Play with purpose.
Founded in 2021. From a single city to a multi-state operation serving thousands of families across St. Louis, Nashville, Kansas City and Medford.
Teaching life skills through fun & games.
We believe play is a powerful tool for learning. Our mission is to help children develop essential soft skills — communication, teamwork, problem solving and resilience — through engaging, active experiences.
What began as a simple idea — to blend traditional recreation with meaningful life lessons — has grown into a multi-city operation delivering high-impact programs to schools, camps, churches, and communities.
Keep it safe. Keep it fun. Make it impactful.
Vetted by the people who know what to look for.
STEM.org Accredited
Best in STEM — Top 5%
Best in Youth Enrichment
By the numbers.
Real families, real seasons, real results.
Families re-enroll
Season over season across programs
Happy participants
Ages 5–14
Partnerships launched
Schools, districts & community sites
Staff return for multiple years
Enrichment instructors
Hear from our owner.
The story behind The Recreation Academy — straight from our founder.
Frontload. Experience.
Debrief.
Repeat.
The cycle that runs multiple times in every single session we facilitate.
01
Set clear expectations
Every session starts with clarity. When everyone understands the game, they can focus on playing it well.
02
Identify teachable moments
We listen before we lead. Kids have great ideas — when we use them, they're more invested in the outcome.
03
Learn from challenges
We don't rescue kids from struggle. When someone gets frustrated, that's our classroom.
04
Get participant feedback
After each activity we pause and reflect. What went well? What can we improve? How did we show up?
Experiential education.
Experiential education is a hands-on approach to learning where participants build real skills by doing — playing the game, hitting the snag, talking it out, then trying again — instead of being lectured at. Every activity we run is intentionally designed as a real-world problem to solve together, so the lesson is lived, not just heard.
When kids work through challenges with their peers under the guidance of a trained facilitator, they grow the soft skills that classrooms can't always teach: problem solving, communication, emotional regulation, collaboration, leadership, and resilience. Add our structured debriefs at the end of every activity, and kids walk away with language for what they just did — which is what turns a fun afternoon into a lasting skill.
What your child experiences.
From the moment they arrive to the debrief at the end of the day — here's a look at what every Cadet walks through.
The Cadet Identity
Every participant becomes a Cadet — a commitment to growth, respect, and rising to challenges.
Growth Mindset
We teach the power of 'yet.' When a child says 'I can't,' we help them discover 'I can't yet.'
SEL Pillars
Social awareness, relationship skills, self-management, and decision-making woven into every activity.
Age-Appropriate Development
Curriculum tailored for ages 5–14 — from basic emotion recognition to complex leadership scenarios.
Daily Rhythm
Structured rotations, growth debriefs, and active programming so kids never sit for an hour straight.
Trained Facilitators
Instructors who create momentum, recognize teachable moments, and reflect with kids in real time.
Don't just take our word for it.
Verified reviews from Google, Facebook, Indeed, and LinkedIn — the parents who trust us, the partners who host us, and the coaches who work here.
"Wow! Our 9 yr. old son attended a Pokémon card game/trading week long workshop. Fabian, the instructor was terrific. He has great awareness and made the week amazing."
Douglas Bram
Parent, St. Louis
"We have had such a great experience with Recreation Academy at Kirkwood Park. Our kids have attended several weeks of extreme sports summer camp and have always had a great time. Staff and management are accessible and wonderful to work with."
Amanda Penick Brauer
Parent
"The Recreation Academy has helped us add so much variety to our weekly end-of-day enrichment programs — tons of sessions have been a hit with our families. Their staff are professional, prompt, and always super engaged. Truly a fantastic company to work with."
Eve R.
The Community School
"I have absolutely loved my time at The Rec Academy and can't wait to come back and see all of my Cadets again next summer! It's really refreshing to be at a youth organization that promotes a healthy environment for everyone and supports their staff so well."
Camp Counselor
Camp Counselor (Seasonal) · St. Louis, MO
"I worked here through college and it was easily the most rewarding job I've had. The team is supportive, the schedule works around classes, and you get real coaching experience with elementary-age kids. Highly recommend for anyone in education."
