chapter 2

The Profession of Leisure Programming

Russell & Jamieson

What Is a Leisure and Recreation Programmer?

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The programmer plans, coordinates, executes, and evaluates recreational opportunities or experiences.

The programmer is an extremely important part of the leisure experience!

Recreation Programmer Roles

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Developing single programs Planning special events Planning community functions Developing a series of related programs Establishing an entire program

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What are some other examples?

Organizational Settings

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The term system is used to identify any assembly of entities that share purposes and processes.

An organized leisure service system involves staffing, facilities, and fiscal operations.

Organized leisure service systems have these qualities:

– Diversity – Pervasiveness

Leisure Service Systems

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Governmental recreation and park agencies Nonprofit community organizations Private membership organizations Employee services Armed Forces recreation organizations Campus recreation organizations Commercial recreation businesses Therapeutic recreation services Sport services Tourism and hospitality services

Governmental Recreation and Park Agencies

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Public or governmental organizations provide networks of parks, community centers, and sport facilities for citizens.

Programs are typically supported by tax funds as well as by fees and charges, grants, and other sources.

Nonprofit Community Organizations

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These leisure service systems rely heavily on volunteer leadership, donations, and other community agency partnerships.

A high priority is placed on recreation programs for youth development.

Private Membership Organizations

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These restrictive membership-based organizations focus on giving members what they want.

Programming positions might include sport, recreation skill classes, social events, and cultural activities.

Employee Services

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Employee services are aimed at building a sense of camaraderie and loyalty among company employees and helping them lead healthier and more productive lives.

Programs range from holiday events, sport leagues, and special interest activities.

Armed Forces Recreation Organizations

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Recreation in the Armed Forces is supported by Congress as well as by user fees.

The Navy, Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps assign responsibility to provide recreation programs that make a positive contribution to military life.

Campus Recreation Organizations

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College and university campuses offer recreation programs for students, faculty, and staff.

Programs include intramural and club sports and outdoor recreation.

They are designed to promote student well being, which may lead to academic success.

Commercial Recreation Businesses

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These recreation programs are provided for the purpose of making a profit.

Recreation businesses do not often have clearly classified job descriptions or hiring procedures.

Therapeutic Recreation Services

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The therapeutic recreation sector is a “melting pot” of various sponsor and program types.

This leisure service system provides recreation programming for persons with illnesses or disabilities.

Sport Services

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Many agencies offer sport services.

This leisure service system has a program and entertainment component.

Programs may include coaching and officiating, athletic fitness and conditioning, facilities management, and league coordination.

Tourism and Hospitality Services

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Tourism and hospitality make up a complex system encompassing holiday and vacation travel, sport travel, cultural travel, and other tourist activities.

Programming opportunities may include coordinating guest- and patron-centered events in tourist areas.

Personal Qualities Programmers must possess these qualities in order to be successful:

• Empathy • Energy • Integrity • Vision • Professionalism

Programmer Attributes College degrees

• Available degrees include associate, bachelor’s, master’s, directorate, and doctorate in a variety of fields.

• These degree programs teach students technical, theoretical, and philosophical guidelines.

• Colleges and universities also may include continuing education opportunities for practitioners.

Continuing Education

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Professional associations provide continuing education workshops.

For example, NRPA offers the National Playground Institute for practitioners who wish to continue their education.

Certification

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The purpose of certification is to assess competence according to a set of standards to determine if practitioners have needed skills and abilities for particular jobs.

Some programming areas offer certification of programmers and leaders.

– Today, there are more than 16,000 actively certified therapeutic recreation specialists ( www.nctrc.org

; accessed 1/11/05).

(continued)

Certification (continued)

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In 1981, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) instituted a national certification plan.

– Certified park and recreation professional (CPRP)