Parks and Recreation After-school Programs Make A Significant Influence In Communities
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Author: Austin Stanfel
There is emerging evidence that how and where children spend their time outside of school hours has significant ramifications for their development. On the negative side, statistics imply that over 7 million children in the United States are left alone after school for an extended amount of time.
This unattended time exposes adolescents to poor effects such as academic and behavioral issues, drug use, and other dangerous conduct.
On the positive side, young people benefit from structured activities that provide opportunities for positive interactions with adults and peers, encourage them to contribute and take the initiative, and include challenging and engaging tasks that allow them to develop and apply new skills and personal talents.
As a result, there is rising interest in the value of formal afterschool programs, which can provide youth with a safe and supportive environment supervised by adults and provide a variety of growth-enhancing opportunities, such as activities and experiences that promote young people’s development.
The Impact
Afterschool programs allow children and teenagers to participate in and try out things that they would not have had the opportunity to try out otherwise, and in an environment that stresses the experience above pressure to perform or conform to strict academic criteria and time limits.
Park and recreation afterschool programs are making a significant difference in the lives of local youngsters and their families–and with expanded funding, they have the potential to have a better impact. Some of the acute effects of parks and recreation are as follows:
Emotional and Social Learning
Regular involvement in high-quality afterschool programs leads to enhanced social and emotional abilities, such as prosocial conduct, intrinsic motivation, improved concentration attempts, and a stronger feeling of self-worth.
Better Quality of Life
According to research, people who prioritize recreation are more likely to be content with their life overall. Recreational activities aid in the maintenance of a healthy balance between academic expectations and physical and emotional well-being.
Academic Performance
Recreation activities improve stamina and energy levels in children. It results in an increased focus on academic pursuits. It also affects class attendance and attentiveness, resulting in more learning. And we all are aware of the fact that “health is wealth.”
Improved Mental Health
Good mental health is necessary for good physical health. Recreational activities aid with stress management. It allows one to nourish oneself while also providing a sense of balance and self-esteem, which directly alleviates anxiety and despair.
Safety
Participating in afterschool activities increases adult supervision, making youngsters feel safer, reducing the number of times they are left alone with their peers outside of school. It also means that older siblings are less likely to oversee younger siblings.
Physical Health
Recreational activities, especially those performed outside, increase one’s health by reducing body fat percentages, lowering blood and cholesterol levels, boosting muscular strength, flexibility, muscular endurance, body composition, and cardiovascular endurance.
Bottom Line
Effective afterschool programs create learning environments that benefit adolescents, families, and communities in various ways. Afterschool programs may help children and teens develop socially, emotionally, cognitively, and academically. It will also prevent dangerous behaviors, boost physical health, and provide a secure and supportive environment.