Recreation is a means of relaxing the mind and the body.

It is also important for a person to engage in an

activity that relieves day-to-day tension. Recreation is for everybody, for it is universal need of people.
Recreational activities can be instruments for developing physical health and outlets for self-expression and
creativity. One thing is important: a recreational activity helps a person to reduce stress.
Recreational Activities are held during one’s leisure time.
Its objective is to revitalize the different aspects of life.
1. Physical
2. Mental
3. Social
4. Emotional Aspect of Individual
The following are the best times for recreation:
1 Weekends
2. Holidays
3. Special occasions such as anniversaries and birthdays
Recreation can become an organized activity of local governments. Local governments often create parks or
community centers. These provide venues for organized sports, arts and crafts, and activities of senior
citizens.
Without recreation life would be unbearable, unsatisfying, and unbalanced. Recreation opens the road to
opportunities for self-discovery, self-expression and creativity.
Characteristics of Recreation
1. It occurs an obligated time. Recreational activities are done during leisure.
2. It has no simple form. It includes a variety of forms and may be found in various settings.
3. It involves activity. Individuals actively participate in different activities.
4. It is determined by motivation. The kinds of recreation an individual engages in are determined by his or
he interest.
5. It involves voluntary participation. Individuals engaging in recreation have the freedom to choose the
activities which they wish to take part in.
6. It is universally sought and practice. People from all walks of life, young, old, poor and rich, generally
engage in recreational activities.
7. It has by-products. Personal development, intellectual, physical, social growth, and better health are the
rewards of recreation. Undesirable forms of recreation may contribute to the deterioration, and even to
the disintegration, of one’s personality.
8. It gives satisfaction. The main objectives of recreation are enjoyment and satisfaction. If these
objectives are achieved, there will be a feeling of fulfillment within us.
Importance of Recreation
1. Physical Health – A large part of recreation is physical in nature, like some forms of games, sports, and
dances that are essential to physical fitness.
2. Psychological health – Leisure and recreation can relax and recharge the overworked individual.
Frustration is a result of mental stress. Satisfying and worthwhile activities that relax a tired mind during
spare time can overcome frustration. Recreation also offers opportunities to develop and enhance
skills, as well as activity.
3. Social well-being. Recreation can be source of happiness and satisfaction. A happy person can easily
adjust to his or her peers, subordinates, and superior. As a social force, recreation is a means of
establishing unity among individuals. It develops a well rounded personality. It also helps restrain or
control delinquency, lessen (if not totally eliminates) the problems of community disorganization, and
offers a varied opportunities for better social relations.
4. Emotional Stability – People who balance work and recreation find their life fulfilling and their existence
meaningful.
5. Occupational. Recreational activities usually translate into monetary benefits for people engaged in
business. Amusement parks, internet cafes, gyms, and arcades are some examples of businesses that
profit from recreational activities.
Scope of Recreation
An individual may voluntarily participate in may recreational activities, either as a spectator or an active
participant. The scope of recreation is wide enough to cover the many activities which an individual may freely
choose from. These activities may be performed either indoors or outdoors.
Games and Sports
a. Playing basketball e. Playing scrabble
b. Playing volleyball f. Playing dominoes
c. Playing chess g. Playing card games like “UNO”
d. Playing badminton h. Playing billiards
Music Activities
a. Listening to music through the radio/cassette/VCDs
b. Karaoke singing
c. Videoke Singing
d. Playing musical instruments
Technology-based activities
a. Internet surfing
b. Internet chatting
c. Texting
d. Playing at the arcade
e. Computer games
Fitness Activities
a. Fitness walking
b. jogging
c. Biking

Arts and Crafts Activities

a. Drawing
b. Cross-stitching
c. Cooking
Nature and Outdoor Activities
a. camping
b. going to camp
c. Nature tripping
d. Hiking
e. Swimming
f. Mountaing climbing

Special events

a. Attending to social events

b. Going to discos
c. Attending parties
d. Dining out
e. Clubbing

Mental, Linguistic, and Literary Activities

a. Reading Pocketbooks
b. Reading Magazines
c. Reading Newspaper
d. Reading Books
e. Reading Comics

Commercial and Home Entertainment Actvities

a. Watching movie at movie houses

b. Watching movies at home through VCDs and DVDs
c. Watching television

Cultural Activities

a. Watching free cultural shows (CCP, Paco Park, Puerto Real, Fort Santiago)
b. Watching tourism activities (WOW Philippines activities and presentations, Intramuros, etc.)
Miscellaneous Hobbies

a. spending time at one’s hangout (tambayan)

b. Window Shopping
c. Strolling at the mall
d. Playing with pets
e. Hanging out with friends
f. Chatting with friends
g. Chatting with frineds over the phone

Agencies for Recreation

There are different agencies which can provide a variety of recreation facilities, activities, and programs that
meet people’s recreational needs.

