RECREATION

The term recreation appears to have been used in English first in the late 14th century,
first in the sense of “refreshment or curing of a sick person”, and is derived from the
Latin word recreare which means “to be refreshed.”
Recreational activities are often done for enjoyment, amusement, or pleasure and
are considered to be “fun.” Choices for recreation vary from person to person. What
makes one happy may not be so for others. Therefore, recreational activities depend on
one’s interests, pursuits, and needs which may be reflective of one’s beliefs and level of
gratification.
TYPES OF RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Breaking recreation down into various areas, classifications, or types might be done in
numerous ways.

The types of recreational activities:

Active recreation
Active recreation is leisure time physical activity undertaken outside of structured,
competition sport. It is a set of activities within the wider range of physical activity
options that also include active living, active transport and sport.

Examples of Active Recreational Activities: Walking, Gym workouts, Cycling Running,

Jogging,
Aerobics/Exercising Activities Swimming

Passive recreation
Passive recreation includes activities that involve relatively inactive or less energetic
pursuits. This also means recreational activities that require limited physical exertion on
behalf of the participant. These activities do not require prepared facilities like sports
fields or pavilions.

Examples of Passive Recreational Activities: Engaging in board or table games

Reading, Bird Watching Photography Gardening
Outdoor recreation
Outdoor recreation activities refer to recreation engaged in out of doors, most
commonly in natural settings. The activities themselves such as fishing, hunting,
backpacking, and horseback riding are characteristically dependent on the environment
where they are practiced.

Indoor recreation
Indoor recreation activities are undertaken on the comfort of one’s home or more
specifically indoor, and they are to recreate the mind and soul. Activities include
basketball, swimming, volleyball, chess, table tennis, bowling, singing, reading, listening
to music, watching movies and more of the same.

Physical recreation

Physical activity is great for both body and mind and is essential for a person’s
well-being.
In this Challenge Area, you can choose to improve your ability in a physical
activity you already take part in or try out a new sport or exercise.
The physical activity should be set at an appropriate level for your capability.
Activities can be undertaken on an individual basis, or as part of a team.
In the case of a team sport, it is the individual effort and commitment that
counts.
Team sport • Swimming • Walking • Running • Yoga • Gym • Fitness videos

SOCIAL RECREATION
Social activities include things like parties, social dancing, picnics, parlor, games
participation, carnivals religion celebration, volunteering or service activities

Mental/ Intellectual
Mental/Intellectual recreational activities
are when the mind is doing the functions with less body movement. This
includes
recreational games like puzzles, chess, scrabble, card games, etc.

Cultural
Cultural activities like arts and crafts activities (painting, scrapbooking, art
appreciation, woodworking, etc.), dramatic activities (plays, puppetry, skits, etc.),
musical activities (singing, bands, music appreciation, etc.).

Importance of recreation

 Recreational activities help manage stress.

 It provides a chance to nurture oneself and provides a sense of balance and self-
esteem, which can directly reduce anxiety and depression.
 It provides a channel for releasing tension and anxiety thus facilitating emotional
stability and resilience.
 Help us to become more self-reliant, emphatic and self-disciplined.

 Recreational activities improve one’s health like maintaining lower body fat
percentages, lowering blood and cholesterol level
 Increasing muscular strength, flexibility, muscular endurance, body composition
and cardiovascular endurance.
 Overall it increases one’s stamina and energy level, improves the quality of our
sleep, boosts our immunity and promotes memory.
 And as we all know “health is wealth”.

Benefits of recreational activity

 improved emotional wellbeing - helps young children feel more confident, happy
and relaxed, with improved self-esteem and self-concept
 improved health - encourages healthy growth and development of children's
bodies, and similar benefits of physically active adults
 improved mental health - improves concentration skills and ability to manage
anxiety and stress
 enhanced social skills - develops skills such as cooperation and teamwork, and a
great way to have fun, meet new people and develop friendships
 increased capacity for learning and productivity - active children are generally
more motivated and better organized than children who are inactive, and
physical activity has direct links to improved learning outcomes
 a more positive school environment - active students are generally less
aggressive and experience fewer discipline problems
  a reduction in anti-social behavior - active children are less likely to smoke, use
illicit drugs or be involved in criminal activity.

THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF LEAVE NO TRACE

The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace provide an easily understood framework of

minimum impact practices for anyone visiting the outdoors. Although Leave No Trace
has its roots in backcountry settings, the Principles have been adapted so that they can
be applied anywhere — from remote wilderness areas, to local parks and even in your
own backyard. They also apply to almost every recreational activity. Each Principle
covers a specific topic and provides detailed information for minimizing impacts.

The Seven Principles are well established and widely known, but they are not static.
Leave No Trace continually examines, evaluates and reshapes the Principles. The
organization’s Education Department conducts research — including publishing scholarly
articles in independent journals — to ensure that the Principles are up to date with the
latest insights from biologists, land managers and other leaders in outdoor education.

Principle 1: Plan Ahead and Prepare

Adequate trip planning and preparation helps backcountry travelers accomplish trip
goals safely and enjoyably, while simultaneously minimizing damage to the land. Poor
planning often results in miserable campers and damage to natural and cultural
resources. Rangers often tell stories of campers they have encountered who, because
of poor planning and unexpected conditions, degrade backcountry resources and put
themselves at risk.

Why Is Trip Planning Important?

 It helps ensure the safety of groups and individuals.

 It prepares you to Leave No Trace and minimizes resource damage.

 It contributes to accomplishing trip goals safely and enjoyably.

 It increases self-confidence and opportunities for learning more about nature.

Principle 2: Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces

The goal of travel in the outdoors is to move through natural areas while avoiding
damage to the land or waterways. Understanding how travel causes impacts is
necessary to accomplish this goal. Travel damage occurs when surface vegetation or
communities of organisms are trampled beyond recovery. The resulting barren area
leads to soil erosion and the development of undesirable trails. Backcountry travel may
involve travel over both trails and off-trail areas.

Principle 3: Dispose of Waste Properly

The Center encourages outdoor enthusiasts to consider the impacts that they leave

behind, which will undoubtedly affect other people, water and wildlife.

Proper disposal of human waste is important to avoid pollution of water sources, avoid
the negative implications of someone else finding it, minimize the possibility of
spreading disease and maximize the rate of decomposition.

Principle 4: Leave What You Find

Allow others a sense of discovery by leaving rocks, plants, archaeological artifacts and
other objects of interest as you find them.

Minimize Site Alterations

Leave areas as you found them. Do not dig trenches for tents or construct lean-tos,
tables, chairs or other rudimentary improvements. If you clear an area of surface rocks,
twigs or pine cones replace these items before leaving. For high-impact sites, it is
 appropriate to clean up the site and dismantle inappropriate user-built facilities, such as
multiple fire rings and constructed seats or tables. Consider the idea that good
campsites are found and not made.

Avoid Damaging Live Trees and Plants

Avoid hammering nails into trees for hanging things, hacking at them with hatchets and
saws, or tying tent guy lines to trunks—thus girdling the tree. Carving initials into trees
is unacceptable. The cutting of boughs for use as sleeping pads creates minimal benefit
and maximum impact. Sleeping pads are available at stores catering to campers.

Principle 5: Minimize Campfire Impacts

Fires vs. Stoves: The use of campfires, once a necessity for cooking and warmth, is
steeped in history and tradition. Some people would not think of camping without a
campfire. Yet, the natural appearance of many areas has been degraded by the overuse
of fires and an increasing demand for firewood. The development of lightweight
efficient camp stoves has encouraged a shift away from the traditional fire for cooking.
Stoves have become essential equipment for minimum-impact camping. They are fast,
flexible and eliminate firewood availability as a concern in campsite selection. Stoves
operate in almost any weather condition—and they Leave No Trace.

Should You Build a Fire?

 The most important consideration when deciding to use a fire is the potential damage
to the backcountry.

 What is the fire danger for the time of year and the location you have selected?

 Are there administrative restrictions from the agency that manages the area?
 Is there sufficient wood so its removal will not be noticeable?

 Does the harshness of alpine and desert growing conditions for trees and shrubs mean
that the regeneration of wood sources cannot keep pace with the demand for firewood?

 Do group members possess the skills to build a campfire that will Leave No Trace?

Principle 6: RESPECT WILDLIFE

Do not disturb wildlife or plants just for a “better look.” Observe wildlife from a
distance so they are not scared or forced to flee. While some animals may not seem
bothered by your presence, wildlife can be unpredictable. Keeping your distance will
also help protect you and your pets.

