5.0 Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
By the end of STEP 5, the student shall be able to:
- List the formats found most frequently in recreation program planning
- Describe different Physical Environments: Facilities and Venues that house recreation-based programs and events
- Explain how thoughtful activity sequencing, pace and transitions contribute to program flow and participant enjoyment
- Describe “Head, Heart and Hands,” and how these relate to and directly influence, a client’s enjoyment of a given program or event
In STEP 1, you established exactly who you are programming for. In STEP 2, you identified the needs of your group or organization. In STEP 3, you figured out how much money you have to play with for your program, and where that money is coming from. In STEP 4, you designed meaningful, SMART goals and objectives for your program, with a view to creating meaning and purpose for the participants and the Agency. Now comes STEP 5 – the fun part – designing the program!
Some programs are short – an hour or less – and relatively low-needs in terms of personnel and equipment, i.e., a spin class, an aqua-fit class, or a crochet workshop. Others are lengthier, occur over several hours, days, weeks or months, and have several moving parts that require multiple leaders with specific skills and a considerable amount of materials.
There are many things to consider when designing a program. When will the program begin and end? What skill level does the program appeal to? Where will the program be held? What kind of supplies and equipment are needed? What kind of risks need to be managed? And ultimately…what will participants actually do? There are myriad decisions to be made, all of which are to enhance and benefit the participant experience. Let’s go!
