being, promoting physical and mental health,
HES1 REVIEWER fostering social connections, developing new
What is Recreation? skills, and contributing to overall quality of life
▪ It is an activity of leisure. by providing opportunities for relaxation,
▪ Recreational activities are often done for creativity, and personal growth, especially in
enjoyment, amusement, or pleasure and are the face of increasingly demanding work
considered to be "fun" schedules and societal pressures.
What is Leisure?
It is a time free from work or duties. Reasons to study Leisure & Recreation
It is time spent away from business, ✓ Improved Physical Health
work, job hunting, domestic chores, and - physical fitness, reduce stress, and
education. prevent chronic diseases through exercise and
Opportunity provided by free time active lifestyles.
✓ Enhanced Mental Health
Leisure is a period of free time, while - means to relax,
recreation is a specific activity done during de-stress, boost mood, and
leisure time. improve cognitive function.
Leisure ✓ Social Connection
✓ A period away from work, school, and Participating in recreational
other responsibilities. activities with others can
✓ A time for pursuing personal interests. strengthen relationships,
✓ A time for relaxing and resting. build community, and foster
✓ A time for doing things without a social interaction.
specific agenda. ✓ Personal Development
✓ A time for activities that are intrinsically Exploring different hobbies and
satisfying. leisure pursuits can lead to the
✓ A time for activities that are development of new skills,
psychologically pleasant creativity, and self-expression.
Recreation ✓ Lifelong Learning
✓ An activity done during leisure time. Studying leisure and recreation can
✓ An activity that is enjoyable, pleasurable, inform individuals about various
or fun. activities suitable for different ages
✓ An activity that can help relax the brain and abilities, promoting active
and stimulate cognitive function. aging.
✓ An activity that can help improve mood ✓ Community Planning
and relieve stress. Understanding leisure needs
✓ An activity that can help people build within a community allows for
healthy relationships. the development of appropriate
recreational facilities and
Why do we need to study Leisure and programs to cater to diverse
Recreation? populations.
Studying leisure and recreation is important
because it helps us understand how to The Origins of Leisure and Recreation
effectively utilize free time for personal well- ✓ Prehistoric Societies
➢ Domestication People's personalities, abilities,
➢ Social classes interests, and life stage can influence
➢ Leisure class their choice of recreation.
✓ The Industrial Revolution
➢ Organized sports Recreation can have many benefits
➢ Clubs and societies including:
▪ Improved health
Characteristics of RECREATION Recreation can improve
Involves Activity cardiovascular function, sleep,
Determined by Motivation and stamina. It can also reduce
Voluntarily Anticipated stress levels.
Gives Direct Satisfaction ▪ Improved social connections
Occurs in un obligated time Recreation can reduce isolation
and loneliness and build strong
Examples : families and communities.
Active recreation ▪ Improved quality of life
Passive recreation Recreation can improve self-
Cognitive leisure esteem and overall quality of life.
Social activities
Arts and crafts activities Understanding Leisure and
Camping and outdoor activities Recreational Clientele
Not only does a balance of work and
Factors that promote the growth recreation improve our physical and mental
of recreation include: health, but it also positively influences our
▪ Increased Discretionary Time occupational, emotional, and social health as
People have more free time to well. Recreation—especially in nature—
pursue recreational activities. This helps our brains relax and stimulates us
includes more holidays and longer cognitively, which results in greater
vacations. productivity at work.
▪ Technological Advancements
New technologies have created new
forms of recreation, such as video Why does Recreation
games, computer dating, and and Leisure important in
outdoor activities like skydiving. Hospitality Industry?
▪ Public interest in health and fitness The combination of Leisure and need for
People are more interested in recreation are vital to the process of tourism.
improving their health and fitness, The interplay shapes the tourism product.
which can lead to more participation Free time is time spent away from the
in recreational activities. business, work, job hunting, domestic
▪ Social factors chores and education. It also excludes time
People are motivated to participate in spent on necessary activities such as eating
recreational activities with family and and sleeping.
friends. All leisure and recreation facilities need to
▪ Individual factors make sure that their customers
are happy with the service they receive. In 1. Funding
order to do this, they must have Limited financial resources can hinder the
effective customer service that includes; development and
✓ Meeting customers’ needs maintenance of recreational facilities,
✓ Ensuring health and safety (of customers, programs, and services.
self, colleagues and facility) Organizations must find creative ways to
✓Ensuring security (of customers, self, secure funding through
colleagues, facility and information) grants, partnerships, and sponsorships.
2. Changing Demographics
Meeting Customers’ Needs The diverse needs and preferences of
When using a leisure and recreation facility, different age groups,
customers will expect effective service and will cultures, and abilities require recreation
have a variety of needs. providers to offer a wide
For example: range of activities and services. Adapting to
They need to feel welcome – it is important changing
that all the staff are friendly and helpful. demographics ensures inclusivity and
They need to pay a fair price – it is essential relevance.
that the customers do not feel that they have 3. Technology
been charged too much and that the price is The rapid advancement of technology has
similar to that of other leisure and recreation both positive and
facilities of the same kind. negative impacts on the recreation and
leisure service field.