Learn about wildlife through quiet observation. Quick movements and loud noises are
stressful to animals. Do your best to travel quietly and do not pursue animals as this
may force them to flee causing them to use important energy stores (one exception is
in bear country where it is good to make a little noise so as not to surprise a bear). Do
not touch, get close to, feed, or pick up wild animals. It is stressful to the animal, and it
is possible that the animal may harbor rabies or other diseases. Give wildlife extra
space during sensitive times like winter, mating season, and birthing season.

Principle 7: Be Considerate of Others

One of the most important components of outdoor ethics is to maintain courtesy toward
other visitors. It helps everyone enjoy their outdoor experience. Many people come to
the outdoors to listen to nature. Excessive noise, uncontrolled pets and damaged
surroundings take away from the natural appeal of the outdoors.
The feeling of solitude, especially in open areas, is often enhanced when group size is
small, contacts are infrequent and behavior is unobtrusive. To maximize your feeling of
privacy, avoid trips on holidays and busy weekends or take a trip during the off season
Personal Water Safety Precautions
1. Learn to swim well enough to survive in an emergency.
2. Never swim alone and swim only with a buddy who has the ability to help when
necessary;
3. Swim only in a supervised areas;
4. Follow the rules set up for the particular pool, beach or waterfront;
5. Learn the simple and safe reaching rescues;
6. Know how to administer artificial respiration;
7. Know your limitations and do not overestimate your ability;
8. Stay out of water when overheated or overtired;
9. Stay of water during the electrical storms;
10. Dive only to known waters of sufficient depth;
11. Do not substitute inflated tubes, air mattresses, or other artificial supports for
swimming ability;
12. Always swim a safe distance away from a diving boards or platforms;
13. Avoid long periods of immersion and overexposure to the sun;
14. Take instructions under qualified instructor(s) before participating in any aquatic
sports such as skin and scuba diving and water skiing;
15. Call for help only when really need it;
16. Remember that a non-swimmer should never attempt a swimming rescue. A
swimmer untrained in lifesaving should swim to a victim in trouble only as a last resorts
and only when all suggested safe rescue methods cannot be used. If it is necessary to
risk swimming to a victim, the rescuer should take a towel, a shirt, or any buoyant
object to extend to the victim(s).
Swimming Equipment:
1. A swimsuit – an attire for swimming purposes

2. A pair of goggles - keep water out of your eyes

3. A swim partner/ buddy or lifeguard – a swim partner of lifeguard offers a

measure of safety. Children (and adults) unable to swim should be attended
closely by an adult when in water.
Optional swimming equipment:
Swim fins, kickboard, hand paddles, and leg floats.
Swim fins provide your lower body (muscles of the hips and knees) with a good workout
and improve the flexibility of the ankles. Swim fins also enable swimmer to swim faster.
The remaining equipment (kickboard, and paddles, and leg floats) should be used only
by those who have learned advance swimming.

Types of swimming float

 The jellyfish float, also known as the survival float, is a critical part of
water safety. This float is sometimes taught in the first stage of
swimming lessons, as part of water orientation skills -- and sometimes
in the later stages, as part of fundamental aquatic skills. Learning to
float in numerous positions helps in understanding the lifting effects of
water.

 Turtle float swimming, the face, raise the knees and encircle the knees
with arms. To recover standing position, the legs are extended and the
body raised to an upright position.
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 The prone, or deadman's float, is one of the first techniques learned

by new swimmers. The prone float allows you to feel what it's like to
have your feet leave the floor of the pool. In addition, it can help you
build confidence in both yourself and in the ability of the water to
hold you up. A prone float is also the starting position for every face-
down swimming stroke.

 SUPINE FLOAT: A stationary and face-up position in the water.

SWIMMING EFFICIENCY: The ability to swim with a minimum amount
of effort. TREADING WATER: A skill using arm and leg movements to
stay stationary and vertical with the head out of the water.

Hiking
Is an activity of moderate difficulty, which involves walking across long distances
generally on trails or paths. The duration of the activity varies between short half-day
programs and longer itineraries of over 20 days. It is usually an activity that allows
groups of different sizes.

Hiking and trekking are two terms sometimes used indistinctly. The difference between
each of them is usually the duration of the specific activity. Hiking is associated with
shorter programs, while trekking is used to describe longer programs of a week or
more.

Hiking is also a great way to immerse yourself in the culture and history of a country or
area. Longer programs will take you to experience local communities and taste unique
local food. Hiking is where the trail meets the people, and mountain sports meet
cultural adventure.

