A. Course Description

Students will simulate a park and recreation department. Programs will be planned, financed, coordinated, conducted, and evaluated for different groups throughout the community. Students are evaluated on their ability to deliver program services to different constituent groups, as well as their ability to develop collaborative relationships.

B. Course Objectives

NRPA Standards addressed in this course – Students will be able to:

1. Differentiate between professionalism and non-professionalism (1.4.2)

2. Design recreation programs using a program planning process (2.1.1)

3. Incorporate inclusive principles in the design of recreation programs (2.1.2)

4. Effectively facilitate eight planned recreation programs (2.2.1)

5. Effectively apply appropriate leadership styles in recreation activities (2.2.2)

6. Facilitate programs based on inclusion (2.3.1)

7. Apply budgeting and financial management principles and procedures (3.3.1)

8. Demonstrate the basic marketing techniques and strategies (3.4.1)

9. Identify the role of public relations and it related activities (3.4.2)

In addition, each student will:

10. Self-evaluate individual performance within each of the programs.

11. Conduct peer evaluations for the planning and implementation of programs.

12. Create a report of their contributions to the class in the form of a personal profile (journal).

C. Course Assignments

1. A comprehensive program plan will be developed for each of the eight programs implemented this semester. Each program will also be briefed and evaluated. (Satisfies objectives 1,2,4,6, 9, 10) The assessment of the program plan is based on the following procedure:

* Each student will complete two products over the course of the semester due the class period before each program unless otherwise stated.

* All products should be combined and submitted as one formal program plan.

* Program plans should be bound and include table of contents and page numbers and appropriate appendices.

* Program plan products include the following and all are due for each program (at the beginning of the class period) – place your name on the product when submitted if you wish to receive credit.

Program Plan Products

a. Goals and Objectives

b. Comprehensive Timeline and Support Materials: (Thank you notes, donation letters, administrative paperwork such as letters, contracts, agreements, permits, reservations, budget, etc.)

c. Animation Plan (overall schedule, tasks, work assignments, facility plans, rotation diagrams, activity descriptions, registration, managing complaints, etc.)

d. Risk Management Plan and associated tools/forms: (waivers, permissions, emergency numbers, permits, certifications, etc.)

e. Marketing/Promotion Plan and associated tools (identify target populations, advertising strategies, publicity strategies, promotion, pricing, public relations, etc.)

f. Evaluation System and associated tools (Overview and description of complete evaluation process, examples of: participant evaluation, program evaluation, staff evaluation, goal and objective evaluation)

g. Inclusion Plan and associated materials. (Inclusion Form)

Program Briefing and Debriefing:

g. Pre-program briefing and presentation (PowerPoint) due the class period before the program. Submit electronically for a grade.

Includes: Goals and objectives, animation plan, evaluation plan, risk management considerations, budget projections,

inclusion issues, and necessary additional information.

h. Post-Program Evaluation and presentation (PowerPoint) due Monday after the program. Submit electronically for a grade.

Includes: Assessment of goals and objectives, budget report, additional information

2. Each student will be involved in activity leadership for eight different community programs. (Satisfies objective 4,5,6)

The overall creativity and difficulty of a particular workshop will be factored into the grading process. For instance, attempting a more creative theme, but achieving less success in the program could be a more valuable learning experience than total success for a simplistic workshop. The students and the instructor will evaluate each workshop during the debrief and determine level of quality. Workshop evaluation scores will be determined by averaging scores for all eight workshops. Incomplete program plans, poor administrative work and other factors (positive and negative) will be considered when determining this score. (See Program Assessment Criteria)

3. Each student will create a personal profile (journal), which documents his or her contribution to the class. Profiles will be e-mailed to class members during the evaluation process (Satisfies objective 12). See example documents at the end of this syllabus for personal profile examples.

4. Each student will participate in a midterm and final evaluation. The student will meet with the director and course instructor to review peer evaluations. (Satisfies objective 10, 11)

5. Each student will complete appropriate number of peer evaluations. (Satisfies objective 10, 11)

Peer Evaluation Process and Reminders:

1. Complete a midterm and final evaluation for peers, self and director

2. Complete forms and e-mail all forms to both the director and course instructor (note: send director’s evaluation to course instructor only)

3. Don’t forget to total scores

4. All feedback must be written in detail and backed up with specific examples

5. Don’t forget to do a self evaluation along with the peer and director evaluations

To view a sample of a well written and complete midterm/final evaluation click here

To view a sample of a poorly completed midterm/final evaluation click here

D. Course Grading Structure

1. Complete attendance at all functions and planning sessions 10% (Class determines criteria)

2. Two Personal Profiles (journal of activities) 10%

3. Creation of two quality products 20%

4. Peer Evaluation Process 10%

5. Midterm Evaluation 15%

6. Final Evaluation 20%

7. Program Grades 15%

E. Critical Dates and Activities:

Program dates are tentatively scheduled for the lab day of the class. If the class decides to change a program date, all class members must be able to attend.

