This article discusses current literature and recommendations for future recreation-based camps for military children aged 7 to 17. Since the beginning of the Global War on Terrorism, the amount of government and community-based programs offered for military families over the past 15 years has significantly increased. This article gives a brief…

The history of parks and recreation is deeply rooted in child's play. From Joseph Lee's writings about the developmental benefits of child's play at the beginning of the 20th century to the establishment of the University of Illinois's Motor Performance and Play Research Laboratory in the 1960s and 1970s, child's play has been a central focus of…

The article describes a swimming program for children with disabilities. The program, staffed entirely by volunteers, aims to teach safety skills, offer such children exercise, increase self confidence, and encourage fun. Elementary swimming skills are taught with appropriate adaptations for various disabilities. (DB)

Research demonstrates that being well-fed is an important first step toward children's achievement. Nutrition programs are cost-effective interventions that can help children learn and grow. Local agencies can offer children meals and snacks through several federal nutrition programs (e.g., Summer Food Service Program, Child and Adult Care Food…

The president and chief executive officer of the National Youth Sports Coaches Association (NYSCA), Fred Engh, discusses the status of the NYSCA today and how recreation professionals are trying to make sports fun for all children. The NYSCA's training and certification program for volunteer coaches is highlighted. (MT)

American children are in poor physical shape. Contribution of the National Fitness Coalition and how recreation professional can help youth get and stay fit are explored. (DF)

Opportunities for children with disabilities to participate in sports have expanded as school and community sports programs such as the Special Olympics, intramural sports, community recreation leagues, and interscholastic teams have become more available to all children. A directory of 37 recreation organizations is also provided. (CB)

Including individuals with disabilities into community recreation programs has become more popular recently. The ADA stresses the need for true inclusion, where people with disabilities can actively participate and interact in programs in a meaningful way. The paper describes two special programs that help include individuals with disabilities.…

Describes how several libraries are encouraging children to participate in summer reading programs by bringing them to childcare and recreation centers. Discusses reaching out to teenagers; starting a program and gauging summer reading program participation in the community; and securing funding and partnerships. (AEF)

The International Child Development Initiatives (ICDI) promotes the wellbeing of children growing up in difficult circumstances. ICDI works to improve policies and practices affecting these children by doing research and training. ICDI believes in the power of children and young people, supporting the realisation of their rights and addressing the…

Presents a model of integrated residential camping, providing a resource for other models. The model program creates an inclusionary environment responsive to the needs and interests of children with and without disabilities. Parental responses, anecdotal information on interactions, and descriptions of changes in attitudes are included. (SM)

This book provides a comprehensive analysis of the child and youth care field in Canada. It covers a spectrum of key concerns within the field of child and youth care, and presents an analysis that spans a variety of program areas. The 12 chapters in the book are: (1) "The Scope of Child and Youth Care in Canada" (Roy Ferguson and…

After-school programs have the potential to keep children safe and out of trouble and can help to improve the academic performance of the increasing numbers of participating children. This report presents positive research on after-school programs and examples illustrating the potential of high-quality after-school activities to keep children…

This information package compiles several resources for supporting children and teens with severe disabilities in integrated recreation/leisure activities. The package contains: (1) an overview article by Pam Walker titled "Supports for Children and Teens with Developmental Disabilities in Integrated Recreation/Leisure Activities," with…

This final report describes the activities and outcomes of OPTICA (Our Path Together Initiating Cultural Access) programs. For each program an information sheet indicates the goal, total participation, status of the goal, and activities of the program. Programs included: (1) Hands On: ASL Creative Story Telling, a program that used children's…