OUTDOOR AND ADVENTURE RECREATION/ ACTIVITIES

INTRODUCTION

Outdoor activity/ Outdoor recreation is the most common and usual way of
having a rest or having fun on a vacation. While other prefer staying indoors with
books, others cannot keep their wild energy inside and keep on trying outdoor
activities. In this module you will learn the different outdoor activities and benefits in
doing and trying outdoor activities.

OBJECTIVES

At the end of the module, the students should be able to:

a. Gain understanding in nature and background of outdoor and adventure
recreation/activities;
b. Define the importance of outdoor and adventure recreation/activities;
c. Identify the different characteristics and benefits of outdoor and adventure
recreation/activities;
d. Participate in outdoor and adventure recreation/activities; and
e. Engage in different outdoor and adventure recreation/activities.

DISCUSSION PROPER

OUTDOOR and RECREATION ACTIVITIES

OVERVIEW

Recreational activities are held during one’s leisure. Their objective is to

revitalize all the different aspects of life, i.e., the physical, mental, social, and
emotional aspects of the individual. Each activity is not a compensation, but skill is
also given importance. All activities are held for self-satisfaction and enjoyment.
Dance is considered one form of recreational activity, as are arts and crafts, social
and ballroom dancing, camping, hiking, field trips, and dance mixers.
Recreation is a means of relaxing the mind and the body. It is important for a
person to engage in an activity that relieves day-to-day tension. Recreation is for
everybody, for it is a universal need of people.
Recreational activities can be instruments for developing physical health and
outlets for self-expression and creativity. They serve as a means for developing
character and possible clinical applications to individuals with chronic pain and
health impairments. There are many types of recreation that may suit a person’s
taste and lifestyle. He or she may engage in painting, sports, writing, or composing
music. One thing is important: a recreational activity helps a person reduce stress.
This module focuses on different outdoor and indoor activities and the
importance of recreational activities in the development of an individual in all phases
of life.

NATURE AND BACKGROUND OF OUTDOOR and RECREATION ACTIVITIES

WHAT IS RECREATION?

Recreational activities are

experiences or organized activities
that you do or actively participate
in with others, to have fun and enjoy
life during your free time. This
includes experiences that
require physical activity and
interactions and playing with other
people. They are not things that
you do all by yourself (although you
can attempt to do some by yourself
but you will miss the
fun of doing it with others).
Recreation is an activity of leisure,
leisure being discretionary time. The
"need to do something
for recreation" is an essential element
of human biology and psychology.
Recreational activities
are often done for enjoyment,
amusement, or pleasure and are
considered to be "fun"
Recreation is the expenditure of time
with an intent to gain some
refreshment. It is a break from
monotony and a diversion from the
daily routine. It is a positive change
from the stereotypical
lifestyle and involves an active
participation in some entertaining
activity. Recreation is anything
that is stimulating and rejuvenating
for an individual. The idea behind
these activities is to
expand the mind and body in a
positive, healthy way.
Recreational Education is an
assistive tool to enable the individual
to:
1) gain a broader understanding of
where, why, how, and with whom he
can pursue his
recreational interests and experiences
and
2) unlearn non-adaptive and learn
more functional responses, i.e. to
develop different
modes of leisure behavior which will
enable the individual to adapt to the
environment to meet his free time
needs .
 Recreation is derived from the Latin word recreare which means to be
refreshed.
Recreational activities are experiences or organized activities that you do or
actively participate in with others, to have fun and enjoy life during your free time.
This includes experiences that require physical activity and interactions and playing
with other people. They are not things that you do all by yourself.
Recreation is an activity of leisure, leisure being discretionary time. The “need
to do something for recreation” is an essential element of human biology and
psychology. Recreational and are considered to be activities are often done for
enjoyment, amusement, or pleasure and are considered to be “fun”.
Recreation is the expenditure of time with an intent to gain some refreshment.
It is a break from monotony and a diversion from the daily routine. It is a positive
change from the stereotypical lifestyle and involves an active participation in some
entertaining activity. Recreation is anything that is stimulating and rejuvenating for an
individual. The idea behind these activities is to expand the mind and body in a
positive, healthy way.
Recreational Education is an assistive tool to enable the individual to:
1) Gain a broader understanding of where, why, how and with whom he can
pursue his recreational interests and experiences and
2) Unlearn non-adaptive and learn more functional responses, i.e. to develop
different modes of leisure behavior which will enable the individual to
adapt to the environment to meet his free time needs.
WHAT IS OUTDOOR RECREATION?
Outdoor recreation is organized activities done during one’s free time for
his/her own personal reasons, where an interaction between man and an element of
nature is present.
CHARACTERISTICS OF RECREATION
1. IT OCCURS IN AN UNOBLIGATED TIME. Recreational activities are
done during leisure.
2. IT HAS NO SIMPLE FORM. It includes a variety of forms and may be
found in various leisure.
3. IT INVOLVES ACTIVITY. Individuals actively participate in different
activities.
4. IT IS DETERMINED BY MOTIVATION. The kinds of recreation an
individual engages in are determined by his or her interest.
5. IT INVOLVES VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION. Individual engaging in
recreation have the freedom to choose the activities which they wish to
take part in.
6. IT IS UNIVERSALLY SOUGHT AND PRACTICED. People from all walks
of life, young, old poor and rich, generally engage in recreational
activities.
7. IT HAS BY-PRODUCTS. Personal development, intellectual, physical,
social growth, and better health are the rewards of recreation, undesirable
 forms of recreation may contribute to the deterioration, and even to the
disintegration, of one’s personality.
8. IT GIVES SATISFACTION. The main objectives of recreation are
enjoyment and satisfaction. If these objectives are achieved, there will be
a feeling of fulfillment within us.