Jordan P.
Former Enrichment Facilitator
"Highly recommend Rec Academy for your kid camp needs! Great staff! Awesome activity games my super active 7 year old. Naps will ensue!"
Gary Stewart
Parent, St. Louis
"My son loves the Extreme Sports camp. Great experience!"
Lindsay Schultz Wessels
Parent
"Fantastic program with excellent staff! Kids have so much fun!!"
Katrina Paumier
Parent, St. Louis
"Our kiddo loved the sports camp. The teachers were very helpful. What a great week."
Jen Kaesberg
Parent
"Fun and supportive environment with a lot of room for personal and professional growth! Working for The Recreation Academy has truly been a fulfilling experience."
Area Manager
Area Manager · St. Louis, MO
"My son attended their Summer camps and had a blast! The staff was great and caring. Highly recommend!"
Kelli Jaeger
Parent, St. Louis
"I have an uncoordinated six year old who loves running around. I was worried he might not be able to follow all the rules or would get out right away, but that wasn't the case with the playground games camp. The counselors did a great job of making sure everyone was included. His only complaint was that I picked him up… he wanted to stay all day."
Rebecca Zide
Parent, St. Louis
"Both of my boys have loved The Recreation Academy. They've done both Spring Break camps and Summer Camps. Each day they are excited to participate!"
Tiffany Whelehon
Parent, St. Louis
"Wow! Our 9 yr. old son attended a Pokémon card game/trading week long workshop. Fabian, the instructor was terrific. He has great awareness and made the week amazing."
Douglas Bram
Parent, St. Louis
"We have had such a great experience with Recreation Academy at Kirkwood Park. Our kids have attended several weeks of extreme sports summer camp and have always had a great time. Staff and management are accessible and wonderful to work with."
Amanda Penick Brauer
Parent
"The Recreation Academy has helped us add so much variety to our weekly end-of-day enrichment programs — tons of sessions have been a hit with our families. Their staff are professional, prompt, and always super engaged. Truly a fantastic company to work with."
Eve R.
The Community School
"I have absolutely loved my time at The Rec Academy and can't wait to come back and see all of my Cadets again next summer! It's really refreshing to be at a youth organization that promotes a healthy environment for everyone and supports their staff so well."
Camp Counselor
Camp Counselor (Seasonal) · St. Louis, MO
"I worked here through college and it was easily the most rewarding job I've had. The team is supportive, the schedule works around classes, and you get real coaching experience with elementary-age kids. Highly recommend for anyone in education."
Jordan P.
Former Enrichment Facilitator
"Highly recommend Rec Academy for your kid camp needs! Great staff! Awesome activity games my super active 7 year old. Naps will ensue!"
Gary Stewart
Parent, St. Louis
"My son loves the Extreme Sports camp. Great experience!"
Lindsay Schultz Wessels
Parent
"Fantastic program with excellent staff! Kids have so much fun!!"
Katrina Paumier
Parent, St. Louis
"Our kiddo loved the sports camp. The teachers were very helpful. What a great week."
Jen Kaesberg
Parent
"Fun and supportive environment with a lot of room for personal and professional growth! Working for The Recreation Academy has truly been a fulfilling experience."
Area Manager
Area Manager · St. Louis, MO
"My son attended their Summer camps and had a blast! The staff was great and caring. Highly recommend!"
Kelli Jaeger
Parent, St. Louis
"I have an uncoordinated six year old who loves running around. I was worried he might not be able to follow all the rules or would get out right away, but that wasn't the case with the playground games camp. The counselors did a great job of making sure everyone was included. His only complaint was that I picked him up… he wanted to stay all day."
Rebecca Zide
Parent, St. Louis
"Both of my boys have loved The Recreation Academy. They've done both Spring Break camps and Summer Camps. Each day they are excited to participate!"
Tiffany Whelehon
Parent, St. Louis
"Good place to work while being active and having fun with the kiddos. If you work in education and are off during the summer months, this is the best way to make some extra cash."
