Leisure Education - Is it off the menu? Robyn Cockburn

Purpose ◊ Leisure education targeted at the young ◊ Older people restricted in their choices ◊ Current policy framework opportunities ◊ Potential for leisure education to create change ◊ Who, how and what

My thinking… ◊ Leisure education is a lifelong process ◊ Turning points/unlocked moments ◊ Focus on adults and their needs

Education today Education today faces many challenges. One of them is leisure. If all that was required was increased emphasis on hobbies or activities, the problem would be non-existent. What is actually required is the making of a creative, life-seeking individual - someone who has confidence in the limitless possibilities of his/her own development, someone who is not intimidated by the prospect of an open hour. (adapted from Norman Cousins)

What are people doing? Sport Outdoor recreation Arts Fitness Declines from youth Golf & bowls increase Home based 10% at fitness centre High Maori and Pacific participation 50% actively participate Dance participation significant & increasing Declining club members Increased eco-volunteers Front country experience

Leisure education is… ◊ Knowledge and understanding about leisure ◊ Personal resources and skills for leisure ◊ Personal values about leisure ◊ Positive attitudes towards leisure

Framework for development Explore Learn Participate Perform Excel Facilitate Coach Teach

At the moment for adults Explore Learn Participate Perform Excel

My vision… Explore Perform Learn Participate Excel

Government frameworks ◊ Adult and Community education Strengthening social cohesion Strengthening social cohesion Strengthening communities by meeting community learning needs Strengthening communities by meeting community learning needs Raising foundation needs Raising foundation needs Encourage lifelong learning Encourage lifelong learning Targeting learners whose initial learning was unsuccessful Targeting learners whose initial learning was unsuccessful ◊ SPARC Partnerships with health and education Partnerships with health and education Improving ‘delivery’ of sport and active recreation Improving ‘delivery’ of sport and active recreation Education about ‘opportunities’ Education about ‘opportunities’ ◊ Creative New Zealand NZ’ers access, engage in and experience the arts NZ’ers access, engage in and experience the arts

Current situation ◊ Clubs and groups ◊ Adult and community education ◊ Events ◊ Pay for play ◊ Professional educators ◊ “How to” publications and resources

Research says… ◊ Obstacles to Action ◊ District physical activity strategies ◊ Non-users

Leisure life stages ◊ Independent young ◊ Couples activities ◊ Parent education ◊ Empty nesters ◊ Retirees ◊ Older adults

Strategies and solutions ◊ Pay for play - coaching & clinics ◊ Adult and community education ◊ Clubs and group ◊ Have a go - life be in it ◊ Expand your world ◊ Learn, relearn, modify, adapt

Seeking and realising a style of life gives leisure its greatest significance (Dumazedier)

Leisure Education - Is it off the menu? Robyn Cockburn