DC TRUST Guide 1023 - Children & Youth Investment Trust ...

. Programming incorporates technology where appropriate and possible.
c. Activities explore historic aspects of an artistic discipline.
d. Programming views art through the context of the time period and events during which
it was created and makes connections to the cultural and social contexts of today.
Field Guide to OST Best Practices / High-Interest, Hands-On Activities / 20
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SPORTS AND RECREATION DEVELOPMENT
Atrip down to the court, field or diamond is about much more than just basketball, football
or baseball when you’re a professional youth worker. Emotional, social and even
intellectual development can all be linked to physical activities. Participating in recreational
and athletic activities not only provides fun, promotes kinesthetic awareness, develops
physical coordination and the ability to work within a structure—it also gives young
people opportunities for skill mastery, the achievement of tangible goals, the satisfaction
of recognition, and meaningful membership within a group.
The following are key elements of successful sports and recreation programming:
1. Program offers individual, group and team activities.
a. Program offers both competitive and non-competitive activities.
b. Program provides opportunities for small group participation (e.g. catch, races, one-on-one,
Frisbee, jump rope).
c. Program provides opportunities for large group non-team activities (e.g. freeze-tag, step,
Simon says, hiking).
d. Program offers team activities.
e. Programs with teams provide young people with opportunities to showcase their abilities
as a team (e.g. tournaments, scrimmages, meets, games).
2. Program allows for and promotes the participation of young people with diverse
interests, objectives, preferences and physical and mental abilities.
a. Program provides opportunities for passive play (e.g. cards, board games, brain teasers
and puzzles).
b. Program offers activities that promote physical, intellectual and social development (e.g.
charades, chess, debate, weight lifting).
c. Program offers activities requiring varying amounts of physical exertion.
d. Program gives young people the opportunity to contribute activities, games and sports
to the group.
e. Program offers participants choice in and experience with different roles and responsibilities
within activities.
f. Program provides recreational programming that meets the needs of both genders.