Click here for RCPT 314 Section One Schedule (M –W)

F. Job Descriptions:

DIRECTOR OF RECREATION SERVICES

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Responsible for organizing, coordinating and directing all recreation program services of the agency and/or institution.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under the supervision of the Board of Directors or other officials of a higher grade who reviews work for effectiveness and conformance with policy.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Supervise recreation supervisors, recreation specialist, recreation technicians, recreation aides, and others assigned to recreation programs.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

Directs planning programs in conjunction with other disciplines and in reviewing the aims and objectives for the agency's recreation program; prepares budget for equipment, supplies, personnel and also controls expenditures against approved budget; oversees staff meetings and participates in making policy decisions which may affect recreation services. Maintains records, prepares special reports to be used in the agency and/or institution; periodic evaluation of total program staff performance. Facilitates program briefings and debriefings. Responsible for compiling midterm and final evaluations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY:

Basic knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of recreation; ability to instruct and supervise employees and volunteers in recreation programs; ability to communicate effectively through written and oral expression; considerable knowledge of individual and group behavior and effective ways of working with people; ability to supervise and train students and volunteers.

BUDGET MANAGER

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Responsible for managing, coordinating and directing all budget matters.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under the supervision of the Director and Board of Directors or other officials of a higher grade who reviews work for effectiveness and conformance with policy.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Work with supervisors to disperse funds and to account for all expenditures.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

Develops overall budgeting system, disperses monies to program groups, records all expenditures and revenues, provides budget reports as needed, follows up with supervisors to obtain appropriate receipts and applicable paperwork, monitors the budget, advises program groups in financial matters, provides budget reports to board of directors as requested, provides end of the semester budget summary, submits end of the semester budget report to the board of directors.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY:

Basic knowledge and understanding of the program budgeting process. Organized and responsible individual with the capacity to track all financial activity. Able to advise program groups. Able to maintain a spread sheet of all financial activities.

RECREATION SUPERVISOR

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

This person reports to and assists the Director of Recreation. They assist in planning and coordinating recreation programs, schedules and assigns duties to specialists, staff, and volunteers and evaluates the performance of these individuals.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Work is performed with considerable degree of independence under the direction of the Director of Recreation.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Supervises recreation specialists, recreation technicians, recreation aides and others assigned to the recreation program. May act in behalf of the Director of Recreation in his/her absence.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

Responsible for planning recreation programs in cooperation with staff and participants; evaluates programs and participants and prepares periodic evaluation reports; insures that an adequate inventory of recreation equipment and supplies is maintained; interprets agency and/or institution's policies and services to staff, volunteers, and participants; participates in interdisciplinary conferences and meetings; maintains good public relations with participants and general public; responsible for the welfare and safety of participants in all recreation programs; contacts outside agencies and groups to arrange for out-trips and entertainment. Oversee program plan development and submission, briefing and debriefing functions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY:

RECREATION SPECIALIST

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Assists in planning, coordinating and conducting recreation activities at a public institution and/or agency conducting recreation programs.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under the supervision of the Supervisor of Recreation Services or other officials of grade who reviews work for effectiveness and conformance with policy higher.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

May supervise recreation technicians, recreation aides or other assigned attendants or employees.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

Assists in the planning, coordinating and conducting of comprehensive recreation programs; adapts and creates programs to meet specific needs consistent with program goals; organizes and schedules such activities as sports, special events, special interest groups, crafts, etc.; supervises volunteers in recreation activities; maintains records and prepares reports on recreation programs; may attend staff or professional conferences. Create components of program plan, briefings and debriefings.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY:

Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of recreation; considerable ability to instruct and supervise staff and participants in recreation activities; ability to gain the interest, cooperation and confidence of participants; ability to prepare reports for recreation activities.

G. Example Documents:

- Class Budget Format

- Marketing and Promotions Product

- Timeline Product

- Evaluation Plan Product

- Animation Plan – numerous examples in Mark’s office

- Goals and Objectives – numerous examples in Mark’s office

- Risk Management Plan – more examples in Mark’s office

- Sample Journal/Personal Profile