DIFFERENT TIMES IN RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

1. Existence Time - is the time spent for biological needs like having meal,
sleeping and other personal care.
2. Subsistence Time - refers to the hours spent for economic purposes such as
going to work, chores, and for students the hours spent in school and school
work.
3. Free Time - refers to the remaining time.

TYPES OF RECREATION
PASSIVE RECREATION – refers to recreational activities that do not require
prepared facilities like sports fields or pavilions.
ACTIVE RECREATION – refers to a structures individual or team activity that requires
the use of special facilities, courses, fields or equipment.
BENEFITS OF ACTIVE RECREATION
 Reduced the risks of heart disease and stroke
 Reduced risk of developing high blood pressure
 Prevention of some cancer
 Reduced risk of becoming overweight
 Reduced risk of developing diabetes
 Better bone and muscle development
 Improved muscle flexibility, strength and endurance
 Improved quality of sleep
Reasons People Engage in Outdoor Recreational Activity
 Some do it for personal satisfaction and enjoyment. Perhaps, it is a time away
from the day-to-day routine.
 Others do it to be in touch with nature, which they rarely have the chance to do,
especially for those who reside in highly urbanized areas.
 Many do it for personal pursuit such as photography, collecting sea shells,
reaching the top of Mt. Apo, conquering the rapids of Cagayan River, or
attaining a certain fitness level.
 Some individuals or groups do it as part of outdoor or environmental education,
such as bird watching, plant naming, etc.
Whatever reason there may be, people engage in outdoor recreation for their own
sake and pleasure, voluntarily, and of their own choice.
What are the different outdoor recreational activities?
 The Philippines is rich in natural resources. Having 7,641 islands there
are many outdoor activities that can be done. Below are some of the activities
that we can do.
Land Water Air
Mountaineering Swimming Parasailing
Trekking/ Hiking Snorkeling Skydiving
Camping Diving Paragliding
Backpacking Surfing
Picnic Canoeing
Bird-watching Kayaking
Mountain Biking White water Rafting
Orienteering Sailing
Canyoneering Fishing
Rock Climbing Bamboo Rafting

BENEFITS OF OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

1. Physical Health
 It helps people to move.
 Being outdoors prevent a person from having a sedentary life.
 It allows people to move, like walking, running, swimming, biking,
paddling, etc.
 With the surge of electronic gadgets, more and more people
(children and adults alike) are unconsciously getting stuck with a
sedentary life, contented with playing with their computer games,
tablets, or cellphones, or watching television for hours.
Physical activities done in outdoor activities/ recreation have positive
impact on the health of the person. Many people have documented the
benefits of staying active include reduced obesity, reduced risk disease,
enhance immune system, and increased life expectancy.
2. Psycho-Emotional Benefits
 Engaging in outdoor recreational activities helps people to rest,
relax, de-stress or unwind, and feel revitalized.
 According to the research of Katcher & Baeck, 1987 and Stilgoe,
2001, that too much artificial stimulation and time spent in purely
human environments can cause exhaustion and loss of vitality and
health.
 Research has found out that exposure to nature reduces blood
pressure, heart rate, muscle tension and the production of stress
hormones.
 Being outdoor improves self-esteem, confidence and creativity
Outdoor activities contributes to one’s personal and spiritual growth. It
allows an individual to discover his/her inner spirit and sense of self,
creating new behaviors and identity.
 3. Social Benefits
 Outdoor activities are ways for families to become closer.
 Spending time outdoors allows people to meet and interact with
others who share the same passion for outdoor recreation.
 Outdoor recreation promotes stewardship.
People feelings and connection with nature are greatest motivation for
them to care for the natural environment and advocate for its prevention.
4. Economic Benefits
 Generating Revenue
 Lowering Healthcare Costs
 Reducing Unemployment and Boosting Productivity
 Increasing Tourism
 Enhancing Property Value and Attracting New Businesses
 It brings day and overnight visitors to an area and communities reap
the economic benefits when visitors buy meals and snacks, stay
overnight in hotels, buy specialized equipment, lease land, and pay for
travel costs.
Outdoor recreation/ activities attracts new business ideas and facilities to a
region which boots sales rate and increases taxable revenue. Similarly, they
provide health benefits that increase productivity and reduce government
costs.
IMPORTANCE OF RECREATION

