our way to success

Chapter 1: Basic Programming Concepts

Chapter Overview

Focuses on building a foundation in programming and understanding leisure behavior. Emphasizes that students should define and differentiate key programming and leisure concepts. Highlights how different leisure forms require varied program designs that address specific participant needs.

Core Concepts

Defining Concepts:

• Understand definitions as a foundation for building programming skills.

• Differentiation:

  • Program: The planned structure or content that provides resources and activities for participants.

  • Programming: The process of creating and organizing the program, including scheduling, resource allocation, and staff training.

  • Program Development: Continuous improvement and structuring of programs based on feedback, assessments, and changing community needs.

Leisure as Human Behavior:

Defined by perceived freedom, intrinsic satisfaction, and positive affect. Programmers must shape the environment and structure activities to allow participants to experience these aspects through:

• Perceived Freedom: Participants feel they have control over their leisure choices.

• Intrinsic Satisfaction: Activities that fulfill personal interests and passions lead to heightened satisfaction.

• Positive Affect: Creating environments that promote positive emotions, social interaction, and engagement.

Differentiating Leisure Forms:

• Games: Usually competitive and rule-based, requiring specific skills and strategies.

• Recreation: Activities undertaken for enjoyment and relaxation, often less structured and more spontaneous.

• Play: Unstructured and imaginative activities, crucial for development and creativity, especially in children.

• Sport: Organized activities involving physical exertion and skill, often governed by a set of rules and competitive in nature.

• Tourism: Leisure activities that involve travel away from home for exploration, relaxation, and enjoyment.Each form of leisure requires tailored programming approaches to address their unique characteristics and participant expectations.

Key Terms

• Program

• Programming

• Program Development

• Leisure

• Recreation

• Games

• Play

• Sport

• Tourism

Chapter 2: How Individuals Experience Leisure

Chapter Overview

Explores how understanding leisure experiences enhances programming. Introduces the concept of Symbolic Interactionism, which serves as the theoretical basis, proposing that leisure is co-created through social interactions guided by the programmer.

Core Concepts

Leisure as a Social Event:

Involves multi-faceted interactions with people, objects, or ideas, allowing participants to share experiences and build community connections.

Symbolic Interactionism:

A sociological view that suggests that reality is created through interpersonal interactions. It emphasizes how meanings are derived and negotiated within social contexts.

Meaning from Interaction:

The meaning of leisure arises through social interaction, where the experiences shared among participants shape their perceptions and enjoyment.

Defining Leisure Experiences:

Characterized by factors such as freedom, intrinsic motivation, participant impact, and the opportunity for enjoyment or relaxation. These elements need to be actively incorporated into program design.

Programming for Leisure:

Plan the full experience cycle, including phases of anticipation, participation, and reflection. Focus on key objects that define the experience while also respecting participant autonomy, allowing individuals to construct their experiences.

Emergent Nature of Leisure:

Recognizes that each leisure experience is unique and reconstructed anew in different contexts, highlighting the importance of adaptability in programming.

Key Terms

• Symbolic Interactionism

• Phases of the Leisure Experience

• Objects

• Self-reflexive

• Meaning

• Interaction

• Phenomenology of Experience

Chapter 3: Six Key Elements of a Situated Activity System

Chapter Overview

Introduces six fundamental elements that make up all programs. Every program has a basic structure that can be configured using these elements, which allows programmers to design varied experiences by manipulating them.

Core Concepts

Situated Activity System:

Actions are situated within a structured social setting. The structure is a system of interrelated parts and must be dynamic, offering opportunities for participant engagement and interaction.

Six Basic Elements:

1. Interacting People: Participants who engage with each other and the program content actively.

2. Physical Setting: The environment where the program takes place, which can include both natural and constructed settings.

3. Leisure Objects: Items or props used in the program (equipment, tools, etc.) that enhance the experience.

4. Structures: Rules, formats, or procedures guiding the program to ensure safe and enjoyable participation.

5. Relationships: The interpersonal connections between participants that foster a community and enhance the experience.

6. Animation: The flow of the program, which is central to providing engaging interactions and fostering social interaction.

• Programming Role: Programmers actively manipulate these six elements to shape the experience, emphasizing the importance of creativity and responsiveness to participant feedback.

Service Continuum:

Programs can be offered in various formats (full-service, self-service, etc.), attracting different customers by changing the delivery style.

