There would appear to be an enduring belief that successful sportsmen and women can act as powerful motivational role models for young people, especially disaffected, disadvantaged or disengaged youth. In the UK, for example, this belief has been expressed recently in the development of programmes, such as changingLIVES, the Respect Athlete Mentor…

America is in the midst of an obesity epidemic. Obesity rates among adults have increased by more than 60% in the last 10 years to where approximately 25% of American adults are obese today. According to Dr. Duane Alexander, Director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NIH, 2003), the number of obese children is…

The number of children and youth who are overweight has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. According to the 2007-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 17 percent of children and adolescents ages 2-19 years are obese. In…

Outdoor adventure education programs generally have not met the demands of older adults. Ways to attract older adults to these programs and to tailor activities to allay their fears and maximize their enjoyment are discussed. (PP)

A program is described that provides physical therapy and a wide variety of activities for the handicapped. (JD)

A description is given of an exercise program designed to improve the physical condition and health of older adults. (JD)

The population pyramid is being turned upside down. Baby boomers are beginning to flood the market for goods and services. It is never too late to encourage people of all ages to "dare" to be active through outdoor adventure activities. This article provides readers with a general understanding of older adults' needs and interests as they relate…

Three considerations governed the planning of a new activity center at Hope College (Michigan): (1) The building should be an activity-oriented rather than a spectator-oriented facility; (2) it should maintain tremendous flexibility in meeting its functions; and (3) it should have a maximum amount of usable space. (JN)

Describes an aerobic activity set to music for children that mimics animal movements. Example exercises include walking like a penguin or jumping like a cricket. Stresses basic aerobic principles and designing the program at the level of children's motor skills. Benefits include reaching people who normally don't visit nature centers, and bridging…

This document outlines a system for planning recreation therapy, documenting progress, and relating the entire process to a team approach which includes patient assessment and involvement. The recreation program is seen as therapeutic, closely related to the total medical treatment program. The model is designed so that it can be adapted to almost…

Using the Geneseo Migrant Center's Weekend Recreation Program as an example, the booklet is designed to assist directors and administrators in establishing a Weekend Recreational Program to meet educational, recreational, emotional, and social needs of participating migrant families, and to serve as a resource during the implementation of the…