About BCTRA

BCTRA was formed as a governing body to represent Recreation Therapists and their practice within the province of British Columbia. Therapeutic Recreation intervention is provided by trained professionals in clinical and/or community settings.

Therapeutic Recreation is a process that utilizes treatment, education and recreation participation to enable persons with physical, cognitive, emotional and/or social limitations to acquire and/or maintain the skills, knowledge and behaviours that will allow them to enjoy their leisure optimally, function independently with the least amount of assistance and participate as fully as possible in society.

We believe that recreation, leisure and play are inherent and significant aspects of the human experience as they promote quality of life and wellness at every stage of development. Further, we believe that individuals of all abilities have the right to benefit from leisure and recreation.

The BCTRA executive and Board of Directors is made up of eight members who, as elected by the membership, are responsible for one portfolio of action to include:

President
Secretary/Treasurer
Director of Communications
Director of Education and Recruitment 
Director of Membership 
Director of Ethics and Research
Director of Advocacy and Liaison
Past President

The executive is responsible for managing the day to day operations, communications and future planning of BCTRA at the provincial level.

Historial Perspective 1990 – 2008

The BC Therapeutic Recreation Association originated as a sub-group in a voluntary Therapeutic Recreation registration program within the Recreation Integration Branch of the BC Recreation and Parks Association.

On February 22, 1990, a vote within this group indicated a majority for a separate organization representing the professional needs of the Therapeutic Recreation professionals (Recreation Therapists).

The B.C.T.R.A. was incorporated under the Societies Act on June 17, 1991. The first annual general meeting was held on September 19, 1991, at which time, the first executive was elected.

Evolution of an Association – Honoring our past and working positively towards our future…..as taken from the BCTRA “Tenth Anniversary Commemorative Booklet”.

1990

• Philosophy, Bylaws and constitution developed

1991

• British Columbia Therapeutic Recreation Association is incorporated - first paid memberships & inaugural AGM held.
• BCTRA logo & tag line established: “as a profession we can move mountains”
• The Newsletter is born

1992

• First Therapeutic Recreation Week implemented in British Columbia

1993

• First official chapter is established in Victoria

1994

• Code of Ethics adopted
• Continuing Education Units implemented

1995

• First Recognition Awards distributed

1997

• Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association is formed
• Standards of Practice are adopted and officially in place

1999

• Transfer of Function Guidelines document presented to membership

2000

• Celebrating 10 Progressive Years Vision in Action!
• Website Launch
• BCTRA adopts Therapeutic Recreation in Ontario (TRO) Standards of Practice

2001

• First BCTRA promotional brochure issued

2002

• Restructuring Task force struck to review association and membership structures

2003

• Legal Advice regarding title protection influenced changes to:
• Change of title to Therapeutic Recreation Practitioner (abb. TRP).
• Continuing Education Membership Survey results compiled & published,
• Regulation Task Force formed – dedicated to seeking Title protection under the societies act, the establishment of a professional College and a registration process.
• Restructuring Task Force – ‘Visioning Sessions’ are conducted to seek the membership’s advice through face to face meetings held across the province resulting in the dissolution of Chapters and the introduction of Professional Practice Groups. Recommendations are also made to restructure board positions.
• Reduced student fees introduced as a method of inclusion and building future membership.

2004

• Launch of new Logo and tag line: “Leisure, Recreation and Play...building blocks of health and wellness”
• Legal Advice regarding title protection influenced changes:
• Professional Membership Criteria was clearly defined with specific courses defining qualifications for membership.
• Clearly defined Disciplinary process and appeal process put in place
• Changes to the provincial Health Protection Act limits the ability of BCTRA to seek title protection under the Societies Act.
• Membership fees for new graduates are half price for one year after graduation.

2005

• BCTRA hosts the 9th Annual CTRA Conference in Vancouver
• Professional Practice groups now have leadership; Chapters are officially dissolved.

2006

• Announcement of Douglas College Degree program starting in September 2006
• CTRA Standards of Practice for Recreation Therapists & TR Assistants published

2007

• Steering Committee Struck to address the issues of self governance, certification and regulation.
• CTRA endorses official negotiations with the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification

2008

• On Line Registration system in place for renewal of memberships

References from BCTRA Tenth Anniversary Commemorative Booklet January 2000 and from Monique Kendrick’s article in Vision and Views Volume 13; Issue 5 January – March 2005.