year and second-year students.
  • Over their time in CRLT, students participate in five group-based intensive courses that take place at outdoor retreat centres
  • All students in the CRLT Program receive First Aid Certification
  • Graduates are eligible to obtain a Peace Studies Certificate and Environment and Sustainability Certificate
  • The CRLT Department has its own sunny and plant-filled space, which helps foster a positive, supportive, effective and collaborative learning environment. Our common room, program-exclusive computer lab, conference room and multipurpose room help build a strong sense of community. The proximity of the faculty offices to these spaces enables open communication and ongoing support to all of our students
  • Students must pass a mandatory police background check in the first semester in order to be placed in a fieldwork setting
  • Make a request to experience life as a CRLT Student-for-a-Day at: crlt@dawsoncollege.qc.ca

What do you need to apply?

  • A Diploma of Secondary Studies (DES) or academic background judged equivalent to the DES
  • Interview: please join us for an information session and informal interview to explore your fit in the program (usually in March or April)

Application Deadline

March 1



Last Modified: November 9, 2023