Key Terms

• Situated Activity System

• Six Elements of a Situated Activity System

• Social Interaction

• Interacting People

• Physical Setting

• Leisure Objects

• Structures

• Relationships

• Animation

• Service Continuum

Chapter 4: Developing Leisure Products in the Experience Economy

Chapter Overview

Incorporates the Experience Economy concept, identifying experiences as a sector in the economy alongside commodities, goods, and services. Emphasizes developing and staging memorable experiences in parks, recreation, tourism, and related fields, viewing these as marketable products.

Core Concepts

Experience in the Economy:

Experiences are a unique economic offering that people seek and are willing to pay for, representing a significant market opportunity.

Entrepreneurial Approach:

Recreation programmers require entrepreneurial skills to create diverse programs and revenue streams, focusing on innovation and adaptability.

Product Differentiation:

• Goods: Physical items that can be purchased or utilized.

• Services: Actions performed for others, contributing directly to participant satisfaction.

• Experiences: Engaging, memorable interactions generated and shaped for participants, resulting in lasting memories and repeat visits.

Revenue Stream:

Income generated through the offering of these products (goods, services, experiences) requires careful planning and marketing.

Service Delivery and Encounters:

Staff training and modeling excellent service enhance customer satisfaction. Good service is transformed into an engaging experience, supporting the Experience Economy. Consistent programming across various agencies ensures similar roles and goals among programmers, regardless of the funding source.

Key Terms

• Experience Economy

• Commodities

• Entrepreneurial

• Revenue Stream

• Product

• Goods

• Service

• Activities Classification

• Activities

• Events

• Personal Service

• Supplies

• Equipment

• Venue

Chapter 5: Collaborating in Developing an Organization’s Strategy

Chapter Overview

Focuses on how an organization’s mission and strategic direction guide program operations. Strategy development occurs at four hierarchical levels: mission, strategic directions, 1-year Management by Objectives (MBO) statements, and operational goals/objectives. Includes guidance on writing clear, measurable SMART goals.

Core Concepts

Strategic Planning and Resource Limits:

Agencies must prioritize services due to limited resources, and strategic planning narrows down services to align with the agency’s mission and community needs.

Four Hierarchical Levels of Strategy:

1. Mission: Core purpose of the agency guiding all activities.

2. Strategic Directions: 3-5 year planning statements outlining long-term goals.

3. MBO Statements: 1-year specific program commitments that translate strategic directions into actionable objectives.

4. Operational Goals and Objectives: Detailed actions for achieving program goals, ensuring accountability.

Collaboration and Coordination:

Strategy development should involve input from all levels of the organization, from the CEO to front-line staff, fostering a culture of collaboration and shared vision.

Positive Outcomes of Strategic Development:

Encourages forward-thinking, accountability with measurable metrics, rational planning, and efficient resource use, leading to sustainable operations.

Goals and Objectives:

Defined as statements of intended accomplishments; objectives serve as measurable checkpoints for goals, providing clarity and performance indicators.

SMART Goals:

• Specific: Clearly defined objectives that are straightforward.

• Measurable: Quantifiable to track progress.

• Achievable: Realistic and attainable goals.

• Relevant: Must align with broader organizational objectives.

• Time-bound: Set within a defined timeframe for completion.Ensuring clarity and measurability enhances accountability in programming.

Hierarchical Arrangement of Goals:

Goals arranged from general to specific provide a clear structure, ensuring alignment throughout the organization.

Program Design and Implementation:

Transition point from strategic to operational planning; X goals represent programmer actions, while Y goals represent participant outcomes to ensure that programming meets participant needs and expectations.

Key Terms

• Strategic Directions

• Forward Thinking

• Rationality

• Metrics

• Management by Objectives (MBO)

• SMART

• Hierarchical Arrangement

• Staff Cooperation and Collaboration

Chapter 6: Developing the Agency’s Programming Mission

Chapter Overview

Emphasizes the role of an agency’s mission within the broader environment that influences its goals. The mission is shaped by the needs and constraints of clients, the organization, and the community it serves.

Core Concepts

Needs of Individuals, Organizations, and Communities:

Programming is shaped by understanding these needs through assessment of community demographics, resources, and interests.

Investigating Needs:

Techniques include surveys, focus groups, and environmental assessments to gather insights on client, organizational, and community needs, helping programmers design relevant services.

