Recreation, Parks and Tourism 313

RCPT 313:Program Planning in Recreation, Parks and Tourism

Prerequisites: Major in RCPT

Credit Hours: (3)

Focuses on essential elements and basic principles in the development, implementation and evaluation of recreation programs. Emphasis on planning, conducting, and evaluating programs in recreation, parks and tourism.

Note(s): May not receive credit if previously have taken RCPT 215.

Detailed Description of Content of the Course

This course deals with skills required for all recreation program development. Topics discussed include mission statement, needs assessment, goals and objectives, personnel requirements, equipment and supplies, budget, promotion, registration, risk management, environmental impact, accessibility, and evaluation.

Detailed Description of Conduct of the Course

The course will first address the theory and techniques of program planning by discussing the materials in the text.  Students will be tested on their understanding of this material. The class will then have the opportunity to hear about various recreation agencies and design a program for one of these agencies.

Students will then be divided into small groups and work on a written proposal for the agency. The proposal will include all the components mentioned above. The students will work closely with the agency professional while developing this program proposal. Each group will present their proposal verbally and in writing to the practitioner.

Goals and Objectives of the Course

At the conclusion of the course, the student will be able to:

Design and develop a program proposal.

a. program title
b. program description
c. mission statement
d. needs assessment
e. research
f. activity analysis
g. operational planning

    1. personnel needs
    2. facility needs
    3. supply, equipment and material needs
    4. schedule
    5. promotion
    6. registration
    7. management plan
    8. animation plan
    9. records
    10. risk management plan
    11. environmental impact statement
    12. accessibility plan

h. variations/co-operative programs
i. economic impact
j. evaluation

    1. Present the proposal in writing and orally to a practitioner.
    2. Develop a flow chart for his/her semester.
    3. Create a notebook containing course materials.

Assessment Measures

Assessment of the student's success in this course is based on the grades for weekly quizzes, the program proposal, a flow chart, the notebook, and the program presentation.

Other Course Information

None

Review and Approval

Revised 2013

February 2005 Reviewed by Edward Udd, Chair