Types of Hiking

There are different types of hiking depending on the difficulty and the duration of each
program.

Short hikes

Hikes can be as short as half a day or 1 day, as a great complement to a short trip, for
example, and always a great way to connect with your more natural self. Hikes can also
involve a series of days.

Long hikes – or treks

Some hiking (or trekking) programs involve over 12 days, covering dozens of
kilometers. These programs generally include spending the night in tents, camps or
mountain huts.

These tend to be opportunities to visit more remote local areas, and create a more
cultural experience as well as natural.
What is the best time of the year to practice hiking?

Hiking is an activity available most of the year, depending on the area. Winter is not a
preferred season for hiking programs, as it can be harsher and more dangerous. Most
mountain areas where ski sports are practiced during the winter are suitable for hiking
programs on the warmer months.

Some areas are suitable for hiking programs all year round. This is strictly specific to
each location and its particular geographic and weather conditions.
What equipment do you need?

This will depend on the duration of the program, and especially if it is an over-night
program or not. Generally you will need:

 Two different pairs of shoes: a pair of strong and waterproof hiking shoes, and a
lighter pair (sneakers or sandals)
 Rain and windproof jacket and pants
 Sun cream
 Sunglasses
 Hat or cap
 35 or 40 litre backpack (you usually need to carry your own equipment, unless it is a
longer hike in which case there are sometimes porters)
 Water bottle
 Walking poles
 Head lamp
Why do you need a mountain guide to go hiking?

Hiking is not just walking around. This is why the role of mountain guides is essential to
a safe and interesting hiking experience. They will know the state of the different trails
and paths, set up the best itineraries, and determine how safe each of them is. This
includes knowledge about the flora and fauna in the area, how to engage with it and
respect it.

Guides are in charge of planning a balanced program according to your needs and
fitness level. Good hiking itineraries will contemplate strategic pauses in between hiking
phases, so you can experience the program to the maximum and reach your goals,
according to your experience and physical possibilities.

The professional knowledge of mountain guides includes logistic contacts to make a

program smoother, more efficient and safer. Also, should there be any kind of
emergency, they are prepared to assist you.
Trekking

Is an outdoor activity of walking for more than a day. It is a form of walking,

undertaken with the specific purpose of exploring and enjoying the
scenery. Trekking could be a motive, It could be a commitment, an aim, an objective,
a mission, a party, a social gathering. It could be a place where you find friends, and it
could be a journey. It could be a slightest chance to save our future generation from
losing the nature lovers, mother earth holding within. It can be shortened or extended
as per the desire of trekkers.

Trekking is more challenging than hiking since it tests one's ability, endurance and
their mental as well as psychological capacity. There are many different ways to do a
trek and trekking culture often varies from country to country. It usually takes
place on trails in areas of relatively unspoiled wilderness.

Type of trekking:

Everest base camp trekking Company basically provides two types of trekking which
are Teahouse Trekking, Camping Trekking, and Hiring guide and
porters. Teahouse is the local lodge where you can eat and sleep during your trek. If
you are going for a teahouse trek, you will have to stay in this type
of accommodations. Whereas, Camping trek is a fully Organised Supported Trek.

Camping trek includes a team of the guide, cook, Sherpa, & porters to give you
accompany. Trekkers should carry an only small bag or what they might need during
the day. At night, they are provided dining tents, sleeping tents, & toilet tents.
 Guide and potter hire as per daily basis. In this type of trekking there you the
customer will be a pay service charge and wages of guide and potter as per daily basis
or full trip basis then provided the guide and potter, needed official document for the
trip by contract agency.

Importance of Trekking

Trekking can be viewed from two different points: as an intense exercise, or an

amazing and unique learning experience. Personally, I would love to learn whatever, I
can during my trek. In trekking, we have to face different difficulties and
uncertainties, by overcome them we allow ourselves to enhance our knowledge,
experience and the understanding of the world.

