The recreation handbook provides broad guidelines and lists sources of information for state and local units of the National Association for Retarded Citizens (NARC) to develop recreational programs throughout the nation. Described are the importance of recreation for reasons such as developing good habits of physical fitness, survey results indicating that few community recreational programs include mentally retarded children, and the role played by the parent-volunteer movement seen in action techniques of NARC. Guidelines given for state and local ARC units include committee formation and action steps such as obtaining names of key state agencies. The goal for all action steps is said to be full recreational opportunities for all mentally retarded persons regardless of age or functioning level. Given with descriptions and sources is a listing of approximately 140 books, films, or sources of information on recreation; camping; swimming; outdoor recreation, parks, and playgrounds; physical education, fitness, and sports; arts and crafts; toys, games, and equipment; and music activities. Included in appendixes are the NARC resolution on inclusion of mentally retarded persons in federally funded recreation projects, standards and specifications concerning barrier free facilities; federal governmental offices to contact for funding information, and listings of regional Bureau of Outdoor Recreation offices and organizations that give assistance or referral. (MC)