Saskatchewan Association of Recreation Professionals (SARP)

06/01/2026

June is Parks & Recreation Month!! This month is hosted by SPRA, and supported by many of their Provincial Recreation Associations, such as SARP. Please visit SPRA's website for ideas on how you can explore, connect, and belong in your community throughout the month of June. Enjoy celebrating all month long!

Join us in celebrating June as Parks and Recreation Month! Parks and Recreation are the heartbeat of our communities, bringing people together in shared s**c...

05/17/2026

Congratulations to Josephine on receiving the 2026 SARP Development Scholarship! 🏆

Josephine relocated from Kenya to Saskatoon to study Therapeutic Recreation at Saskatchewan Polytechnic— and that move alone tells you something about her commitment to this field.

Her path to therapeutic recreation started in orthopedic and trauma care, where she watched patients recover physically but still struggle to feel confident, connected, and like themselves again. That gap — between physical recovery and actually feeling whole — is what brought her here.

She also communicates in sign language, which has shaped her deep commitment to inclusion for individuals who face communication barriers. For Josephine, recreation isn't a program. It's the bridge back to belonging.

"Believe in your purpose and the impact you want to make."

We are so proud to celebrate you, Josephine. The field is better for having you in it. 🌿

05/15/2026

Congratulations to Monika Hardi on receiving the 2026 SARP BOD Scholarship! 🏆

Monika is a 1st year student in the Therapeutic Recreation Program at Sask Polytechnic, and she has a philosophy that sticks with you: the most meaningful change often comes from the smallest moments.
Offering something in a client's favourite colour. Taking an extra five minutes to really listen. A simple distraction at exactly the right time. Monika keeps returning to the idea that less is more — and that it's the little things that actually move people.

She credits her coworker Karen for showing her what it looks like to be genuinely present with clients, and her professor Sarah Pickering for making the classroom feel like a place worth showing up to.

When she's not studying, you'll find her two-stepping, at a rock concert, or planning her salsa lessons this summer. Turns out someone who knows how to find community and connection in her own life is exactly who you want building it for others.

"It is fascinating to me that I keep returning to the ideas of 'less is more' and 'it's the little things.'"

We are so proud of you, Monika. 🌿

05/13/2026

Congratulations to Andrew Hodgson on receiving the Anne Robins Scholarship! 🏆

Andrew is currently a 4th year student in the Bachelor of Sport and Recreation Studies - Therapeutic Recreation Program at University of Regina — and his path here is not a straight line. A Journeyman Carpenter, father of two, daily commuter from outside Regina, and someone who found therapeutic recreation the way a lot of people find their calling: by needing it first.

After spending time at Wascana Rehabilitation Centre following a car accident, Andrew saw firsthand how meaningful activities and supportive environments can change the course of someone's recovery. He decided he wanted to be part of creating that for others.

He's now in his third year, combining his passion for psychology and TR into a vision for land-based, culturally meaningful programming — s**ces where people feel safe, supported, and able to grow.

"Stay focused on your 'why.' Your life experiences bring something important and meaningful to your work."

A special thank you to Anne for her generosity in making this award possible. It means more than you know to students like Andrew who are building something real. 💛

We are so proud of you, Andrew. U of R is lucky to have you. 🌿

05/11/2026

Congratulations to Cody on receiving the Roy Ellis Scholarship. 🏆

Cody is currently a 4th year student in the Bachelor of Sport and Recreation Studies - Therapeutic Recreation program at the University of Regina. He is working toward his goal of returning home to build sport and recreation programs that give Indigenous youth a place to belong, move, and thrive.

He did this while raising four kids, navigating financial hardship, and being away from the family he was doing it all for.

When asked what advice he'd give others, Cody said it simply: "Stay committed, ask for help when you need it, and remember that your background is your strength."

We are so proud to celebrate you, Cody. Your community is lucky to have someone like you coming home. 🌿

04/21/2026

☕ SARP Connect is happening tomorrow!
Saskatchewan Polytechnic recently announced the suspension of its in-person Therapeutic Recreation Diploma Program — and we have a lot to talk about.

Join SARP Executive Director Melanie Baumann for an informal coffee chat about her understanding as to the rationale, workforce implications, and the impact to the profession in Saskatchewan. We'll also share where SARP's advocacy efforts stand and gather your feedback on what to do next.

📅 April 22 | 12PM CST | Zoom
Registration link is on our bio.

04/17/2026

☕ SARP Connect is happening next week!
Saskatchewan Polytechnic recently announced the suspension of its in-person Therapeutic Recreation Diploma Program — and we have a lot to talk about.

Join SARP Executive Director Melanie Baumann for an informal coffee chat about her understanding as to the rationale, workforce implications, and the impact to the profession in Saskatchewan. We'll also share where SARP's advocacy efforts stand and gather your feedback on what to do next.

📅 April 22 | 12PM CST | Zoom
Registration link ➡️ https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/87agWESzQn2BHQa5pvQ2Hw #/registration

04/14/2026

SARP student members, this one's for you.
Four scholarships are open for 2026 applications, deadline April 15.

Eligibility breakdown:

Roy Ellis Bursary ($1,000) — 2nd year or beyond, full-time, in a recreation/sport/culture program. One-time award.

Anne Robins Scholarship ($1,000) — Therapeutic Recreation students of Indigenous ancestry with strong academics and community/profession involvement. One-time award.

Board of Directors Scholarship ($1,000) — Any year, full-time, in a recreation-related program. One-time award.

SARP Development Scholarship ($500) — First-year students specifically. Entry point award for emerging rec professionals.

Applicants must be a SARP Student (Associate) Member enrolled full-time at a Saskatchewan post-secondary institution.

Learn more & apply here ➡️ https://www.sarponline.ca/bursaries-scholarships/

04/09/2026

☕ SARP Connect | Save the Date
Saskatchewan Polytechnic recently announced the suspension of its in-person Therapeutic Recreation Diploma Program — and we have a lot to talk about.

Join SARP Executive Director Melanie Baumann for an informal coffee chat about her understanding as to the rationale, workforce implications, and the impact to the profession in Saskatchewan. We'll also share where SARP's advocacy efforts stand and gather your feedback on what to do next.

📅 April 22 | 12PM CST | Zoom
Registration link ➡️ https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/87agWESzQn2BHQa5pvQ2Hw

04/06/2026

SARP’s 2026 Scholarships & Bursaries are open for applications! 🎓✨

Whether you’re studying recreation, sport, culture, tourism, or therapeutic recreation, we’ve got awards to support your education.

🔹 Roy Ellis Bursary
🔹 Anne Robins Scholarship
🔹 SARP Board of Directors Scholarship
🔹 SARP Development Scholarship

📅 Deadline: April 15, 2026
🔗 You can find the link to apply on our bio.

Know someone who should apply? Tag them below! 👇