Betty van der Smissen chapter 5 Delivery Systems

Recreation and Leisure: Delivered in a Multifaceted System Some think of recreation delivery in terms of the sponsoring entity. To some, recreation and leisure delivery is the setting. Some think in terms of age or type of population group. Some think in terms of organized program activities, which are the service modality of the sponsor. These systems are not independent or mutually exclusive. Predominant characteristics distinguish the different facets within each delivery system.

Sponsoring Sector System All organized recreation and leisure is sponsored by some entity. Three primary sectors are public agencies, nonprofit associations, and private for-profit enterprises. Distinguished by characteristics, including governing authority, philosophical approach, and funding. –Governmental agencies –Nonprofit associations –Business enterprise –Unique “closed” groups

Setting Service modalities take place in 4 types of settings: 1.Natural environment, e.g., local, state, and national parks, forests, and water bodies; resident camps and adventure and challenge activities; and trips that take place outside 2.Institutional settings: –Special “closed” populations, e.g., mental and rehab hospitals and correctional institutions –Colleges, industries, churches, and military bases (continued)

Setting (continued) 3.Building-centered settings, e.g., YMCA and YWCA, Boys and Girls Clubs, athletic clubs, recreation centers, museums, and commercial business 4.General community, e.g. community centers and most public recreation

Population Segments Different homogeneous population segments can be related to the following: Age: children, youth, young adults, adult, and seniors; others are inclusive across the life span. “Types of people”: youth at risk, ethnic and cultural and lower economic groups, and people with disabilities; services are targeted to their special needs.

Interest in Population Segments Stems From... A person’s gratification in providing a service in a specific area: –Youth development –Rehabilitation –Entertainment and enjoyment A preference for ages or types of population Comfort with and ability to relate to a certain group

Service Modality The most important aspect to the participant is the activity itself, regardless of objective. Activity and program examples include sports, cultural arts, fitness and wellness, social recreation, and nature-oriented and adventure recreation. Conducting an activity serves two functions: –Direct leadership and supervision –Operational management

The Profession The professional opportunities are wide open, and one can move within a delivery system. Governmental agencies: –City –State –Federal Nonprofit associations Business enterprises Unique “closed’ groups: –Schools –Hospitals Consider the nature of the people with whom you wish to work and in what setting.

Professional Associations Public recreation: American Park and Recreation Society (APRS), a branch of National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) College sports: National Intramural- Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) Nonprofit association: Society for Nonprofit Organizations Natural environment: National Association for Interpretation (NAI) (continued)

Professional Associations (continued) Adventure activities: Association for Experiential Education (AEE) Recreation for people with disabilities: National Therapeutic Recreation Society (NTRS), a branch of NRPA Tourism: Travel and Tourism Research Association (TTRA) Fitness: International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA)