A career in the recreation profession [Nov. 1964]

Recreation Profession

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No.2

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THE GEORGIA RECREATION COMMISSION

7 Hunter Street, S.W

Atlanta, Georgia 638

Carl E. Sanders Governor

John H. Davis Executive Director

W. Tom Martin, Jr. Assistant Executive Director

COMMISSION MEMBERS
Frank M. Hobgood, Calhoun Chairman
William R. Tiller, Evans Vice-Chairman
J. W. Stone, Cordele Treasurer
James C. Abbot, Louisville Robert T. Baggott, Newnan Mrs. W. A. Bowen, Statesboro Verne J. Pickren, Folkston Luke L. Ruston, Jr., Young Harris D. Thomas Shirley, Atlanta

ADVISORY COUNCIL
Charles M. Graves, Atlanta Chairman
Roy A. Hammond, Dub I in Vice-Chairman
James E. Brown, Dalton James A. Colley, Douglas Charles Eaves, Elberton James R. Goff, Moultrie A. C. Kerby, LaGrange Hugh B. Masters, Athens Ralph G. Turner, Statesboro

A LOOK AT RECREATION
Recreation has been with man since the dawn of time. Every person, young or old, male or female, rich or poor has some activity(s) which he engages in during his leisure solely for the joy and pleasure derived from that activity.
This is recreation, and contrary to many beliefs the range of activities is endless. What may be recreation for one person may be work for another and vice versa. Probably the biggest determining factor in recreation is the motivation and attitude of the participant. When participation ceases to be voluntary and for the enjoyment and satisfaction the activity affords, then the activity ceases to be recreation.
Recreation is flexible. It can be organized or unorganized; participated in as an individual, as a group, as a family, or as a crowd. It may be an expensive activity or cost very little. Millions of dollars, for example, are spent each year on boating, fishing, and hunting. On the other hand, such activities as hiking, dancing, singing, and reading may be relatively inexpensive.
Since the turn of the century, organized recreation has taken its place along side the other social institutions of the community (home, school, church, government) as a necessity in the life of the people. The planned program of organized recreation has become very important in providing activities for the large area of the population which can meet its needs in no other way.
The planned, well-rounded, recreation program presents activities in areas such as

