Recreation degree course proposed

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33869, 14 June 1975, Page 22

Recreation degree course proposed

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON.

Plans for training schemes, involving a post-graduate degree in recreation administration and a diploma of the Council of Recreation and Sport were well under way, the Minister of Recreation and Sport (Mr Walding) told members of the Scout Association.

The diploma would take, account of experience as an administrator in drama,; music, fine arts and sports,; he said, at the annual meet-: ing of the national council) of the Scout Association. “In addition, there will be I core requirements in human I development, programme planning, communication; skills, management, and rec-| reation concepts.” A special study in a se-; lected topic, such as outdoor; 1 recreation, recreation and the arts, or play leadership, would also be undertaken

i. for the diploma, Mr Walding jsaid. There would also be com- ; munity day courses and seminars organised through I local authority recreation officers to assist community I volunteers. I He said the former physical welfare officer at Victor;ia University, Mr Bob ; Stothart, had been seconded by the council for one year; to get the training schemes' ) under way. Mr Walding said a semi-' nar was planned for August; on the future of outdoor recreation. “I understand there has been some apprehension that the Council for Recreation I and Sport is trying to take over certain aspects of out- 1 door recreation that were previously in the hands of the voluntary groups,” he • said. < “Let me assure you the council sees its role as an I initiator in areas where : there has been no previous : ground work.” In areas ' where voluntary groups;: were already well estab- < lished, he said, the council:! would only wish to act ash co-ordinator, if required. ; i