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Recreation
Introduction
Recreation is an important part
of the program at the DCCH. It is during recreational activities that children
have fun, improve a dysfunctional area, treat a problematic behavior,
and/or enhance an existing skill or competency in an appropriate, safe and
healthy manner. Recreational activities help a child develop athletic
skills, which increases endurance, coordination, self-esteem, and teamwork.
Recreation can also broaden the child's interests and provide a diversion
from their problems and anxieties. Children are also given the opportunity
to participate in a wide array of special programs throughout each week,
such as fitness clubs, cub scouts and a theater group that trains kids in
the finer arts of “clowning” and performing! Organized soccer and baseball teams are
also a part of the program.
Recreation can be very therapeutic on many levels for a child.
Scoring
and Goals System
While a child is on
recreation, he/she will be scored on his/her participation and behavior.
The score is based on an average and a goal system. The average corresponds
to a particular goal as defined in the child’s treatment plan (i.e.,
attitude, cooperation, etc.) The
Recreation worker and the Director of Recreation determine each
child’s goal. The goals are set with the child’s needs in mind,
as assessed at intake. A score sheet is used to keep track of the child's
score for each day of the month. At
the end of the month, the child’s scores are averaged and logged on
their individual treatment plans.
Then the child can use their score earned during recreation to
purchase incentives from the Home’s store. Every child earns a prize from the store;
there are four levels the child can earn from based on their score. Additional activities and competitions
may be offered through out the month to give the children more
opportunities to be successful and “bump-up” their averages.
Goals
To better help the
children with their behaviors the recreation staff develop a goal for each
child to work on. The goal targets behaviors that the child needs to work
on specifically for recreation.
Conclusion
Recreation is an integral part of the treatment of the Diocesan
Catholic Children's Home. The children are given opportunities to release
tension, learn new games, and excel in physical sports. This enables the
children to adjust socially and develop controls of their own.
Recreation also boosts a child's self-esteem. Confidence in oneself is
essential to growth. Examples such as learning to ride a bike or learning
how to swim are very important to the child. The children are encouraged to
try different activities so they will develop greater interests. A positive
self-image is essential for all children.
Children are challenged and given the chance to use their creativity to
expand their knowledge of the world around them. Ideally, our
children are taught how to develop internal controls and how to handle
situations on their own. Recreation gives the children goals to obtain
which, in turn, will better prepare them to handle problems. Recreation
offers social, emotional and physical outlets in a positive manner.
Any further questions you may
have on the recreation program, can
be answered by:
John Carney
859/331-2040 ext. 244
jcarney at DCCHome
dot org
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