Youth are often the primary group for parks and recreation organizations, yet recreation professionals are often not adequately prepared in the principles and practices of youth development. Similarly, youth workers outside the recreation field often lack information on basic recreation program design and activity leadership. Improving access to educational programs focusing on youth development and recreation, as well as providing continuous training and development opportunities for recreation leaders in youth-serving organizations, can help to close the competency gaps. In this article, the authors discuss a competency-based approach to preparing staff as recreation and youth development leaders. (Contains 2 tables and 17 notes.)