Family Recreation is Vital

BEING TOGETHER is extremely important to the health and well-being of the family. However, especially in today's world, family members can easily be pulled in many different directions. Therefore, the purposeful planning of family leisure activities is paramount. In fact, calendaring the family's free-time fun and activities is just as imperative as scheduling events or activities related to work, school, or other organizations.

Consider this scenario: Dad is caught-up in his responsibilities at work and with a local civic club. Mom faces deadlines in her professional position at the office - in addition to her necessary duties at home. Both also do volunteer work in their community. The couple's son, a high school freshman, is often busy with friends and sports activities; their oldest daughter, a middle school student, plays in the band, and is interested in swimming; their youngest daughter, still in elementary school, is involved with dance and gymnastics. At least one of the family vehicles is on the road quite often providing taxi service to get the kids where they need to be. Here, quite likely, is a family in need of more time to do things together. A solution to this situation is family recreation.

Choices for family fun times and enjoyable recreation activities are endless. The traditional summer vacation for a week or longer is still enjoyed by some families. The distance to the destination is not the key issue; but rather the idea of getting away from home, a change of scenery and routine, and simply being together. Some families believe it is important enough to borrow money - if necessary - in order to go on a vacation. Shorter trips - on weekends, for example - can also give family members good quality time with each other.

Additional possibilities for family fun might include trips to theme parks, zoos, caves, museums, discovery centers, or professional ball games. Other commercial recreation establishments offer bowling, roller skating, or ice skating. The circus is a hit with most families. A family campout can be great fun. Picnics at the park, swimming or boating at the lake, or watching live entertainment can have strong family appeal. Biking or hiking as a family group combines fun, exercise, and togetherness. Playing games together - either outside or inside - is popular with many families.

Keep in mind, it is not always what the family does, but rather the fact that they are doing something together that is so very important. Perhaps some words from the past should be reconsidered in our society today: the family that plays together tends to stay together.

Social Occasions Bring Delight

GETTING TOGETHER for a time of fun with family, friends, colleagues, or other members of an organization, is - most often - a special delight! Social activities provide individuals an ideal opportunity for one or more of the following to take place: relaxation, visiting, relishing snacks or a meal, playing games, listening to a speaker, enjoying an entertainer, celebrating a special occasion, or honoring someone.

What is described above is social recreation. Basically, this particular type of recreation has to do with the mixing and mingling of people. Perhaps, more simply, social recreation is "people with people in a social setting." As people get together to enjoy the companionship of others, there are numerous opportunities for individuals to be exposed to a caring attitude; to be offered approval, recognition, and support; to be given acceptance; and to be surrounded by an atmosphere that encourages the development of a sense of belonging. During social occasions, an individual may gain the satisfaction that centers around discovery, achievement, and contribution.

The many various types of social recreation include parties, banquets, fellowships, picnics, teas, receptions, pot-luck suppers, anniversary celebrations, and other similar occasions which bring people together to rub shoulders with each other and to have a pleasurable experience.

Joy and happiness are essential to abundant living. Social recreation is a means to that end. It can bring about a wholesome release of tension. It contributes to a feeling of oneness within a group. Oftentimes, it is the formula which builds fellowship, brotherhood, companionship, and friendliness among people.

There are many facets to human personality, many areas that need development, and many hungers that need to be satisfied. The events and activities included in social recreation can help meet these needs. Social occasions produce smiles, laughter, an at-ease feeling, and can bring a special delight to everyone who takes part.

Let's have a party!