Therapeutic Recreation

As with any recreation program, an appropriate level of independence, self care and behavior is required from our participants. Unfortunately, we are not able to provide 1:1 supervision during any of our programs.

Our program staff do not provide hands on personal care to participants unless otherwise noted. If a participant requires additional assistance, a provider or parent may join the program at no cost except certain program expenses.

Many of our programs are supported by volunteers interested in building community and learning more about working with people with disabilities. We have a variety of volunteer opportunities in our therapeutic recreation programs, including our monthly dance, which is held on the third Friday of every month at Clements Community Center.

Interested?

Contact the therapeutic recreation team at rise@lakewood.org or 303-987-4867.

SPRING AND SUMMER INTERNSHIP

Lakewood Therapeutic Recreation Department offers a spring and summer internship experience focused on community-based therapeutic recreation services.

The intern assists in providing leisure and recreation programs for individuals with disabilities ranging in age from six yrs. through adult.

• Spring interns supports our year-round program offerings and assist in camp preparations.
• Summer interns primarily support our summer day camp, Camp Paha.

Additional opportunities include organizing Special Olympics programs, specialty classes, social engagements and community outings and events. This internship experience will address all NCTRC Job Task Analysis areas through various areas of programming and prepare interns for both the NCTRC Certification Exam as well as entry-level therapeutic recreation positions.

INTERNSHIP STRUCTURE

Application Window: Rolling 

• Length of Internship: 15 weeks, 40 hours per week (total 600 hours)
• Internship Supervisor: Full-time CTRS (Meets all NCTRC site supervisor standards)

Note: Interns are strongly encouraged to carry their own medical and liability insurance. Interns are eligible for mileage reimbursement when using their own vehicles to transport themselves in between sites.

• Must be a current senior in the process of obtaining a degree from an accredited college or university in Therapeutic Recreation and working to complete NCTRC requirements.
• Have a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher in Therapeutic Recreation coursework.
• Applicants must pass a background check prior to an offer being made. 
• Applicants must complete additional paperwork as mandated by the State of Colorado for Child Care Licensing including but not limited to passing additional background checks and providing documentation of a minimum of 460 hours supervising 4 or more children at a time.

INTERESTED?

Fill out an interest form via the link below. A staff member will reach out to you to discuss the internship further. 

Complete an Interest Form

READY TO APPLY?

To apply, visit our Lakewood jobs listing, search for “Therapeutic Recreation Intern” and click "Apply".  

The application process consists of a general application and supplemental questions and will also require the attachment of a cover letter, resume, college transcripts and two letters of recommendation. Applications will be screened and reviewed for eligibility. Successful candidates will be contacted for an interview. Unsuccessful candidates will be notified by email. 

Apply Now 

Therapeutic recreation utilizes part time (variable) staff to support many of its programs. Open positions are posted on the city's employment listing when available. 

Friends of Paha, a nonprofit organization (not a City of Lakewood entity), helps support our summer day programs. Without this support, tuition and fees would more than double, making these programs too expensive for some.

Please consider supporting Friends of Paha in their noble mission.

Friends of Paha