Age Group Characteristics: Campus Recreation
Leisure programming based on age or life stage is a popular strategy because people of different ages exhibit varying levels of physical, socioemotional, and cognitive abilities. Therefore, their recreation needs and preferences differ. In the case of campus recreation, the majority of the target audience are campus students who are in their late adolescence (16 to 21 years). In terms of physical development, the students are very concerned about their physical development and body image. Many have attained adult height and body shape. Cognitive wise, they hold an idealistic view of the world and can test hypothesis, engage in planning and problem-solving. On socioemotional development, they are striving to achieve self-identity, responsibility, and freedom from adults.
The above information about the participants will help our agency to develop programs that suit their needs. For example, due to their ability to handle abstractions and test hypotheses, we will involve them in program design, choosing the programs, as well as their implementation to meet their unique needs.
Developmental assets are positive attributes, aspects, and resources that would promote the success of a program. In a campus recreation program, developmental assets are the skills, talents, and resources that exist both within the institution and the community in general. Some of the internal assets are the availability of a gym facility and a physical fitness instructor. These two are vital in meeting the students’ need for physical fitness. The gym and the instructor would be utilized in the program area of fitness and wellness. Besides, participants would employ the drop-in format to avoid congestion in the facility. The external assets are material support from the community in the form of a football field, as well as the willingness by neighboring campuses to partner with us. Such resources would be used in the program area of games and sports. We would utilize the program format of competitions by using the field to host tournaments for various games.