We said goodbye to our summer students, Abbey and Chiamaka, this past week. It was great having their energy & input over the summer months and we wish them well on their future endeavours.
Here’s a little recap from each of them about their time with SARP.
Abbey:
My Journey with SARP: Connection, Innovation, and Community
Working with the Saskatchewan Association of Recreation Professionals (SARP) has been one of the most fulfilling fieldwork experiences; it’s all about empowering professionals and connecting communities. Over the past months, I’ve been honored to help shape conversations, build resources, and strengthen bonds across recreation, tourism, sport, culture, and community development. In June, I had the opportunity to host our SARP Connect webinar, a roundtable-style discussion bringing community and sector leaders together to explore trends and issues within the field. As a host, I created questions that would generate conversations about innovation, inclusion, and collaboration which created spaces for meaningful dialogue and peer learning. The session highlighted SARP’s ongoing role in creating “engaging discussions on industry trends, challenges, and innovations”.
In addition to this, I’ve been developing a digital perks card, which serves as a one-stop shop for member benefits. My goal is to create a hub that has on-demand learning modules for continuing education and exclusive discount codes from partner organizations. This is meant to be a tangible extension of SARP’s commitment to “professional development & education,” helping members enhance their skills and widen their impact within the community. I’ve also been working closely with board members on our summer engagement campaign, aimed at deepening connections between our leadership and members. The goal? Boost visibility, spark conversation, and strengthen community ties through shared initiatives and open dialogue.
My time at SARP has been defined by collaboration, innovation, and community building. Whether guiding conversations, designing member tools, or rallying our board, this journey has shaped me personally and professionally. I’m excited for what’s next as we continue to learn, connect, and grow together.
Chiamaka:
My Journey with SARP
Working with the Saskatchewan Association of Recreation Professionals (SARP) has been an incredibly rewarding part of my fieldwork journey. From day one, I have had the opportunity to contribute to projects that not only strengthen professional networks but also celebrate the diverse voices and talents within recreation, tourism, sport, culture, and community development.
One of the highlights of my time here has been supporting the planning and promotion of Rec Rumble during Rec Week 2025, a dynamic event celebrating the spirit of recreation and community engagement. I coordinated communications, crafted engaging content, and supported event logistics to ensure participants, viewers, and voters felt informed, inspired, and connected.
I helped bring the Summer Board Series to life, a social media initiative that spotlights our board members’ passions and experiences, strengthening connections between the board and members. I have also contributed to the early planning stages for the Spring 2026 Leadership & Networking Event, aimed at empowering professionals and creating space for connection and collaboration.
In addition, I have supported the SARP Connect webinar series, from preparing promotional materials to assisting with logistics that ensure it runs smoothly. These sessions are designed to spark meaningful conversations on trends, challenges, and innovations in the sector, and it has been inspiring to help create those spaces for connection and professional growth.
My time at SARP has been definitely an experience and through each experience, whether coordinating an event, developing a campaign, or supporting member initiatives, I have gained valuable skills I will be taking with me. I am grateful for this chapter of my journey and excited for the ways these skills and connections will help me once I graduate and enter the job market.