By involving in trekking, you can realize that how beautiful is nature and you will be
grateful to live in a place like earth. You can see things differently. Some of the
major importance of trekking are as follows:

 Overall improve fitness

 Reduce stress
 Social benefits
 Skill development
 Cultural understanding
 Wildlife encounters
 Thrill and adrenaline
 Understanding of nature
 Develops your interacting skills
 Satisfaction for your mind, body and soul

Risks and preventions of the trek

Although, trekking is exciting and thrilling it comes with great risk depending on your
choice of the trek. The risk can be minimized or avoided if you follow the instruction
you are provided with. Some of the dangers which you may encounter during the treks
are:-

Unexpected weather change, wildlife, bad footing, sunburn, dehydration, mosquitos,

not getting rescued, altitude sickness. To avoid these risk you should be prepared for
the worst. Bring gear and clothes to survive in bad weathers. Don't try to attract wildlife
during your trek. They may be charming but they can bring you some unwanted
problems.
Though Philippines is popular for mountain treks, gear and shoes available in shops
are not appropriate for the trek. It's better for you to buy shoes and other gear from
your country or reliable shops in Nepal. Sunburn can be avoided if you put sunscreen
every morning before heading out. You should drink as much water you can during
your trek.

Mountains areas are always cold and in such weather, people don't feel thirsty but
the amount of fluid needed for your body should be fulfilled. Mosquitos can be very
dangerous during your trek because sometime you must stay in tents where you can be
bitten by mosquitos. To prevent it you should simply apply mosquito repellent cream in
all uncovered part of your skin.

The most important thing you need to consider before continuing your trek is to give
some information to the people you encounter during the trek like the staffs in a lodge.
You should tell them when you will return back from there. There should be someone
who knows that you are in trouble and needs to be rescued. When you are trekking
to high altitude you should bring necessary medicines for altitude sickness. It doesn't
matter how experienced trekker you are, there is always a possibility of getting sick.

What is Camping?

Camping is an outdoor activity that involves staying the night/more than one night in a
protective shelter out in nature. Camping is a broad term but in its essence, camping is
a way of getting away from the hassle of urban life, to a more natural environment for
a limited time. Recreational camping started in the late 19th century and became one of
the most common outdoor activities all around the world.

How to Camp?

Camping is a recreational activity and there is no competition. You just need to learn to
enjoy yourself and the nature that surrounds you.
 Camping Training: What are the Basics?
 Always bring appropriate clothing for unexpected weather conditions
 It is good to have a shelter that is resilient to rain, snow, or excessive sunlight.
 Camping can be a tiring activity and you don’t want to be exhausted or dehydrated, so
try to have plenty of calories and water.
 Dress for utility, not to impress.
Before You Go: Stuff You Need to Know
 Health benefits of regular camping are countless. Camping reduces stress, decreases
depression & anxiety, lowers blood pressure, improves digestion and boosts the
immune system through fresh and clean air.
 You can go camping by yourself but it is much more fun with your family, friends or
colleagues.

Camping Equipment List: What Equipment is needed for Camping?

Camping is all about being in away from the convenience of urban life thus it is
important to plan thoroughly what to bring to your camping trip. There are many
essential pieces of equipment needed for camping as well as other varied equipment
that you can bring depending on the location, duration and your particular goal.

Camping Bag

Camping bag is one of the most important pieces of equipment during your camping
trip. It needs to be durable, waterproof and lightweight.

Sleeping Bag

A good sleeping bag will help you to have a warm and comfortable sleep since nights
are usually much colder in nature.
Flashlight

The flashlight is a must-have item on your camping trip and it is good to have one for
each member of your camping party.

Wet Wipes

Probably there will be no shower or even running water in sight during your camping
trip so it is good to have a couple of boxes of wet wipes for hygiene purposes.

Tent

You are going to need a tent for shelter in the nature. You need to have a sturdy tent
that can withhold in varied weather conditions.

Camping Chair

The camping chair is the essential relaxation item for camping. Eating, sitting, or just
enjoying the campfire on a camping chair is much more convenient and comfortable
than sitting on the ground.

Camp Stove

A camp stove is a reliable and faster way to cook food when the weather is too wet/
moist to make a campfire.

Trash Bags

Being a good camper requires a well-adjusted sense of nature conservation. It is good

to bring a couple of trash bags with you leave the campsite clean.

First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is something smart to have in your camping trip. You can include
painkillers, antibiotic cream, bandages, gauze, and mosquito sprays in your first aid
kit. If you are planning to travel with your equipment, there might be additional costs.
You can click here to check the extra services price table.

When is the Best Time for Camping?

Camping can be enjoyed throughout all four seasons, but summers are the most
popular season for camping since the weather is generally warm and dry.