Macro Environment:

A thorough assessment of the larger social, economic, and cultural environment ensures that programs meet real community needs and respond to changing societal trends.

Interaction of Needs:

The agency’s mission is influenced by a blend of individual, organizational, and community needs, each requiring consideration in programming decisions.

Mission Statement:

Frames the direction and scope of programs; defines the organization’s commitment to addressing these needs through targeted services.

Programmer Responsibility:

Programmers must design programs that fulfill the mission and respond to community needs to ensure relevance and engagement.

Key Terms

• Mission

• Individual Needs

• Macro Environment

• Resource Dependency

• Organizational Needs

• Community

• Public Interest

• Community Need

Chapter 8: Obtaining Participant Input

Chapter Overview

This chapter covers methods for obtaining participant input and the use of needs assessments in program development. Focuses on gathering and utilizing participant needs, interests, and intentions to inform programs effectively.

Core Concepts

Purpose of Needs Assessment:

Helps agencies understand participant desires to guide program development effectively, ensuring services are relevant and desired.

Distinguishing Needs, Interests, Wants, and Intentions:

• Needs: Essential requirements that must be met for participant satisfaction.

• Interests: Subjects that pique participants' curiosity and engagement.

• Wants: Preferences that may enhance the participant experience but are not essential.

• Intentions: Plans or aims that guide participation. Understanding these distinctions aids in program design.

Four Approaches to Needs Assessment:

1. Citizen Advisory Committees: Engage community members directly in program planning and feedback.

2. Public Meetings and Workshops: Create open forums for collecting feedback and discussing program ideas with participants.

3. Interviews: Gain detailed insights from individuals through one-on-one conversations that reveal deeper motivations.

4. Surveys: Reach a broad audience for statistical analysis and trends in participant preferences, allowing for data-driven decisions.

Complementary Nature of Assessment Techniques:

Using all four approaches provides a well-rounded understanding of participant needs, ensuring diverse perspectives are included in program planning.

Role of Marketing in Needs Assessment:

Marketing can identify and analyze audience segments, targeting different participant demographics for tailored program development to enhance participation rates.

Differential Use of Marketing in Agency Types:

Different approaches may be taken in private, not-for-profit, commercial, and public agencies, reflecting their unique goals and audience engagement strategies.

Key Terms

• Participant Input

• Needs Assessment

• Need

• Interest

• Want

• Intention

• Citizen Advisory Committees

• Public Meetings

• Interviews

• Surveys

• Marketing

• Exchange

• Segmentation

• Target Marketing

Chapter 9: Writing Program Design & Outcome Statements

Chapter Overview

Discusses the use of goals and outcomes as standards in program management, emphasizing the structure and importance of Outcome-Based Programming (OBP) in designing meaningful participant experiences.

Core Concepts

Difference in Orientation of Program Design:

• Goals vs. Outcomes: Program goals guide staff in program management, while program outcomes focus on the results experienced by participants, ensuring alignment of efforts with desired participant impact.

X and Y Statements:

• Y Statements: Outcomes or experiences participants should have (i.e., terminal performance outcomes).

• X Statements: Interventions or program activities designed by programmers to facilitate Y outcomes.

Relationship of X to Y Statements:

X statements (independent variables) influence Y outcomes (dependent variables), emphasizing the cause-effect relationship in program design, which is vital for evaluation.

Strategic Development and Operations:

Illustrates the connection between strategic planning and program implementation, highlighting how clear communication and structured planning lead to successful outcomes.

Program Design Standards:

Standards ensure program quality and consistency, even with limited staff or resources, and must be regularly evaluated through feedback and assessments.

Benefits-Based Programming (BBP):

Introduced as a way to create purposeful leisure experiences that align with goals for positive participant outcomes, encouraging holistic development and satisfaction.

Goals as Program Management Standards:

Use of clear, structured goals can ensure program quality, adaptability, and comprehensive delivery, particularly in standardized programming across multiple locations to provide a consistent experience for all participants.

Key Terms

• Program Outcomes

• X Intervention Goals

• Y Outcome Goals

• Program Design Standards

• Terminal Performance Outcomes

• Benefits-Based Programming (BBP)

• Target Issues

• Activity Components

Chapter 10: Program Design

Chapter Overview

Focuses on designing programs to create meaningful leisure experiences. Emphasizes that program design involves more than scheduling; it includes creating structured interactions to enhance participant experiences.