Coach
Coach · St. Louis, MO
"One of the best side gigs I've had. The Rec Academy trusts you to run your own class, gives you real curriculum to work from, and pays well for the hours. The kids genuinely look forward to it every week."
Marissa T.
Former Enrichment Facilitator
"My sons (5 and 9) had a great week of camp at Kirkwood Park with the Rec. Academy. They came home happy and excited to go back the next day."
Nora Schweighart
Parent, St. Louis
"My daughter Corinne loved it, highly recommend!"
Caroline Tee
Parent
"Working with The Recreation Academy has allowed our school to increase summer revenue, expand programming availability, and has been an absolute pleasure to work with. We love the Rec Academy and look forward to continuing to work with them."
Adam H.
New City School
"Management and team are great! They truly care about you and your personal & professional development. The work/life balance is for you to create. You choose your hours and what activities you work. I love the flexibility."
Area Manager
Area Manager · Chicago, IL
"Great organization to grow with. I started as an Enrichment Facilitator running after-school programs and left with real experience leading groups of kids. Management actually listens and invests in staff development."
Alicia R.
Former Enrichment Facilitator
"Very fun place to work if you're looking for something to keep you active and with kids. You are supplied with the materials needed for each class. You make your own schedule and the pay is great."
Assistant Manager
Assistant Manager · St. Louis, MO
"My son loves after school kickball! It's a great way to interact with kids from other grades and have fun!"
Liz Pratt
Parent, St. Louis
"My son loves all classes through the Rec Academy! He has fun and stays active. The instructors play with the kids and seem to be having a great time."
Beth Hausner
Parent, St. Louis
"My son did a Recreation Academy summer camp through his elementary school and had a great time doing all the fun activities, such as dodgeball, games, and sports."
Julia Maranan
Parent, St. Louis
"My son started camp this week at Kirkwood park and has absolutely loved it! He's getting three straight hours of energy out playing different sports and connecting with friends. Thanks for a great start to the summer!"
Chad Lembach
Parent, St. Louis
"Good place to work while being active and having fun with the kiddos. If you work in education and are off during the summer months, this is the best way to make some extra cash."
Coach
Coach · St. Louis, MO
"One of the best side gigs I've had. The Rec Academy trusts you to run your own class, gives you real curriculum to work from, and pays well for the hours. The kids genuinely look forward to it every week."
Marissa T.
Former Enrichment Facilitator
"My sons (5 and 9) had a great week of camp at Kirkwood Park with the Rec. Academy. They came home happy and excited to go back the next day."
Nora Schweighart
Parent, St. Louis
"My daughter Corinne loved it, highly recommend!"
Caroline Tee
Parent
"Working with The Recreation Academy has allowed our school to increase summer revenue, expand programming availability, and has been an absolute pleasure to work with. We love the Rec Academy and look forward to continuing to work with them."
Adam H.
New City School
"Management and team are great! They truly care about you and your personal & professional development. The work/life balance is for you to create. You choose your hours and what activities you work. I love the flexibility."
Area Manager
Area Manager · Chicago, IL
"Great organization to grow with. I started as an Enrichment Facilitator running after-school programs and left with real experience leading groups of kids. Management actually listens and invests in staff development."
Alicia R.
Former Enrichment Facilitator
"Very fun place to work if you're looking for something to keep you active and with kids. You are supplied with the materials needed for each class. You make your own schedule and the pay is great."
Assistant Manager
Assistant Manager · St. Louis, MO
"My son loves after school kickball! It's a great way to interact with kids from other grades and have fun!"
Liz Pratt
Parent, St. Louis
"My son loves all classes through the Rec Academy! He has fun and stays active. The instructors play with the kids and seem to be having a great time."
Beth Hausner
Parent, St. Louis
"My son did a Recreation Academy summer camp through his elementary school and had a great time doing all the fun activities, such as dodgeball, games, and sports."
Julia Maranan
Parent, St. Louis
"My son started camp this week at Kirkwood park and has absolutely loved it! He's getting three straight hours of energy out playing different sports and connecting with friends. Thanks for a great start to the summer!"
Chad Lembach
Parent, St. Louis