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Active School Recreation Initiatives Report Now Available |
Study outlines urgent need for "critical hours" recreation programming
A strategy for providing sustainable, quality children and youth programming during afterschool hours requires a collaborative multi-stakeholder/government approach, according to a study released by the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA) examining the state of afterschool recreation programming in Alberta.
With the support of the Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation, ARPA contracted CDC Consultants to identify opportunities for engaging those in the recreation field and related stakeholders in developing a provincial strategy to tackle the "critical hours" issue. The study was commissioned in response to the pressing need for current research and analysis on how the afterschool hours can optimize a student's physical, social, emotional, and academic development.
"The hours between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m. are a critical time in the daily lives of children and youth. In the recent past, serious social problems have emerged during these hours-increased levels of juvenile crime, growing levels of physical inactivity, poor nutrition, and high levels of antisocial behaviour," said Dr. Tim Burton, President of ARPA. "Yet at the same time, recent local initiatives throughout North America have demonstrated that these hours have enormous potential to enhance the lives of children and youth through afterschool recreation programs, extracurricular arts, music and recreation activities, and projects designed to generate positive youth engagement in a wide range of community initiatives."
Presently, numerous barriers inhibit the delivery of quality afterschool programming. Two of the most significant barriers include inadequate resourcing to fund and staff afterschool programs, and the provision of transportation to and from programming sites. A blend of support from local school districts and community agencies, as well as federal, provincial, and municipal governments, is essential to design and expand programs that meet local needs.
"We know that the more positive adults a young person has in his or her life, the greater the likelihood that young person has of enjoying a successful, positive future," said Heather Cowie, Chair of ARPA's Children and Youth Committee. "Afterschool programming is a way for our children and youth to build positive relationships with adults, peers, and their community. Afterschool programming creates opportunities for exploring new interests, building leadership skills, and provides a safe place in which to thrive."
Please visit www.arpaonline.ca/rr/res/AfterSchoolReport.pdf
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Mandi Wise
Communications Coordinator
Alberta Recreation and Parks Association
Phone: 780-644-6976
Email: mwise@arpaonline.ca