Agencies providing recreation may be grouped into the following.

1. Public or Government Agencies – created and administered by the national/local government for public use.
Examples are local senior citizens’ center which may offer ballroom dancing lessons.

2. Voluntary Agencies – supported primarily by private funds which render community services; they are non-
exclusive groups which extend recreational opportunities even to non-members.

Example: YMCA, Catholic Youth Organizations, Boy’s Club, Girls and Boy Scouts

3. Private Agencies – these comprise the innumerable clubs and associations organized primarily for the
benefit of their members and in which membership is on selective basis.
a. Business and Industry
b. Hospital
c. Church
d. Sports Organization

4. Commercial Agencies – these include many business organizations which cater to the public demand for
leisure and for the agencies’ own profit.
a. Radio, records, television, and musical instruments
b. Theaters and movie houses
c. Amusement centers like carnivals and fun centers

Hiking

Hiking is an outdoor activity which consists of walking in natural environments like hiking trails. Hikers often
seek beautiful and natural environments in which to hike. The activity described in hiking is called hill walking
or simply, walking.

A day hike refers to a hike that can be completed in a single day. It is often applied to mountain hikes, a lake,
or a summit. In hikes that require an overnight camp, the term backpacking is used.

Hiking over long distances or over difficult terrains requires a physical activity and the knowledge of the route
and its pitfalls.

Preparing for a hike

1. Clothing and equipment – one must be prepared with clothing suitable for the weather and equipped for an
eight-kilometer hike.

a. Clothing is the most important item in outdoor work. Hikers will not enjoy the hike if they fell col or warm, or if
their shoes pinch their toes. The clothes must be strong and tough. These should fit theme loosely to allow for
easy movement of their arms and legs.

The shoes should be well broken in and must have thick soles. They should not be tight. Others prefer to wear
two pair of socks when hiking to cushion the feet better and avoid blisters.

A long-sleeved shirt will do during the cold months, and a short-sleeved shirt during the summer. One should
have spare underclothing for change when the hike is over.

On rainy days, it is advisable to carry a poncho or a raincoat. The regulation wide-brimmed hat is deal for both
the hot and rainy months.
At the end of the hike, wet clothes, socks, and shoes should be dried. If the day is cloudy, build a fire and
stretch a rope between two poles well above and about a yard each from the fire. Tie the shoes by the
shoestrings and hang them so that the heat will strike the soles. Socks and clothing should be hung on the
rope.

b. Equipment

Here are the following materials that a hiker needs:

- matches in a water proof case
- pack - first aid kit
- water purifier tablets - toilet paper
- drinking cup - about 20 feet cord
- cooking gear - fishing hooks and lines
- eating utensils - axe and bolo
- food in food bags - some candy
- extra socks - pencils and paper
- knife - small flashlight with batteries
- compass - poncho or raincoat
- map - whetstone
- candle - notebook

2. Packs – no matter how heavy the pack may be, it should not cause discomfort.
What you are carrying should be properly arranged in the pack.
There are three types of packs.

a. The Knapsack

It is a large bag with shoulder straps. It is made in various lengths and depths and is about as wide as the
back. Some have pockets inside or outside, or both , for small items.

When selecting a knapsack, be sure that it is not too long for the body. See that it can be adjusted to fit
different loads.

When packing, place blankets and other soft articles next to your back. Place the hard objects away from your
back preferably in the outer pockets of the knapsack.

Be sure to spread the weight evenly. Articles that are rarely used should be placed at the bottom. The poncho,
flashlight, first aid kit, and drinking cup should be at the top. Heavy objects should be packed very well so that
the pack will not sag.

b. Pack Frame

Pack frames or pack boards can be made or bought in different style. For carrying uncomfortably-shaped
loads, pack frames are the best because they cannot touch your back.

c. Pack Basket

Pack basket can be made fro bamboo, rattan, and other local materials. They shoulder strap attached. They
can be made in various styles.

d. Improvised Packs

Hikers can easily improvise packs when the need for the arises and there is none on hand. Sacks and bags or
even pillow cases and blankets will serve the purpose.

Some tips on Hiking

1. Your pace must fit the slowest member of the group.

2. Short rest at short intervals are better than long rest at longer intervals.
3. Avoid making your stride to long or too short.
4. Point your toes straight ahead to cover more ground with fewer steps and to avoid becoming tired easily.
5. On even ground, come down lightly on your hell, lean forward, and push up with your toes.
 Recreational Activities Form
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Event to be organized

Name of Organizers:
1. 7.
2. 8.
3. 9.
4. 10.
5. 11.
6. 12.

Reasons for organizing the activity.

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List of all the materials needed in the entire game (before, during and after
the game).
Rules of the game.

List of Participants
Schedule of games. Write the possible date of every games and championship if
possible construct the diagram of games.
Documentation of the event.