Programming ConceptsProgramming ConceptsHPR 322 Chapter 2

What constitutes a What constitutes a Program?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 Historically…Classical Era (1880-1939)(1880-1939)Concept of Leisure has been throughout

the agesDelivery by professionals is relatively

newAround 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 (1940-Neoclassical Era (1940-1959)1959)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-Modern Era (1960-present)present)Workshop at Michigan State University

(1953) produced The Recreation Program (1954)◦ Focused on leisure programming – educators

and practitioners collaborated to authorProfessional knowledge and theories

have emergedMarketing 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 Strategies in Organization of Leisure ServicesLeisure Services1. 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 Strategies for creating and distributing Leisure Servicesdistributing Leisure ServicesSocial 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 framework2. Identify needs3. Plan delivery4. Implement program5. Evaluate6. 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