Every parent wants to know who's leading their kid. Meet the trained, background-checked people who keep every program safe, fun and impactful.
You want someone who knows what they're doing, actually cares, and sends your child home a little more confident. We've spent 10+ years building youth programs, run 1,100+ of them, and trained every coach on this page to do exactly that.
Founder / Director
Program and curriculum lead — every activity your child plays comes from 1,100+ programs we've run, tested with real kids and written so coaches never have to guess.
Before founding The Recreation Academy, Robert spent more than a decade on the front lines of youth development — supervising high-challenge courses, guiding wilderness and canoe trips, and leading archery and cabin groups at residential camps from Camp Takajo in Maine to Camp Ondessonk in Illinois, then directing summer camp at the Missouri Athletic Club.
As St. Louis Franchise Director and Corporate Franchise Support Specialist for Little Medical School's 34-location network, he saw what kids' programs struggle with most: staff turnover, last-minute lesson plans and uneven safety standards.
In 2021 he launched The Recreation Academy to fix that — authoring 100+ hours of STEM.org-accredited curriculum and growing to 74+ partner locations across St. Louis, Kansas City, Nashville and Medford, so your child gets the same safe, well-planned program everywhere.
Robert's other companies
Not side projects — the support system of training, accreditation and family events behind your child's program.
Years in the field
Where the experience comes from
Operations Supervisor
Operations and growth lead — 20+ years of corporate operations behind smooth site launches, easy enrollment and programs that run the same great way every week.
An Associate's degree in Business Management from Florida State College at Jacksonville and 20+ years in corporate America give David a strong business foundation.
At The Recreation Academy, he is a driving force behind our growth — leading staff development, opening new program sites, supporting marketing and driving enrollment across every location.
He has helped numerous sites hit the ground running and exceed expectations in their first two years. Outside of work, he's a proud husband and father of two who enjoys hiking and unplugging with his family.
David's other roles
Not side projects — the support system of training, accreditation and family events behind your child's program.
Focused Play Co.
Operations Supervisor
Licensable camp & enrichment curricula
Playtime Kids Events
Operations Supervisor
Youth events and family-friendly venues
Rocket Website Designs
Operations Supervisor
Websites, POS systems & more
Growth Mindset Network
Operations Supervisor
Fundraising, accreditation & training
Help every child grow skills that last — through play.
Our philosophy
Every game ends with a short guided reflection, so fun turns into communication, teamwork and resilience.
Background-checked, trained coaches and the same safety standards at every location.
Active, high-energy programming so kids never sit for an hour straight.
Kids head home with confidence and words for the skills they just practiced.
Area Managers are promoted from within. They lead and mentor instructors at assigned locations, ensuring every program meets our high standards.
St. Louis, MO · Area Manager
Coach Fabian combines creativity and STEM passion to inspire kids in fun, unique ways. With four years of experience working with youth, he loves blending art and science — like making custom Pokémon cards — to spark curiosity and build community. When he's not coaching, he's painting acrylic landscapes and cheering on Leones de Ponce.
St. Louis, MO · Area Manager
Coach Dorie loves helping kids stay active, build confidence, and feel included. With 30 years of experience working with children, she creates safe, positive spaces where kids can express themselves and discover what makes them unique. One of her favorites to lead is Foam Tip Archery. Outside of camp, she enjoys dancing, roller skating, Zumba, and line dancing.
Medford, OR · Area Manager
Coach Jalen brings 10 years of experience working with kids and a passion for helping them reach their potential. He loves leading high-energy football activities that build teamwork, confidence, and character. When he's not coaching, you'll find him playing video games, watching anime, spending time with family, and cheering on the Miami Dolphins.
Every Rec Academy coach is selected for three things: real experience working with kids, the confidence to lead a room, and a genuine desire to keep learning.
St. Louis, MO
Coach Elliot is all about energy, fun, and positive impact. Now in his fourth year working with kids, he brings a love for sports — especially soccer and Gaga Ball — and a personal goal of making camp just as meaningful for today's youth as it was for him growing up. Off the clock you'll catch him lifting weights, playing Xbox, or rooting for the Denver Broncos.
St. Louis, MO
Coach Ainsley has been working with kids for 7 years and brings a ton of energy and experience to the team. She grew up loving summer camp and now works hard to give kids that same fun, memorable experience. When she's not leading activities, Ainsley enjoys playing volleyball, doing puzzles, and hanging out with her dog, Jupiter.
St. Louis, MO
Coach Terrance brings high energy, steady leadership, and a real passion for helping kids grow through sports and play. He currently serves as a summer day camp director and supports several local youth enrichment organizations. With us he leads sports clinics, school-break camps, and after-school clubs. In his spare time, he enjoys gardening.
St. Louis, MO
Coach Ethan has been working with kids since high school and brings 7 years of teaching experience. He loves helping youth grow while having fun through Gaga and basketball, focusing on teamwork, respect, and honesty. During the school year, Ethan coaches Esports. Outside of work, he enjoys golf, sports, and sending TikToks to his wife.
St. Louis, MO
Kizzy brings 27 years of passion and experience to youth enrichment, starting her journey as a high school volunteer reader who discovered her calling to positively impact children's futures. A proud Green Bay Packers fan, she specializes in leading dance and arts & crafts activities that help kids try new things and feel celebrated for who they are.
St. Louis, MO
Morgan is back for another summer! With 4 years of experience from babysitting and YMCA camps, she loves sharing her passion for dance, 9-Square, and Gaga Ball — helping kids learn new skills and teamwork. Morgan is excited to meet the cadets, learn from their fresh perspectives, and discover new games together.
St. Louis, MO
Fynn brings 3 years of experience working with kids and a drive to make a real impact in his community — one game at a time. Whether he's lifting weights, scaling a rock wall, running, playing pickleball, or cheering on Mizzou Football, Fynn stays active and brings that energy straight to the field with a killer game of Capture the Flag.
St. Louis, MO
Kerriann brings 2 years of experience working with kids and a genuine passion for making a difference. A Cardinals fan at heart, she's drawn to youth work because she remembers looking up to adults who believed in her — and now she wants to be that role model. Whether leading video games or theatre-based programs, she creates spaces where kids feel seen and heard.
St. Louis, MO
Bryce brings 1 year of experience working with kids and a genuine desire to be the kind of positive role model he had growing up. A college football player with a love for nearly every sport, he knows what it means to stay active, compete hard, and show up for your team. His go-to: an intense game of Knockout.
St. Louis, MO
Carson brings 2 years of experience working with kids and a clear mission — help every child grow into their best version. A college football player with a love for nearly any sport, he stays active through runs, hikes, and competing on the field, and brings that same energy to his favorite activity: football. Off the field he's cheering on the Commanders.
St. Louis, MO
Coach Caleb brings energy and teamwork to every activity he leads. With six years of experience working with kids, he loves guiding team games like basketball and kickball to help kids learn communication, problem-solving, and respect. Outside of camp, Caleb enjoys pickleball, jamming on guitar and drums, and rooting for the Toronto Raptors.
Love working with kids? We're always looking for energetic, dependable coaches to join our team. Tap to see open roles.
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Pick a camp, club or clinic near you.
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Add your child, sign the waiver and check out securely.
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Your child comes home tired, happy and a little more confident.