SPORTS & ATHLETICS ARTS & CRAFTS MUSIC DANCE

SOCIAL RECREATION NATURE & OUTING
LITERARY DRAMA

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ABOUT THE PROFESSION
With the advent of automation, industrialization, and technology, man in modern society is finding himself with more and more free time. Experts say that Americans today are enjoying more leisure than ever before, and they predict Americans will have 660 Billion more hours of leisure in the year 2000 than they had in 1950.
All of this points to the fact, and sociologists agree, that unless there is adequate planning for the wise use of this increasing leisure, it will be more destructive than satisfying and rewarding for the people of this country. This has provided the recreation profession with probably the greatest challenges and opportunities of any profession in the country today.
Because recreation has come to be recognized as a basic human need along with health, education, religion, and work, the need for trained, qualified professionals to help plan and conduct wholesome leisure pursuits has made available an estimated 2000 jobs yearly.
It is true that at one time in this country recreation was thought to be only child's play. Adults felt that leisure meant idleness, and idleness was the devil's workshop.
Today these thoughts and feelings are a rarity. Adults today recognize the importance of wholesome leisure activities. They recognize this not only for their children, but for themselves and their parents of later maturity.
Thousands of men and women are now serving as recreation professionals in public, private, commercial, and voluntary agencies. This opportunity and challenge awaits those young people with initiative, imagination, leadership qualities, and organizing and planning ability.
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THE GEORGIA RECREATION SOCIETY
The Georgia Recreation Society is the State's professional organization for recreation leaders. Membership in this organization provides the opportunity for affiliation with national as well as state recreation leaders and fellow workers. The society is a branch of the American Recreation Society, the national organization for professional leaders, and cooperates closely with such groups as the American Association of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, American Institute of Park Executives, and others.
The aims and objectives of this Society are: 1. To unite in one organization all recreation leaders and others in-
terested in recreation in Georgia. 2. To foster and maintain high standards of recreation in Georgia. 3. To promote and provide in-service training for members. 4. To promote recognition of recreation as a profession. 5. To improve and expand recreation. 6. To inform the public of the trends and values of recreation. 7. To keep membership informed on developments in the field. 8. To promote fellowship. 9. To promote desirable recreation legislation. 10. To work cooperatively with other groups interested in recreation. 11. To further the interests of the recreation movement in any other
appropriate manner.
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THE PROFESSION OFFERS VARIETY IN EMPLOYMENT (Agencies and Organizations)
The provision of recreation services has become accepted as an essential function of all agencies dealing with the welfare of human beings. For example, among such agencies and organizations employing recreation personnel are:
MUNICIPAL, COUNTY, AND STATE RECREATION AGENCIES
MUNICIPAL, STATE, COUNTY and NATIONAL PARK DEPARTMENTS
FEDERAL AGENCIES
COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
CHURCHES AND RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS INSTITUTIONAL
(hospitals, correctional, penal, homes for the aging, etc.) VOLUNTARY AGENCIES
(Y.M. and Y.W.C.A.'s, Boy and Girl Scouts, 4-H clubs Red Cross, Settlements, boys' and girls' clubs, etc.)
PRIVATE CLUBS AND RESORTS COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISES CAMPS ARMED FORCES SCHOOLS INDUSTRY
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THE PROFESSION OFFERS VARIETY IN POSITIONS Many types of programs, services, agencies, and positions are available in the broad field of recreation. Salaries depend upon the size, nature, and responsibility of the work. Employment opportunities are occurring regularly and leadership positions include:
SUPERINTENDENTS OF RECREATION DIRECTORS OF RECREATION CONSULTANTS FIELD REPRESENTATIVES ATHLETIC DIRECTORS CENTER DIRECTORS
INDUSTRIAL RECREATION DIRECTORS COUNSELORS
PARK SUPERINTENDENTS AND WORKERS COLLEGE UNION DIRECTORS SUPERVISORS CAMP DIRECTORS
HOSPITAL RECREATION SUPERVISORS SPECIAL ACTIVITIES DIRECTORS SERVICE CLUB DIRECTORS PROGRAM DIRECTORS
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PROFESSIONAL PREPARATION
The recreation profession like the other professions of our society depends on professional leadership for success. As the field of recreation continues its rapid growth and as more and more communities organize recreation programs, the requirements for proper professional preparation will be required. The requirement of a degree in recreation is becoming prominent. Some sixty colleges and universities across this country have recognized this increasing demand as they have established special curriculums for recreation.
Several institutions of higher learning in Georgia offer courses in recreation while one offers a degree in recreation and another offers a major in the field. These two institutions are presented on the following pages. For additional information write directly to the institution.
GEORGIA SOUTHERN COLLEGE (Statesboro, Georgia)
The curriculum leading to a Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreation at Georgia Southern College is designed to provide the recreation student with a background in all activity phases in the field of recreation. This will permit the graduate to be qualified for immediate leadership roles upon graduation. In addition to the 80 quarter hours of general education required of all students, the recreation major receives an academic background in sports and athletic contests, dance, arts and crafts, nature and outdoor activities, music and social activities. Other activities in the field of recreation may be experienced on an elective basis. These courses are supplemented by 30 hours of professional recreation courses such as organization, administration, leadership, etc. Upon completion of all the professional courses the student is required to spend a full quarter working in the recreation area of his interest. This experience, known as Recreation Internship, carries 15 hours of credit and completes the student's academic requirements. This provides him with the opportunity of working with and learning from experienced professionals in the state.
For further information consult the college catalogue or contact:
Dr. H. Douglas Leavitt Head, Recreation Curriculum Georgia Southern College Statesboro, Georgia 30459
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UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA (Athens, Georgia) The Division of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation offers a major in recreation leading to the following degrees: Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in Recreation; Master of Science in Education with a major in Recreation; and Specialist in Recreation (one year beyond Masters Degree). The Park and Recreation Curriculum offered is designed to serve the present day needs and interests of the recreation field. The curriculum allows for specialization in Municipal Park and Recreation Administration, Camping and Outdoor Recreation, Recreation for the Ill and Handicapped, and Youth-Serving Agencies. This curriculum draws upon the resources of the Department of Landscape Architecture, the Department of Horticulture, the School of Forestry, the College of Arts and Sciences, and, of course, other departments and divisions of the University. Course requirements and curriculums are listed in the University Catalogue. For additional information contact: Dr. Ernest B. Smith, Chairman Division of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation University of Georgia Athens, Georgia 30601
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THE GEORGIA RECREATION COMMISSION
The Georgia Recreation Commission is an advisory agency of State government created by enactment of the State Legislature in 1962. It is the responsibility of the Commission to render consultive services, upon request, to the State's political subdivisions on matters relating to recreation.
Among the specific services offered are to cooperate in the promotion and organization of local recreation departments for counties and municipalities; to study and appraise recreation needs of the State and specific communities; to advise local recreation departments in the planning and financing of their program; to provide assistance in securing and improving local and state recreation legislation; to assist cities and counties in obtaining qualified recreation leadership; to serve as a clearing house for the exchange, publication, and dissemination of information regarding recreation programs, plans, and services; to promote institutes and workshops on all phases of recreation; to promote standards of recreation leadership, finance, areas and facilities, and programs; to cooperate with federal, state, local, private, and commercial agencies and groups and with individuals in their recreation interests.
The Commission also maintains a personnel service to which persons interested in recreation employment may apply for assistance.
For additional information and assistance regarding recreation, the profession, or the personnel service contact:
THE GEORGIA RECREATION COMMISSION 7 Hunter Street, S. W. Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Telephone: 524-5550
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