UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Students enrolled in Programming in Recreation Services are planning several community events as a way to gain practical experience while serving the public.
Under the direction of Kathleen Raupach, instructor in the Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management, students will host numerous community events in Centre County over the next several weeks, which are intended to benefit participants and a sponsoring agency.
“The goal is for students to learn how to plan, promote, implement and evaluate a real community event while working with team members and professionals in the field,” Raupach said.
Each of the 10 teams works with a different nonprofit group, state park or campus organization to plan a three-hour special event for a minimum of 50 participants.
“This is a difficult class for many. It requires a large amount of responsibility and collaborative work,” Raupach said. “With the support of a peer mentor, their agency contact, and their instructor they learn that they can do more than they thought they could.”
Scheduled Events
October
Fall into Nature
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Oct. 28, Bald Eagle State Park in Howard, an event for homeschool students
HalloweenTown Haunts Bellefonte
6 to 9 p.m., Oct. 28, Bellefonte YMCA, an event for the entire community
Golfin' with Goblins Par-Tee
1 to 4 p.m., Oct. 30, Penn State Golf Courses in State College, an event for youth and their families
November
“Old Bag” Auction
10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Nov. 2, Centre Region Parks and Recreation Centre Region Senior Center at Nittany Mall in State College, an event open to all
College Night Out at the Museum
5 to 8 p.m., Nov. 2, Penn State All-Sports Museum at University Park campus, an event for college students
Harvest Carnival
6 to 9 p.m., Trinity United Methodist Church in Bellefonte, an event for the entire community
Nature Go Unplugged
1 to 4 p.m., Nov. 9, Millbrook Marsh Nature Center in State College, an event for homeschool students
Big & Small, Safety for All
9 a.m. to noon, Nov. 12, Stay & Play Preschool in State College, an event for families with young children
Spread Peace, Give Thanks
5 to 8 p.m., Nov. 14, Cancer Survivors Association at Calvary Harvest Fields in Boalsburg, a potluck dinner with 1960s-themed activities for cancer survivors, their friends, family and caregivers
Rolling with the Tide
Nov. 17, an event for children who are grieving, not open to the public