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A summer experience at Queens Manor, a long-term care facility in her hometown of Liverpool, Nova Scotia, inspired Amelia Brown to pursue a Recreation Management degree at Dalhousie University.

“In 2017 I was hired at Queens Manor in the recreation department as the student recreation programmer for the summer,” explained Amelia.  “After my first week of working in the recreation department I knew I wanted to pursue it further.”

A unique program, Recreation Management is offered jointly by Dalhousie's School of Health and Human Performance and the Faculty of Management. After five years, students graduate with a Bachelor of Science (Recreation) and a Bachelor of Management—with a strong background in both the recreation and management fields.

“Don’t let the fifth year scare you,” she added.  “You’ll barely notice it and it’s so worth it.”

Amelia graduated from Recreation Management in May 2024 and worked seasonally with the HRM prior to becoming Assistant Supervisor, Operations & Facilities with the Langille Athletic Centre on the Dalhousie Agricultural campus this past September.

“This program gives you so much opportunity to work in so many different settings and with all age groups,” she said.  “I started in long-term care, then I worked in outdoor recreation, and community-based programming with a municipality, and now I’m working in facility management that also has a lot of connection to sport. There’s room for exploration and figuring out what you want to do,” Amelia added.

Laurene Rehman, Director of the School of Health and Human Performance and Professor, Leisure Studies agrees.

“The program provides a unique opportunity to obtain two degrees in five years – both a Bachelor of Science in Recreation and a Bachelor of Management,” she explained. “This really gives students tremendous flexibility and opportunity for future career options as some graduates will follow their recreation degree options while others their management degree.  We have seen students go into sport and recreation fields, but also a variety of management contexts.”

The Faculty of Health will be the fourth Faculty welcomed to campus since the inception of Truro Start, enabling students to begin their degree program on the Truro campus.  Students join a close-knit cohort with dedicated resources and support building a strong foundation before transitioning to Halifax for their second and final years.

“A smaller campus will only increase how tightknit the program is, which was one of my favourite parts,” said Amelia. “The Truro campus will offer different opportunities for students to engage with their surrounding community as well as demonstrate how recreation professionals serve smaller communities in a way a larger campus cannot.”  

Recreation Management is just one of several degree options available on the Truro campus including Computer Science, Applied Computer Science, Science and Arts & Social Sciences.

“We are so pleased to be able to expand the breadth and depth of our program offerings through Truro Start,” said Dean and Campus Principal Dr. Heather Bruce.  “A smaller campus provides so much opportunity for students to engage with faculty, staff and the local community.”

As Assistant Supervisor, Operations & Facilities with the Langille Athletic Centre, Amelia assists in the facility's operations day to day including coordinating varsity team travel, managing staff and engaging surrounding communities. She also helps plan, lead, and engage the community through summer camps. 

“Over the years, students have told us the Truro Start program has eased their transition from high school into university and enjoyed meeting other students with similar interests,” said Ashley Coffin, program manager Truro Start.  “We are very excited to be adding Recreation Management to the suite of Truro Start programs in September 2025.”