Volunteering during leisure time provides personal contact and the opportunity for individual accomplishment for people of all age, ethnic, and socioeconomic levels. Volunteer work can play a large role in developing both the job and leisure aspects of people's careers throughout their lifetimes. (JN)

Career development is a systematic and logical method for helping employees acquire skills and knowledge for professional growth. It benefits both the employee and the organization and should be a shared responsibility. The process is described. (MT)

This article outlines ways for individuals to manage stress through leisure awareness. Guidelines for developing a holistic lifestyle planning program are detailed. (JMK)

The Japanese capacity for long-range planning, efficient product design, and the development of loyal and productive workers should be pursued by American recreationists in their attempt to influence urban recreation in the coming decade. Methods to achieve this include: (1) adopting corporate strategies, (2) using volunteers in leadership roles,…

The North Carolina Senior Games program is a year-round health promotion program for adults 55 and older. The program is described. (DF)

A description of the mentor's impact on young professionals, the work organization and environment, career development, and on the mentor himself demonstrates the importance of this management phenomenon in the parks and recreation field and supports the need for more professionals in this field to make mentoring a high priority. (CB)

Increasing specialization in recreation services calls for changes in recreation education. (JD)

Educators are finding that children who excel early in physical activities also exhibit early academic potential. The Glassboro, New Jersey, Park and Recreation Department sponsors a program featuring teacher-directed group movement activities for children from three to six years old. Activities include warm-up movements, dances, and basic…

Supervision is the weak link in safety upgrading programs for playgrounds. A strong educational thrust on safe playing is needed for parents of pre-school children. Adults must understand how children behave at play and what playground equipment means to a child user. (JD0)

Standards are suggested for urban parks and recreation agencies in serving ethnic minorities with limited financial resources. Goals involve (1) recognizing the value of recreation as a social service; (2) seeking feedback from clients; (3) confronting the harsh realities of impoverished neighborhoods; (4) making facilities accessible; and (5)…

American children are in poor physical shape. Contribution of the National Fitness Coalition and how recreation professional can help youth get and stay fit are explored. (DF)

A well-organized outdoor program, with emphasis on skill-building, group dynamics, and self-esteem development, can be designed for exceptional persons. This article presents some concepts basic to an outdoor program and offers practical solutions to situations planners may see as dilemmas. (CJ)

Modern playgrounds provide a system of linked play modules used with creative accessories to yield a series of interaction options for children. These designs offer opportunities for physical development, mental enhancement and imaginative play, and they are easy to maintain. (JD)

The article discusses ways that recreation and parks programs could and should serve the Hispanic community and includes descriptions of religious and cultural activities of this ethnic group. (CB)

Park and recreation professionals are facing a dual challenge: to offer comprehensive recreation programs for all ages and income levels; and to establish trends, providing opportunities for development and assimilation of new skills and interests into the public's repertoire of leisure activities. (Author)