This article describes a modified importance-performance framework for use in evaluation of recreation-based experiential learning programs. Importance-performance analysis (IPA) provides an effective and readily applicable means of evaluating many programs, but the near universal satisfaction associated with recreation inhibits the use of IPA in…

Background: Within the field of coach development, previous research has ascertained that elite coaches learn through a variety of formal, non-formal, and informal sources. Little is known, however, about how coaches from different coaching contexts such as recreational and developmental learn to coach. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to…

Modern American society faces challenges that are much different from those that the early pioneers of American play face. Play deprivation, or lack of play, is the result of children's unwillingness to choose free and spontaneous outdoor play such as that which occurs in parks and other natural settings. A lack of play in natural settings leads…

Youth are often the primary group for parks and recreation organizations, yet recreation professionals are often not adequately prepared in the principles and practices of youth development. Similarly, youth workers outside the recreation field often lack information on basic recreation program design and activity leadership. Improving access to…

This paper presents evidence collected from an evaluatory study of the Kickstart program conducted by Australian Football League (AFL) Cape York in far North Queensland. The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of the Kickstart program in meeting its overall objective of enhancing lifeskills of Indigenous Australians through…

Parks and recreation professionals can help prevent juvenile delinquency by learning more about why young people feel disconnected with society and developing programs to help them develop strong ties and relationships with their communities. Social bonds can be developed through attachment, commitment, involvement, and positive beliefs. A sidebar…

Describes the variety of Japanese youth programs which provide the opportunity for activities outside the realm of academic affairs for urban youth. (AN)

The two highest risk nights for teens are prom and graduation. Many students feel as if they have not really celebrated if they have not been drinking or using other drugs. Virginia Operation Prom/Graduation (OP/G) addresses the issues of youth drinking, drugging, and driving behavior during these high-risk social seasons. It encourages a positive…

Work has become monotonous and there is a need for educational programs to help individuals to better know how to utilize their leisure time to add meaning and perspective to their lives. This discussion was undertaken to develop an outline for such an educational program, especially for informal youth programs. (Author)

Review of the research on at-risk youth and resilient youth (successful youth despite adverse family and environmental situations) focuses on environmental protective factors such as positive relationships and youth participation. Application to park and recreation systems suggests leisure systems can provide such positive factors as a caring…

The International Child Development Initiatives (ICDI) promotes the wellbeing of children growing up in difficult circumstances. ICDI works to improve policies and practices affecting these children by doing research and training. ICDI believes in the power of children and young people, supporting the realisation of their rights and addressing the…

Describes a survey conducted by the Washoe County (Nevada) Library to investigate youth services programs, using a planning grant from the DeWitt Wallace-Reader's Digest Fund, "Public Libraries as Partners in Youth Development". Discusses education and tutoring programs, including homework centers; career development and mentoring…

The 1994 Florida Library Youth Program is an extension of the successful and long-running Florida Summer Library Program to help librarians provide programs for school-age children, aged 6 through 12, throughout the year. The emphasis is primarily recreational. This manual for program coordinators and library users amplifies a theme called…