Core Concepts

Detailed Program Operation:

Program design specifies how the program will operate to achieve its goals through logistical planning, resource allocation, and participant engagement strategies.

Animating a Program:

Program animation involves varying interactions to engage participants fully, ensuring that activities remain dynamic and relevant.

Terminology and Visualization:

Understanding and visualizing program elements and interactions is essential for effective planning, helping programmers anticipate participant responses and engagement levels.

Five Preplanned Visualization Forecasts:

Techniques to visualize participant interactions for program planning, ensuring that all possible scenarios are considered and prepared for.

Designing Animation into Programs:

Creating engaging sequences involves careful planning and understanding the flow of activities to optimize participant engagement (refer to Figure 11-2 for detailed animation design).

Program Design Goals:

Goals define the desired experience or performance outcomes and should be measurable to facilitate evaluation and improvement.

Key Terms

• Program Design

• Design Goals

• Design Components

• Design Tactics

• Imagined Interactions

• Multiple Forecasts

• Visualization

• Vignette

Chapter 11: From BBP to Intentionally Designed Leisure Experiences

Chapter Overview

Discusses the evolution of benefits-based programming (BBP) into outcome-based programming (OBP) and intentionally designed experiences (IDE). Explores how these approaches focus on achieving specific outcomes through leisure experiences, moving from reactive to proactive programming.

Core Concepts

Intentionally Designed Programs:

Programs are structured around achieving transformational outcomes using leisure as a means for change, emphasizing the importance of careful planning and execution.

Terminology Evolution:

BBP, OBP, and IDE are different names representing similar outcome-focused programming methods that prioritize participant impacts and experiences.

Purposeful Program Planning:

These approaches help programmers define and communicate program benefits to the public, facilitating increased participation and satisfaction.

Intensity of Outcome-Focused Programs:

OBP and IDE efforts are usually targeted at achieving meaningful, transformational change, ensuring that programs contribute positively to participants’ lives.

Key Terms

• Benefits-Based Programming (BBP)

• Issue and Target Goals

• Outcome-Based Programming (OBP)

• Intentionally Designed Experiences (IDE)

• Black Box of Programming

Chapter 13: Preparing the Program Plan

Chapter Overview

Guides the transition from conceptualizing a program to creating a written, detailed program plan. Emphasizes the importance of planning for smooth program operations, which involves various stakeholders.

Core Concepts

Program Plan Documentation:

A program plan explains how the program will be implemented and operated, serving as a roadmap for all involved.

Animation Plan:

Operationalizes the program's design concept through a sequence of events (key frames) and transitions, facilitating smooth transitions between activities.

Implementation Timeline:

A clear timeline is necessary for coordinating all program details, ensuring all tasks are completed efficiently and on schedule.

Comprehensive Program Scheduling:

Schedule planning should account for program balance, appropriate timing, location, and overall impact to maximize participation and satisfaction.

Facility Scheduling:

Effective facility management is key to successful program implementation, ensuring that resources are available and utilized optimally.

Key Terms

• Program Plan

• Management Plan

• Flow Chart

• Animation Plan

• Program Scheduling

• Facility Scheduling

Chapter 14: Techniques for Program Promotion

Chapter Overview

Covers strategies for promoting programs with an emphasis on communication and reaching target audiences effectively. Highlights the necessity for effective use of promotional channels and media.

Core Concepts

Program Promotion as Communication:

Promotion involves effectively communicating the program's value and benefits to potential participants to foster engagement.

Persuasion:

A targeted form of communication aimed at changing attitudes or behaviors to attract participants, essential for successful program promotion.

Promotion Channels:

Programs should utilize both general and targeted promotional campaigns across various media platforms.

Writing Promotional Copy:

Developing skills to write compelling brochures, news releases, and flyers that resonate with the target audience enhances program visibility.

Camera-Ready Copy for Flyers:

Programmers must prepare print-ready materials for promotional use, ensuring all necessary information is clear and attractive.

Utilizing Electronic Media:

Familiarity with websites, email, cable TV, and other digital media is important for modern program promotion, reaching broader audiences efficiently.

Key Terms

• Promotion

• Communication

• Persuasion

• Channel

• Brochure Copy

• News Release

• Flyer

• Electronic Communication

Chapter 16: Staffing and Supervising Program Operations

Chapter Overview

Focuses on staffing processes for delivering effective leisure services. Emphasizes the importance of recruiting, training, and supervising part-time employees who interact directly with patrons.

