CU Special Recreation Intern

CU Special Recreation Intern

Champaign Park District – Unpaid Internship, Full or Part-Time (10–14 weeks)

Join the Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation (CUSR) team and gain hands-on experience creating inclusive, meaningful recreation opportunities for individuals with disabilities. As a CU Special Recreation Intern, you'll play an active role in adaptive recreation programs, inclusion support, event planning, and community engagement while working alongside experienced professionals committed to accessibility and inclusion.

• Assist with planning, coordinating, and facilitating adaptive recreation programs and inclusion services.
• Support CUSR initiatives through project-based work such as program development, participant engagement, staff training support, or accessibility improvements.
• Help implement modifications and adaptive techniques to ensure participant success in inclusive recreation settings.
• Collaborate with staff on community events and special programs promoting recreational access for all.
• Observe and document participant outcomes; provide feedback to support program evaluation and improvement.
• Conduct research to identify best practices in adaptive and therapeutic recreation.
• Assist with program logistics including setup, attendance, and equipment organization.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development sessions.
• Present project outcomes at the end of the internship.
• Maintain confidentiality and follow all Park District safety and policy requirements.

This internship offers a unique opportunity to build real-world experience in adaptive and inclusive recreation. Interns gain practical skills useful for careers in recreation, therapeutic recreation, special education, event coordination, and community programming. You'll learn from supportive professionals, engage directly with participants, and contribute to impactful, mission-driven work.

As an educational internship, this position is unpaid. However, interns receive:

• Extensive training opportunities (First Aid/CPR, disability awareness, behavioral intervention, mandated reporter, and more).
• Hands-on experience aligned with academic requirements.
• Exposure to program management, adaptive recreation strategies, and inclusion practices across the Park District.
• Professional mentorship and opportunities to build a strong portfolio.

The Champaign Park District is dedicated to enhancing the community's quality of life through parks, recreation, and cultural opportunities. CUSR specifically provides safe, respectful, and inclusive programs for individuals with disabilities, fostering independence, social development, and recreation access for all ages and abilities.

This internship is a great fit for students studying Recreation, Therapeutic Recreation, Sports & Tourism, Leisure Studies, or related fields who are seeking meaningful hands-on experience. Ideal candidates are enthusiastic about inclusion, eager to learn, comfortable engaging with diverse participants, and looking to make a positive impact through recreation.

The Champaign Park District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment of any kind. All individuals are required to comply with our equal opportunity and harassment laws, policies, and procedures.

• Must be completing the internship for academic credit or as a program requirement for graduation 
• Must be available to work up to 40 hours per week for 10 to 12 weeks, with flexibility for occasional evenings or weekends 
• Must have reliable transportation to and from various Park District sites 
• Must possess a valid driver's license (if required to travel between sites) 
• Must be able to pass a background check and comply with all Champaign Park District employment policies 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) or the ability to learn required software 
• Must demonstrate basic customer service and communication skills, including the ability to interact professionally with the public and staff