Spin-off Values of Recreation

RECREATION brings refreshment to body, mind, or spirit to individuals who choose be involved. Therefore, recreation has great value in and of itself. However, there are several secondary values available to those who decide to become participants. Those listed below are in random order. Some are perhaps more obvious than others.

• Provides for physical fitness
• Enables more social adaptability
• Gives greater appreciation of competition
• Stimulates toward creativity
• Helps in the development of a better self-concept
• Aids in the building of character
• Enhances the learning process

There are three basic learnings that take place as a result of an individual's participation in recreation: 1- primary learnings; this is the area where skills may be developed (shooting the basketball; performing as an actor, etc.); 2- associate learnings; this is the area where knowledge may be developed (learning the rules of the game; learning about a historical character in a drama, etc.); and 3- marginal learnings; this is the area where attitudes may be developed (understanding team play and sportsmanship; understanding that the director of the drama is the leader and the one in charge, etc.). While all of these are important, marginal learnings may be found to be the most important. And, all of these learnings will go way beyond a specific recreation activity on one particular occasion. They will CARRY OVER to all areas of life for an entire lifetime.

There is strong evidence to support the idea that recreation does indeed have extreme value!

Participation in recreation is the only way an individual will be able to run away from life - and yet run toward real life - at the same time.