Programming Concepts HPR 322 Chapter 2

What constitutes a Program? Park? Aerobics class? Child Care Center? Craft Show? Outreach Program? Zoo? All of these? “A program is a designed opportunity for a leisure experience to occur” It’s a process to allow participants to reap benefits We create it

Historically…Classical Era ( ) Concept of Leisure has been throughout the ages Delivery by professionals is relatively new Around 1900 in North America ◦ Started in playgrounds for “disadvantaged children” – organized programs vs free play to make playgrounds more interesting and efficient ◦ 1930s – Great Depression – Leisure programs to respond to social problems funded by govt

Neoclassical Era ( ) Great prosperity following WWII resulted in discretionary income and time. Focus shifted to quality of life Govt began providing leisure programming for all classes of individuals Emphasized linkage of program benefits and activities Activities are “means” and not an “end” – contribute to enrichment of human personality

Modern Era (1960-present) Workshop at Michigan State University (1953) produced The Recreation Program (1954) ◦ Focused on leisure programming – educators and practitioners collaborated to author Professional knowledge and theories have emerged Marketing to all populations, target markets, privatization, contracting services, wellness/fitness, svcs for older adults, risk, tourism, cultural arts, outdoor pursuits, inclusion, diversity, before/after school programming (youth development)

Baby Boomers continue quest to be physically and spiritually well – fitness, nutrition, building meaningful relationships, understanding one’s self

Strategies in Organization of Leisure Services 1. Political/Governmental System (Public) Govt draws resources from society and attempt to meet their needs Could be rational, logical, systematic Could be influenced by special interest groups US spends more than $6 bil for park, recreation, culture & environmental svcs

2. Voluntary (Private Non-profit) The notion of giving time and talent on a voluntary basis to better community life Organizations are funded by contributions, gifts, memberships, time and talent of community members Some target the community as a whole Some target specific groups based on age, gender, religious, social, environmental concerns, etc Voluntary system expenditures exceed $16 bil annually

3. Market System ( Commercial for profit) Customer uses discretionary funds to purchase goods/svcs to meet their needs The individual customer determines what is produced, how much to produce, what the cost will be – Supply/Demand

Strategies for creating and distributing Leisure Services Social Planning – Direct service delivery – Process using knowledge and expertise to rationally and logically distribute leisure - Process Steps (Figure 2.2 page 39) 1.Develop philosophical framework 2.Identify needs 3.Plan delivery 4.Implement program 5.Evaluate 6.Feedback

Community Development – Indirect service delivery Assumes individuals can make their own decisions to meet their own needs – Helping people help themselves Leisure professional serves as resource (provide info and insight), teacher, coach, link for community resources, friend, encourager Works face-to-face with individuals to help them solve their problems

Social Action – Leisure is viewed as a “right” The Leisure professional serves as an advocate for the rights of others Identify issues and organize people and resources to impact the concern Summary ◦ Social Planning views customer as consumer ◦ Community development views customer as collaborator in the process ◦ Social Action views customer as victim of society