BENEFITS BASED
PROGRAMMING
Chapter 4
Traditional Programming
Approaches
► 1.
The Quality of Life Approach
► 2. The Marketing Approach
► 3. The Human Service Approach
► 4. The Prescriptive Approach
► 5. The
Environmental/Aesthetic/Preservationist
Approach
BBP
►A
more recent approach that has gained
increased respect and application is called
Benefits Based Programming (BBP).
 It was developed to address social problems,
especially among youth in at-risk environments.
 This innovative approach, which has been
developed and endorsed by The National
Recreation and Park Association, is an
adaptation of several approaches.
REPOSITIONING
► Positioning
refers to the way in which local officials
and citizens perceive the field of parks and
recreation, especially in terms of how the field of
compares to other publicly funded services.
► The current view of our field is that parks and
recreation are nonessential services.
► In the minds of the public and local officials,
recreation and parks take a back sear to other,
more important services such as police and fire
protection. Thus, agencies need to REPOSITION
how they are viewed.
► The
major challenge face by recreation and
leisure programmers then, is to
REPOSITION or change the view that the
public and stakeholders have of this field.
► One way the profession has begun to
reposition itself successfully and, at the
same time, address the social and financial
problems is through Benefits Based
Programming.
Exercise
► Complete
the following questions:
 1. What opinions do your families have of the
parks and recreation field? Your college
roommates and other college friends?
 2. Are their views generally positive or
negative?
 3. How do you represent your field of study?
 4. To what extent does your own position or
view of the field mirror that of your family and
friends?
 Turn this in with your weekly assignment!
BENEFITS BASED AWARENESS
► This
was a program started through the
NRPA called “The Benefits are Endless”
► This focuses on communicating the benefits
of Parks and Recreation to all audiences. A
key point of this campaign is that the
benefits described are based on studies
documenting the personal, social, economic,
and environmental benefits of parks and
recreation services.
► One
research conclusion stated that “regular
moderate sports playing adds 1.25 years the life
expectancy of a 45-50 year old man.
► In a study of female smokers in 1995, the study
found that just 15 minutes of daily exercise,
cigarette cravings were reduced.
► Through this promotional campaign, which is
based on empirical research, decision-makers and
citizens are made aware of the benefits that
recreation and leisure programs and services can
provide.
Programming Principles to Build
Resiliency
► “Recreation
programs must be specifically
structured” to adequately address the overall goals
of the program, those being the target goals.
► Providing resiliency is the ultimate desired
outcome of Benefits Based Programming.
► Individuals with resiliency have developed a
personal set of coping skills that provide them the
personal strengths, resources, and self-image they
need to avoid the pitfalls of an at-risk
environment.
Some principles to follow…..
► Provide
opportunities to create significant
relationships with others
► Provide opportunities to feel competent
► Provide constant encouragement
► Provide opportunities for participants to be
involved in the planning and creation of
experiences
► Build in high but attainable expectations,
not high standards
► Provide
opportunities to be helpful to others
► Provide opportunities to socialize with peers
and adults who can serve as role models
► Provide unconditional support and universal
acceptance
► Build in opportunities for helpfulness to
others
► Provide opportunities to contribute to one’s
community
► Encourage
family support and involvement
► Include initiative and cooperative types of
frames
► Provide opportunities to practice
communication skills
► Provide opportunities for group decision
making
► Allow participants to create experiences
► Create
opportunities to socialize with peers
and adults
► Provide opportunities to belong
► Be caring; have respect for them as
persons, listen without being intrusive
► Provide consistent opportunities for
recognition
► Model good behavior for participants
Finally…….
► Provide
positive adherence to rules
► Discipline without criticism
► Be firm, fair, and fun!
► Review
the Benefits Based Programming
Model on page 53 figure 4-3
Protective Factors
► These
were developed within the benefits based
programming model in an effort to prepare target
goals and issues facing participants
► Target goals should specify which protective
factors will be developed for the particular
population of interest; for example; youth at risk
► Programmers should use a “planning sheet” when
developing goals. Example on page 56.
► The
protective factors that might be included for
different populations:
► Knowledgeable
of neighborhood resources
► Caring adults are interested in him or her
► Is accepted and liked by others
► Has high controls against deviant behavior
► Has an appreciation of role models
► Has a positive attitude toward the future
► Values achievement
► Has the ability to work with others
► Has the ability to work out conflicts
► Has the perceived competence to do……
Exercise
► Using
the BBP planning sheet on page 56,
complete the sheet according the following
information.
 A community college president noted that growing
numbers of senior citizens are taking classes at the
college. Several senior citizens approached the
president about the apparent lack of fitness activities
geared toward seniors. The president called a meeting
between herself, the seniors, and the campus recreation
director. The campus recreation director decided to use
the BBP approach for the senior fitness program.
Questions…
► 1.
What is the issue as identified by the
president, senior citizen students, and
campus recreation director?
► 2. What protective factors would you select
for the target goals?
►Turn
this in with your weekly assignment.
► “The
Benefits-Based Program” approach can
help programmers plan purposeful programs
and help communicate the benefits of those
programs to the public.