CU Special Recreation Intern

Champaign Park District provides parks, recreation, and cultural opportunities, with its Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation team offering inclusive programs for individuals with disabilities. The CU Special Recreation Intern supports adaptive recreation programs, inclusion services, event planning, participant engagement, accessibility initiatives, and community programming.

What you'll do:

• 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

What they're looking for:

• 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
• 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
• Must possess a valid driver's license (if required to travel between sites)

Benefits:

• 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.