Recreational Leadership for By WARREN T. POWELL Approved by the Committee on Curriculum Produced under the cooperation of the Board of Parnell, W. T. Recreation THE METHODIST BOOK CONCERN NEW YORK CINCINNATI Hygiene and P.H. wahr 11-16-23 9399 CONTENTS I. PRESENT-DAY CONDITIONS AND THE CHURCH II. EDUCATIONAL AND MORAL VALUES OF PLAY. 18 INTRODUCTION IN preparing this volume the author has purposely avoided writing from an academic point of view. The needs of church workers, Epworth League and churchschool officers and teachers, have been constantly in mind. In thousands of communities to-day the problems of recreation are not adequately nor desirably met by existing recreational and amusement agencies. Outside of the schools, and even in many schools, there is little or no intelligent direction for one of the most vital expressions of all ages of life. As a result of the prevalence of undesirable and unwholesome conditions thousands of churches have found it necessary to enter the field of recreation and minister to the physical and social interests as well as religious needs. The Methodist Episcopal Church at its General Conference in 1920 recommended the appointment of a director of social and recreational life in the local church to direct and organize the recreational activities that churches have to provide in the average rural and city community. Since the Board of Epworth League and the Board of Sunday Schools are concerned with boys and girls and young people and constantly have to face recreational problems, these two organizations jointly suggested this volume. Many young people are being called upon to fill positions of recreational leadership in the local churches. In addition to these young people there are many adults who are working with problems of church and community recreation. There is little in the field of recreational literature to guide church directors of social and recreational life. The following chapters are intended to help leaders of play and leisure-time activities by doing three things: first, to present in a workable and practical manner the principles and moral and educational values of play life; secondly, to show how an all-year program is constructed for church and parish; thirdly, to guide leaders to the rich variety of sources of materials adaptable to church pur |