Core Concepts

Staffing Process:

Involves a sequence of tasks including recruiting, selecting, training, and supervising employees to ensure they meet program needs effectively.

Job Analysis:

Starts with analyzing tasks and requirements to create a detailed job description for prospective employees, ensuring alignment with program goals.

Job Description Creation:

Write job descriptions based on data collected during job analysis, clearly outlining roles, responsibilities, and expectations.

Staffing Techniques:

Recruitment, selection, onboarding, orientation, training, performance appraisal, and compensation are essential components of an effective staffing strategy.

On-Site Supervision:

Ensuring smooth operations through careful and frequent supervision of staff, providing support and guidance to enhance service delivery.

Key Terms

• Staffing

• Position Analysis

• KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities)

• Job Description

• Recruitment

• Selection

• BFOQs (Bona Fide Occupational Qualifications)

• Onboarding

• Orientation

• Training

• Appraisal

• Compensation

• Contracting for Personal Services

• Supervising Operations

Chapter 20: Program Evaluation Techniques

Chapter Overview

Discusses planning and implementing program evaluations to meet agency needs, covering a systematic approach to evaluations alongside technical elements like sampling.

Core Concepts

Definition of Evaluation:

Analyzing program effectiveness and outcomes to guide improvements, essential for ensuring that programs remain relevant and meet participant needs.

Purposes of Evaluation:

Informs Outcome-Based Programming (OBP) and other agency needs, providing feedback necessary for continuous improvement.

Evaluation Planning Process:

Establishing a purpose and audience before designing the evaluation ensures that the collected data is relevant and actionable.

Implementation Techniques:

Specific techniques for each step in the evaluation process to ensure comprehensive results, including data collection methods and analysis techniques.

Evaluation Reports:

Organizing findings in a report format that communicates results effectively to stakeholders, aiding in decision-making and future program planning.

Key Terms

• Evaluation

• Evaluation Purposes

• Steps of the Evaluation Planning Process

• Research Design

• Sample

• Sampling Techniques

• Evaluation Report Passages

Chapter 21: Developing a Comprehensive Evaluation System

Chapter Overview

Introduces the concept of a comprehensive evaluation system and specific models to implement it, allowing flexibility in choosing evaluation models tailored to agency needs.

Core Concepts

Comprehensive Evaluation Concept:

Different models can fulfill various components of a complete evaluation system, helping to align evaluation efforts with specific program goals.

Evaluation Models:

Introduce models using the Evaluation Planner as a framework, ensuring consistency across evaluations (Exhibit 20-1).

Theoretical Foundations of Models:

Each model has a unique value perspective and criteria for judgments, facilitating diverse insights into program effectiveness.

Model Implementation Techniques:

Programmers need to understand the procedures and criteria for each evaluation model, ensuring accurate and actionable results.

Key Terms

• Comprehensive Evaluation

• Importance-Performance Evaluation

• Service Hour Evaluation

• Satisfaction-Based Evaluation

• Goal and Objective Evaluation

• Discrepancy

• Triangulated Evaluation

• Formative Evaluation

• Summative Evaluation

Chapter 22: Making Decisions About Program Services

Chapter Overview

Focuses on the need for programs to adapt over time using data-based decisions. Uses the Program Life Cycle as a framework to evaluate and make modifications.

Core Concepts

Programming as Decision-Making:

Programming involves ongoing "go or no-go" decisions to keep programs relevant and impactful based on feedback and assessment data.

Program Life Cycle:

Programs are evaluated at various stages (Introduction, Growth, Maturation, Saturation, Decline), each requiring specific management strategies and approaches to maximize effectiveness.

Data-Based Modifications:

Adjustments to programs should be planned and based on evaluation data, ensuring that changes align with participant needs and agency goals.

Program Development Cycle:

Modifications may target different stages (Operation, Target, Culture), facilitating a well-rounded development strategy that addresses all necessary changes.

Program Elimination:

When necessary, plan elimination carefully to minimize negative impacts on participants and the organization, ensuring a smooth transition for all stakeholders.

Key Terms

• Program Life Cycle

• Introduction

• Growth

• Maturation

• Saturation

• Decline

• Program Modification

• Life Cycle Audit

• Market Mix

• Program Elimination