1.0 Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
By the end of STEP 1, the student will be able to:
- Describe the overarching goals of recreation programming (Canadian Perspective) as they relate to Greenleaf’s Servant Leadership Model (1970)
- Define the terms “Mission,” “Vision,” and “Values” as they pertain to organizational philosophy
- Recognize how recreation professionals create and adapt programming approaches and content to align with an Agency’s specific Mission, Vision and Values
- Explain the importance of getting to know client characteristics and demography before planning any program
Imagine you are a recreation employee who has just been charged with developing a new, innovative recreation program at your place of work. How do you get started? What things need to be considered? Starting at STEP 1 of the 12-STEP program-planning framework will simplify the process. Before you begin planning any program, you must thoroughly understand your participant audience and who exactly you are planning the program for. This is STEP 1.
Before diving into the process of creating any recreation or leisure-based program or event, STEP 1 of the Program-Planning process requires the program planner to thoroughly familiarize themselves with the population they are being asked to serve, the Mission, Vision and Core Values of the larger organization being programmed for, and the available places and spaces that will be available to accommodate the program in question. Novice program-planners and recreation leaders often quickly dive into the idea stage for a new program or event without first considering precisely who they are programming for and why.
The best recreation programs serve the people participating and can inspire, enlighten, engage, and improve the participants’ lives. After all, the word “recreation” itself implies some degree of re-creating reality – providing renewal or refreshment through experiences that provide enjoyment and personal growth for all who participate.
Recreation is the experience that results from freely chosen participation in physical, social, intellectual, creative and spiritual pursuits that enhance individual and community wellbeing.
(Canadian Parks and Recreation Association/Interprovincial Sport and Recreation Council, 2015).
With this definition in mind, the program-planner should adopt a “Servant-Leadership” mindset that places the programmer squarely in service of the client’s wellbeing through the effective creation an facilitation of recreation-based programs and activities.
