Articles
Dynamic Storytelling
At a parks and recreation conference, I watched a speaker begin his presentation by saying, “Soooooo, I want to tell you a story.” He then went on to relate how his daughter had all the latest toys, games, and age-appropriate video games.
Things To Do At Day Camp
In the early 1980s, I had my first real job at a parks and recreation department. It had a strong sports program but lacked the typical day camps, craft programs, or dance classes that most other departments had.
Crossing The Recreation Path On Reality TV
Whether we admit it or not, most of us have watched a reality-TV show. A few years ago, I received a call from the producer of the FOX reality show, ТTrading Spouses.У The premise of the show is to ha
Senior Focus
As park and recreation professionals, we know it’s easy to plan programs for children and families--just organize some wild games, teach a new class, or lead an activity involving fun and food. However, planning for seniors takes more thought and effort.
Catering To Kids
When my daughter was 12, we traveled around the country for a year in an RV, staying in a different campground every three or four days. I gave Sondra a very unusual homeschool assignment to tie in with
Develop A “Secret Sauce”
If your community is in a major city such as Seattle, Austin, or Washington, D.C., it’s easy to attract tourists to parks and special events. Who wouldn’t want to visit the Space Needle or tour the White House holiday
Helpful Hints
Campground owners and managers … here’s a little secret. Campground guests talk to each other--about your facilities. Yes, while you are in the office, the people in Site #26 are chatting with the nice couple in
Tips Of The Trade
If you are constantly checking e-mail and voice mail while you are supposed to be on a carefree, fun-filled vacation--shame on you! However, you can pick up some great ideas while enjoying the time
New To The Recreation Field?
Just starting out in the recreation programming field? Want some advice from people who have planned their share of craft classes, day camps and teen special events? Here is a smorgasbord of tips to
Crash Course In Crafting
canstockphoto8951738Martha Stewart began her billionaire's climb to fame and fortune by cooking and making crafts. Millions of loyal fans follow her suggestions for arts and crafts projects. Why not
Celebrate National KidХs Craft Day March 14
Your parks and recreation department celebrates the Fourth of July and Valentine's Day, so why not celebrate National Kid's Craft Day? This is a great chance for kids and adults to enjoy gluing,
Equal Opportunity Participation
Listen in on an adult conversation, and it wonХt be long until you hear someone say, ТI wish I had more time with my family. WeХre all going our separate ways, and it seems like we never do anything t
Spread The Word
As in most parks and recreation departments, you probably offer a crowd-pleasing array of programs, such as road runs, craft classes, senior excursions and soccer clinics. How about adding an
Signs Will Steer ФEm Straight!
During the holidays, I scan the newspaper for announcements of activities for families. In addition to attending parks and recreation-sponsored craft fairs, holiday concerts and Lunch With Santa, I
LetХs Hit the Beach!
Just because you donХt have a pool or access to a lake doesnХt mean you canХt offer fun, creative, healthy aquatics programming. Here are 12 ideas sure to please even the most discerning customer:Summ
Programming For Tweens
Way, way back when I started working at Bellingham, Washington Parks and Recreation, (OK it was in 1979) youth programs fell into three age groups: Preschool activities were geared for 3-5 year olds,
Customer Service Tips From A-Z
What makes for outstanding customer service in parks and recreation departments? Follow some of these alphabetical tips to provide high quality service, along with a dash of fun for participants in
Blunt Management
Pick up and read a business magazine and youХre likely to get personnel advice such as ТNever criticize an employee directly.У Other books or speakers encourage you to ТsandwichУ the criticism between
Craft Connection
This may be hard to believe, but long ago, in a distant galaxy, children actually played outside, building forts and getting dirty while riding bikes through mud puddles. Most astonishing was that