Copyright © 2006 by Collinsville Area Recreation District · All Rights Reserved · E-Mail:frontdeskcard@charter.net
Programs & Services
Internship Opportunities
An internship with the Collinsville Area Recreation District is a full-time position in which the intern is responsible for assigned duties and tasks on a day-to-day basis. The responsibilities, which the intern assumes during this 12 to 16-week period, are similar to those that a full-time recreation supervisor has. Since this is a learning experience for the intern, perfection is not expected, but it is expected that the intern will make a strong and sincere effort in all endeavors. The internship is constructed to give the student a full range of experience in all aspects of park district operation.
The Practicum Program
It is the belief of the staff of the Collinsville Area Recreation District that the practicum experience for each student should be comprehensive including all aspects of parks and recreation, and at the same time should be geared to the individual student’s needs and areas of interest. We believe this type of approach will not only benefit the student in terms of practical education, but will also aid the District in continuing to provide the necessary services to the community.
To enable us to plan the best possible program for each student, we ask that each incoming intern student prepare his or her own goals, indicating the specific needs which he or she hopes to have fulfilled by the practicum experience. These goals should be given careful consideration, and should be submitted to the Internship Coordinator by the end of the 2nd week of the internship.
The Practicum Program
It is the belief of the staff of the Collinsville Area Recreation District that the practicum experience for each student should be comprehensive including all aspects of parks and recreation, and at the same time should be geared to the individual student’s needs and areas of interest. We believe this type of approach will not only benefit the student in terms of practical education, but will also aid the District in continuing to provide the necessary services to the community.
To enable us to plan the best possible program for each student, we ask that each incoming intern student prepare his or her own goals, indicating the specific needs which he or she hopes to have fulfilled by the practicum experience. These goals should be given careful consideration, and should be submitted to the Internship Coordinator by the end of the 2nd week of the internship.
Possible Internship expereinces with CARD are:
1. Set up seasonal programs.
2. Schedule a sporting tournament.
3. Be involved with the ordering of supplies and equipment.
4. Sit in on interviewing and the hiring of instructors.
5. Teach a program when possible.
6. Handle several types of telephone calls, including complaints, refunds and so forth.
7. Learn about and work on budget preparations.
8. Learn program registration procedures and philosophies.
9. Work with the park operations department.
10. Work with Senior Citizen programming.
11. Write and submit press releases and flyers to the media.
12. Suggest ideas and outlines for new programs; implement them if possible.
Ten Points for a Successful Internship
1. Adequate planning and decision making are essentials.
2. Educating the community to the constructive use of leisure time is a constant responsibility.
3. Diplomatic public relations is a difficult task, but a very important one. Remember - you are the Collinsville Area
Recreation District.
4. Being in a bad mood is selfish. Be friendly. SMILE!
5. A recreation job is usually one of peaks and valleys. There will be days when there are not enough hours in the day to
get everything done; and then there will be times when very little seems to be going on. Learn to make constructive
use of the valley time in order to ease the load during peak time.
6. Developing a good telephone personality is important since a great deal of your time is spent talking and making
arrangements on the phone.
7. Keep your mind open to new ideas. Don’t be afraid to express new ideas or make suggestions, no matter how silly
they may seem to you.
8. Be professional! During your internship time you are considered a member of the staff. Act accordingly.
9. Many days will be filled with doing little things. However, keep in mind that the little things are what make a
successful program and what maintain good public relations.
10. Friendliness, promptness, initiative and thoroughness are important traits in all recreation personnel.
General Information
Salary
The Collinsville Area Recreation District pays a weekly stipend if such is in accordance with the policy established by your college or university. Deductions will include Illinois State Income Tax, Federal Income Tax, and Social Security payments.
Working Hours
The intern student will be expected to work the hours necessary to accomplish the job successfully. These hours are set at the discretion of the student, depending upon the program hours and meetings required for the program. Regular hours are 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Monday through Friday. Lunch is normally one half-hour.
District Hours
The District office is located at 10 Gateway Drive and is open from 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Monday through Friday and 9:00 A.M. - Noon on Saturday.
Dress Code
Dress will depend on specific assignments. When working a program, dress appropriately. The same thing holds true for maintenance, office work, meetings, etc.
Transportation
It is up to the student to provide transportation to and from work and during the working hours. If assignments are scheduled involving use of the student’s personal car, a mileage allowance will be paid.
Applicants Seeking an Internship with CARD
should send resumes w/letters of support to:
Collinsville Area Recreation District
c/o Internship Coordinator,
Rick Robbins, Superindent of Recreation
10 Gateway Drive
Collinsville, IL 62234
1. Set up seasonal programs.
2. Schedule a sporting tournament.
3. Be involved with the ordering of supplies and equipment.
4. Sit in on interviewing and the hiring of instructors.
5. Teach a program when possible.
6. Handle several types of telephone calls, including complaints, refunds and so forth.
7. Learn about and work on budget preparations.
8. Learn program registration procedures and philosophies.
9. Work with the park operations department.
10. Work with Senior Citizen programming.
11. Write and submit press releases and flyers to the media.
12. Suggest ideas and outlines for new programs; implement them if possible.
Ten Points for a Successful Internship
1. Adequate planning and decision making are essentials.
2. Educating the community to the constructive use of leisure time is a constant responsibility.
3. Diplomatic public relations is a difficult task, but a very important one. Remember - you are the Collinsville Area
Recreation District.
4. Being in a bad mood is selfish. Be friendly. SMILE!
5. A recreation job is usually one of peaks and valleys. There will be days when there are not enough hours in the day to
get everything done; and then there will be times when very little seems to be going on. Learn to make constructive
use of the valley time in order to ease the load during peak time.
6. Developing a good telephone personality is important since a great deal of your time is spent talking and making
arrangements on the phone.
7. Keep your mind open to new ideas. Don’t be afraid to express new ideas or make suggestions, no matter how silly
they may seem to you.
8. Be professional! During your internship time you are considered a member of the staff. Act accordingly.
9. Many days will be filled with doing little things. However, keep in mind that the little things are what make a
successful program and what maintain good public relations.
10. Friendliness, promptness, initiative and thoroughness are important traits in all recreation personnel.
General Information
Salary
The Collinsville Area Recreation District pays a weekly stipend if such is in accordance with the policy established by your college or university. Deductions will include Illinois State Income Tax, Federal Income Tax, and Social Security payments.
Working Hours
The intern student will be expected to work the hours necessary to accomplish the job successfully. These hours are set at the discretion of the student, depending upon the program hours and meetings required for the program. Regular hours are 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Monday through Friday. Lunch is normally one half-hour.
District Hours
The District office is located at 10 Gateway Drive and is open from 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Monday through Friday and 9:00 A.M. - Noon on Saturday.
Dress Code
Dress will depend on specific assignments. When working a program, dress appropriately. The same thing holds true for maintenance, office work, meetings, etc.
Transportation
It is up to the student to provide transportation to and from work and during the working hours. If assignments are scheduled involving use of the student’s personal car, a mileage allowance will be paid.
Applicants Seeking an Internship with CARD
should send resumes w/letters of support to:
Collinsville Area Recreation District
c/o Internship Coordinator,
Rick Robbins, Superindent of Recreation
10 Gateway Drive
Collinsville, IL 62234