Kinesiology Commons^™

Staff Perceptions Of Youth Recreation Programs, Lana L. Huberty

Culminating Projects in Kinesiology

In the past, recreation agencies defined their youth service mission as engaging children in fun and games. This mission involved keeping youth off the streets and out of trouble. However, expectations often were limited to opening facilities and hiring minimum wage, part-time employees to baby-sit the youth and facility. As programs have developed, and youth development professionals have acquired a more sophisticated understanding of the potential of youth programming, a new mission has evolved. This mission involves professional staff members including the youth in program planning and development. These programs also aim at teaching youth confidence, self-esteem and other non-traditional …