In January 2005, AAPAR was born from the American Association for Active Lifestyles and Fitness (AAALF) and the American Association for Leisure and Recreation (AALR), thus providing a home for special-interest subjects that do not fit neatly into the other units of the Alliance. This article includes a brief history of AAPAR with a focus on its…

In August and September 2005, two violent hurricanes--Katrina and Rita--hit Louisiana. Hundreds of thousands of residents were relocated to temporary living communities, where most of the economically poor remain today. This state's largest trailer community, "Renaissance Village," was erected almost overnight in a cow pasture in Baker,…

Recent attention to the childhood obesity and inactivity epidemics in the United States would seem to bode well for public school physical education. I argue that it is actually a mixed blessing. Its effect is mixed because it presents physical activity as an obligation or duty. This stands in stark contrast to movement in the broader liberal arts…

For several years, physical educators in Marion County, Florida, have been actively illustrating their programs to the community they serve. These demonstrations reflect the variety and diversity of the county's physical education programs. The main objectives for these presentations are: (1) to inform the public; (2) to give exposure to the…

Federal education cutbacks, declining enrollments, and educational quality have important implications for physical education programs. Attitudes towards physical education can be influenced by political action at the state level and development of quality instruction. (DF)

Provides school counselors with information on aerobic exercise (specifically running) and the psychological, behavioral, and physical benefits children obtained by participating in fitness programs. Recommends collaboration between school counselors and physical education teachers and gives a preliminary discussion of aerobic running and its…

Describes decline in youth fitness, emphasizing role of camping programs in youth fitness education. Describes Michigan camp's fitness program, consisting of daily workouts, fitness education, and record keeping. Describes fitness consultants' role in program. Discusses program's highlights and problems, suggesting changes for future use. Shows…

A yearly "Friendship Games" day has been implemented at an Edmonton (Alberta) elementary school. The games focus on integration of students with and without disabilities in sports activities, many of which require cooperation. Examples of specific activities are listed (including materials needed, procedure, and scoring) and a suggested physical…

The creation of multifaceted, multigenerational programs in college communities could create a ripple effect of advocacy for physical education with students and parents becoming agents for change in their own families, communities, cultures, and professions. This article describes community-based physical activity programs at West Virginia…

An account is given of a highly successful sports, health, and recreation exhibit run by Rutgers University (New Jersey) in a public shopping mall. Organization and entertainment were the keynotes of the success. (LH)

Over-the-Line is a striking/fielding game designed from the perspective of the Games for Understanding tactical model to serve as an alternative to traditional kickball, softball, and baseball. Over-the-Line can be modified for developmental appropriateness and tasks can increase in complexity as tactical awareness is attained. This article shares…

The goal of Costa Rica's Department of Physical Education and Sports is the "utilization of sport, physical education, and recreation as instruments of socialization and contribution to the improved health of Costa Ricans." (JN)

This book contains descriptions of secondary school physical education programs. The programs described fall into the following categories: (1) career/leadership programs, (2) contract/individualized instruction programs, (3) elective physical education programs, (4) motivational programs, (5) outdoor/environmental programs, (6)…

UNESCO has given serious attention to the contribution that physical education and sport can make to the life enrichment of the people of the world. The developing nations, in particular, regard the expansion of lifelong opportunity for participation in physical education and sport to be among their highest national aspirations. (JN)

Adventure racing is a multidisciplinary endurance test completed in teams. There seem to be many benefits in using an adventure race as part of a physical education curriculum. The races can also be linked to many national physical education standards. Adventure Racing C.O.R.E. uses the basic ideas of adventure racing and can be done at any school…