1. PHYSICAL HEALTH. A large part of recreation is physical in nature, like

some forms of games, sports, and dances that are essential to physical
fitness.
2. PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH. Leisure and recreation can relax and recharge
the overworked individual. Frustration is a result of mental stress. Satisfying
and worthwhile activities that relax a tired mind during spare time can
overcome frustration. Recreation also offers opportunities to develop and
enhance skills, as well as creativity.
3. SOCIAL WELL-BEING. Recreation can be a source of happiness and
satisfaction. A happy person can easily adjust to his or her peers,
subordinates, and superiors. As a social force, recreation is a means of
establishing unity among individuals. It develops a well-rounded personality. It
also helps restrain or control delinquency, lessens (if not totally eliminates) the
problems of community disorganization, and offers varied opportunities for
better social relations.
4. EMOTIONAL STABILITY. People who balance work and recreation find their
life fulfilling and their existence meaningful.
5. OCCUPATIONAL. Recreational activities usually translate into monetary
benefits for people engaged in business. Amusement parks, internet cafes,
gyms, and arcades are some examples of businesses that profit from
recreational activities.

SCOPE OF RECREATION
 An individual may voluntarily participate in many recreational activities, either as
a spectator or an active participant. The scope of recreation is wide enough to cover
the many activities which an individual may freely choose from. These activities may
be performed either indoors or outdoors. Below are some of the activities:

1. Games and Sports

a. Playing basketball
b. Playing volleyball
c. Playing chess
d. Playing badminton
e. Playing scrabble
f. Playing dominoes
g. Playing card games like “Uno”
h. Playing billiards

2. Music Activities
a. Listening to music through the radio/cassette/VCDs
b. Karaoke singing
c. Videoke singing
d. Playing musical instruments

3. Technology based activities

a. Internet surfing
b. Internet chatting
c. Texting
d. Playing at the arcade
e. Computer games

4. Fitness Activities
a. Fitness walking
b. Jogging
c. Biking

5. Arts and Crafts Activities

a. Drawing
b. Cross-stitching
c. Cooking

6. Nature and outdoor activities

a. Camping
b. Going to parks
c. Nature tripping
d. Hiking
e. Swimming
f. Mountain climbing

7. Special Events
a. Attending social events
b. Going to discos/ clubs
 c. Attending parties
d. Dining out

8. Mental, Linguistic, and Literary Activities

a. Reading pocketbooks
b. Reading magazines
c. Reading newspapers
d. Reading books
e. Reading comics/ manga

9. Commercial and Home Entertainment Activities

a. Watching movies at movie houses
b. Watching movies at home through VCDs and DVDs
c. Watching television

10. Cultural Activities

a. Watching free cultural shows (CCP, Paco Park, Puerto Real, Fort
Santiago)
b. Watching tourism activities (It’s more Fun in the Philippines Activities and
presentations, Intramuros, etc.)

11. Miscellaneous Hobbies

a. Spending time at one’s hangout (tambayan)
b. Window shopping
c. Strolling at the mall
d. Playing with pets
e. Hanging out with friends
f. Chatting with friends
g. Chatting with friends over the phone

AGENCIES FOR RECREATION

There are different agencies which can provide variety of recreation facilities,
activities, and programs that meet people’s recreational needs. Agencies providing
recreation may be grouped into the following:

1. PUBLIC OR GOVERNMENT AGENCIES – created and administered by the

national/ local government for public use. Example are local senior citizens’ center
which offer ballroom dancing lessons.
2. VOLUNTARY AGENCIES – supported primarily by private funds which render
community services; they are non-exclusive groups which extend recreational
opportunities even to non-members.
Example: YMCA
YMCA
Catholic Youth Organizations
Boy’s Club
Girls Scout and Boy Scout
3. PRIVATE AGENCIES – these comprise the innumerable clubs and associations
organized primarily for the benefit of their members and in which membership is on a
selective basis.
a. Business and Industry
 b. Hospital
c. Church
d. Sports Organization
4. COMMERCIAL AGENCIES – these include many business organizations which
cater to the public demand for leisure and for the agencies’ own profit.
a. Radio, records, television, and musical instruments
b. Theaters and movie houses
c. Amusement centers like carnivals and fun centers