Customer who think that they have been While technology can enhance program
overcharged will probably never come back. delivery and
They need to receive a good quality service – communication, it can also create challenges
it is important that customers leave the related to privacy,
facility feeling satisfied and that they have screen time, and the digital divide.
received the service they expected. 4. Environmental Sustainability
They need to get reliable and honest Recreation and leisure activities often rely on
information – never lie to customers about natural resources
the service or give a false impression. and outdoor spaces. Balancing the demand
for recreational
For example: opportunities with the need to protect and
A hotel that describes its location as being preserve the
“near the sea” when in fact it is at least a 20 – environment is a significant challenge.
minute walk away. Sustainable practices
and responsible resource management are
Challenges in the Recreation and essential.
Leisure Service Field 5. Workforce Development
Recruiting and retaining qualified staff is
The Recreation and Leisure service field faces crucial for delivering high-
several challenges that quality recreation and leisure services. The
impact its operations and effectiveness. Here field requires
are six major challenges: professionals with diverse skills, including
program planning, Leadership is the ability to guide, influence,
customer service, leadership, and risk or inspire others to achieve common goals or
management. Organizations objectives. It involves taking responsibility,
must invest in training and professional making decisions, and motivating people to
development to build a work together toward a shared vision. Good
skilled workforce. leadership is about understanding people,
6. Community Engagement providing direction, and fostering a positive
Engaging the community and fostering environment where individuals can contribute
participation in recreational their best.
activities can be challenging. Overcoming
barriers such as lack of Key aspects of Leadership include:
awareness, transportation, and cultural ❑ Vision
differences requires proactive Providing a clear direction and purpose
outreach, collaboration with community ❑ Communication
organizations, and targeted Effectively conveying ideas, instructions, and
marketing strategies. feedback
❑ Motivation
By addressing these challenges, the Inspiring and encouraging others to stay
recreation and leisure service field can engaged and committed
enhance its ability to provide meaningful and ❑ Decision-making
accessible experiences for individuals and Making informed, timely decisions that
communities. benefit the group
❑ Empathy
Understanding and addressing the needs and
The 21st Century Leadership in Leisure concerns of others
Service ❑ Integrity
Acting with honesty, ethics, and consistence
Leisure Services
Leisure services refer to the range of Leadership can be applied in various
activities, programs, and facilities that settings—business, education, sports,
are provided to support recreation, or even within communities—and is
relaxation, and entertainment for people crucial in driving success,
during their free time. innovation, and collaboration.
Types of Leisure Services can include things
like:
❑ Sports and fitness
❑ Cultural and artistic activities
❑ Outdoor activities
❑ Community centers offering social
gatherings,
classes, and other recreational programs
❑ Travel and tourism
Key Leadership Qualities
in the 21st Century
Leadership in the 21st century is multi-
faceted,
requiring a combination of technical
expertise,
emotional intelligence, strategic vision, and a
strong commitment to ethical practices.
Leaders today must be flexible, inclusive,
communicative, and capable of managing
both people and technologies in a fast-
changing world.
In many situations, the best leaders are also
good managers, and the best managers are Leadership Qualities
effective leaders. Ideally, they balance both ▪ Emotional Intelligence
aspects to drive success Empathy
Social Skills
Importance of leadership Regulation of Emotions
in guiding Teams and ▪ Digital Literacy
Organizations Technological Proficiency
▪ Communication Skills
Leadership is crucial in guiding Active Listening
teams and organizations because Digital Communication
it helps set direction, fosters
collaboration, and drives Importance of Teamwork in Leisure
success. Settings
Teamwork plays a crucial role in leisure
Importance of leadership in guiding Teams settings, whether in recreational
and Organizations facilities, community programs, sports teams,
✓ Establishing Clear Vision and Goals or event planning. Effective teamwork helps
✓ Inspiring and Motivating Others create a positive, productive, and enjoyable
✓ Building Trust environment for both employees and
✓ Encouraging Innovation and Adaptability participants.
✓Enhancing Performance and Accountability
✓ Facilitating Decision-Making and Problem- In leisure settings, teamwork is essential for
Solving creating a positive experience for both
✓ Promoting Organizational Culture and employees and participants. Whether it’s
Values delivering excellent customer service,
✓ Building Resilience fostering innovation, enhancing safety, or
✓ Developing Future Leaders building a supportive work environment,
teamwork enables leisure services to run
smoothly, efficiently, and effectively. Leaders
in leisure services should encourage
collaboration, open communication, and a
shared sense of purpose to ensure the
success of their programs and activities.
