CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO RECREATION
Introduction
Gerald B. Fitzgerald as early as 50’s has described the nature of leisure as “Leisure
represents time; time is opportunity. Leisure represents freedom; freedom allows for choice, and
choice is opportunity. Choice however is, is conditioned by education, a sense of values,
environment and accessibility of resources. Freedom and leisure cannot be separated. Leisure is
that time, earned through work, which is available for pursuits freely decided upon with no
ulterior compulsion. Leisure in itself is not necessarily a blessing; its value depends upon the
uses to which it is put.”
Recreation has been defined from amusement, entertainment and play, to-off job living.
The relationships and differences between education, group work and physical education have
been discussed exhaustively coming up with the concept that recreation is a matter of attitude
toward life or an area of living.
The individual’s choice of recreational activities or recreational interest is
conditioned by factors as: attitude, early home environment, stages of growth, talent,
influence of peers and friends outside the peer group, family.
Recreation activities are held during one’s leisure time. Their objective is to revitalize all
the different aspects of life, ex. the physical, mental, emotional and social aspects of the
individual. Each activity is not a competition, but skill is also given importance. All activities are
held for self-satisfaction and enjoyment.
Recreation is a means of relaxing the mind and the body. They can be instruments for
developing physical health and outlets for self-expression and creativity. They may serve as a
means of developing character and possible clinical applications to individuals with chronic pain
and health impairments. It helps a person to reduce stress.
Recreation is the uses of time in various creative ways. It is therapeutic refreshment of
one’s body and mind. The choice of hours for recreation is, for employees, restricted by their
work schedule, for students, by school hours. For people with their own business, it is also
restricted by the requirements of the work such as the operating hours of the business, based on
the wished of their costumer, laws and customs.
The following are the best time for recreation:
1. Weekends
2. Holidays
3. Special occasions
Recreation can become an organized activity of local governments often create parks or
community centers. These provide venues for organized sports, arts and crafts, and activities for
senior citizens. Without recreation, lifewould be unbearable, unsatisfying, and unbalanced.
Recreation opens the road to opportunities for self-discovery, self-expression and creativity.
Lesson 2: Characteristics and Importance of Recreation
Characteristics of Recreation
1. It occurs in an unobligated time. It includes a variety of forms and may be found in
various settings.
2. It has no simple from. It includes a variety of form
3. It involves activity. Individuals actively participate in different activities.
4. It is determined by motivation. The kind of recreation an individual engages in are
determined by his/her interest.
5. It involves voluntary participation. Individuals engaging in recreation have the freedom
to choose the activities which they wish to take part in.
6. It is universally sought and practiced. People from all walks of life; young, old, poor and
rich; generally engage in recreational activities.
7. It has by products. Personal development, intellectual, physical, social growth, and better
health are rewards of recreation. Undesirable forms of recreation may contribute to the
deterioration, and even to the disintegration of one’s personality.
8. It gives satisfaction. The main objectives of recreation are enjoyment and satisfaction. If
these objectives are achieved, there will be a feeling of fulfillment and within a person.
The characteristic of recreation mentioned above do not restrict the scope of recreation
for any individual or group. When a recreational activity exhibits majority of the said
characteristics, there is strong evidence that a desirable form of recreation is in progress. No
specific formula for measuring the worth of a recreational activity is advocated. Recreation
depends on one’s state of mind and attitude toward an activity.
Importance of Recreation
1. Physical Health–A large part of recreation is physical in nature like some forms of
games, sports and dance that are essential to physical fitness.
2. Psychological Health–leisure and recreation can relax and recharge the overworked
individual. Frustration is a result of mental stress. Satisfying and worthwhile activities
that can relax a tired mind during spare time can help overcome frustration. Recreation
can also offers opportunities to develop and enhance skills as well as creativity.
3. Social Well – Being–Recreation can be a source of happiness and satisfaction. A happy
person can easily adjust to his/her peers, subordinates and superiors. As a social force,
recreation is a means of establishing unity among individuals. It develops a well-rounded
personality. It also helps develop and restrain delinquency, lessens if not eliminates) the
problems of community disorganization, and offers a varies opportunities for better social
relations.
4. Emotional Stability–People who balanced work and recreation can find their life
fulfillment and their existence meaningful.
5. Occupational–Recreational activities can usually translate into monetary benefits for
people who are engaged in business. Amusement parks, internet cafes, gyms, and arcades
are some examples of business that profit from recreational activities.
Lesson 3: Scope of Recreation/Agencies for Recreation
Scope of Recreation
An individual may voluntarily participate in many recreational activities, either as
spectator or as a participant. The scope of recreation is wide enough to cover the many
activities which an individual may freely choose from. These activities may be performed
either indoors or outdoors. Below are some of the activities:
1. Games and Sports
Ex. Playing: a. Basketball b. Chess c. Scrabble
d. Card Game e. Volleyball f. Badminton
g. Dominoes h. Billiards
2. Music Activities
a. Listening to music through the radio/cassette/VCDs/MP3s
b. Karaoke Singing/Videoke Singing
c. Playing Musical Instruments
3. Technology-based activities
a. Internet surfing
b. Chatting
c. Texting
d. Computer Games
4. Fitness Activities
a. Fitness walking
b. Jogging
c. Biking
5. Arts and Crafts
a. Drawing
b. Cross-stitching
c. Cooking
6. Nature and Outdoor Activities
a. Camping
b. Going to parks
c. Nature Tripping
d. Hiking/Mountain Climbing
e. Swimming
7. Special Events
a. Attending social events
b. Going to discos
c. Dining Out
8. Mental, Linguistic, and Literary Activities
Ex. Reading a. Pocketbooks
b. Magazine
c. Newpapers
d. Books
e. Comics
9. Commercial and Home Entertainment Activities
Ex. Watching: a. Movies at the cinema
b. Movies at home through VCDs, CDs, DVDs and computer
c. Television
10. Cultural Activities
Ex. Watching: a. Cultural shows
b. Festivals
11. Miscellaneous Hobbies
a. Spending time at one’s hangout (tambayan)
b. Window shopping
c. Strolling at the mall
d. Playing with pets
e. Chatting with friends over the phone
AGENCIES FOR RECREATION
These are different agencies which can provide a variety of recreational facilities,
activities and programs that meet people’s recreational needs.
Agencies providing recreation may be grouped into the following:
1. Public or Government Agencies - created and administered by the national/local
government for public use; Ex. Local senior citizen centers which offer ballroom dancing
lessons.
2. Voluntary Agencies - supported primarily by private funds which render community
services; they are non-exclusive groups which extend recreational opportunities even to
non - member.
Ex. YMCA, Catholic Youth Organizations, Girls and Boys Scouts
3. Private Agencies - composed of the innumerable clubs and associations organized
primarily for the benefit of their members whose membership is on selective basis.
Ex. Business and Industry, Hospitals and Sports Organization
4. Commercial Agencies - Inclusive of many business organizations which cater to the
public demand for leisure and for the agencies own profit.
Ex. Radio, records, television and musical instruments, theaters and movie houses,
amusement center.
