National Therapeutic Recreation Month: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Therapeutic Recreation Month (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Therapeutic Recreation Month is observed on February 1st.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Therapeutic Recreation Month, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as important facts you need know about National Therapeutic Recreation Month.

📅 What day is National Therapeutic Recreation Month 2024?

In 2024, National Therapeutic Recreation Month is on Wednesday, February 1st. It is the 1st Wednesday in February; in 2024, it is Thursday. There are until the next observance. You also can see all the fun details and facts about February 1, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

National Therapeutic Recreation Month is in:

National Therapeutic Recreation Month is observed in February to recognize the important work of recreation therapists and highlight the importance of engaging in activities that promote the recovery and well-being of individuals with disabilities. It is interesting to note that therapeutic recreation has been practiced since the 1850s, with Florence Nightingale being one of its early proponents. Therapeutic recreation involves using leisure activities such as drama, music, art, sports, dance, and games to improve the health, emotional well-being, skills, and abilities of people with disabilities or illnesses. These activities can be found in various settings like hospitals, schools, community centers, sports programs, and assisted living facilities.

📜 National Therapeutic Recreation Month History

The rise of industrialization in the 18th and 19th centuries brought about a more structured and time-limited approach to recreation. In the United States, the leisure movement began as a result of Dr. Marie Zakrzewska’s influence from Berlin. This led to the establishment of a playground in 1885 at the Boston Children’s Mission, where the community could engage in supervised exercises. The success of this initiative prompted the Massachusetts Emergency and Hygiene Association to build more playgrounds in Boston, further promoting the health of the community.

In the 1940s and 1950s, therapeutic recreation emerged as a profession, building upon Florence Nightingale’s earlier use of entertainment for promoting patient health. During World War II, recreation professionals were enlisted by the Red Cross to provide leisure programs for injured and traumatized soldiers in hospitals. After the war, these programs expanded under the Veterans’ Administration hospital system, reaching state psychiatric institutions and residential schools for individuals with mental disorders.

The National Therapeutic Recreation Society (N.T.R.S.) was established in the 1960s as a division of the National Recreation and Park Association (N.R.P.A.). In 1984, the society broke away and formed the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (A.T.R.A.). This new organization took over National Therapeutic Recreation Week and designated February as National Therapeutic Recreation Month.

National Therapeutic Recreation Month Facts

🔖 Cycling goods are the most profitable
Every year, cycling sports equipment brings in an impressive $51 billion in revenue.

🔖 Running has a place in Americans’ hearts
In the United States, running is the favored outdoor exercise among millions of people, attracting approximately 58 million participants annually.

🔖 Americans love recreation
In 2018, research conducted by the Physical Activity Council revealed that nearly 60% of the American population participated in various outdoor activities and sports.

👍 Why Is National Therapeutic Recreation Month Important

People with disabilities or diseases may be unable to properly connect with others, resulting in feelings of loneliness and isolation. These individuals can form friendships and social relationships by participating in group therapeutic recreational activities, which reduces their feelings of isolation and lifts their spirits.

Tai chi, yoga, exercise, and dancing are examples of therapeutic leisure activities. Individuals who participate in these exercises enhance their balance, flexibility, and physical strength.

Through activities that excite the brain, therapeutic recreation helps to promote the proper functioning of the mind. Social engagement, physical activity, and cerebral games such as chess and cognitive puzzles are examples of these.

🙂 How To Observe National Therapeutic Recreation Month

Organize a contest

Show appreciation
National Therapeutic Recreation Month is an occasion to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts and impact of recreation therapists. If you have a recreation therapist who has played a vital role in your overall health and happiness, you can express your gratitude by sending them a heartfelt message, a thoughtful card, a personalized mug, or even treating them to their favorite meal from their preferred restaurant. If you own a clinic that has a therapeutic recreation department, you can demonstrate your appreciation by giving your recreation therapists a special gift or organizing a lunch outing to show your recognition and support.

Host a discussion on therapeutic recreation
Therapeutic recreation programs include games, and your recreation therapists will love engaging in them. The games can be held at your practice location or, even better, in a local community center so everyone can participate. Chess or other board games, dance, athletics, and art competitions are all possibilities.

📅 When is National Therapeutic Recreation Month?

YEAR DATE DAY
2024 February 1 Thursday
2025 February 1 Saturday
2026 February 1 Sunday
2027 February 1 Monday
2028 February 1 Tuesday

Explore all 🔗 February holidays, including 🔗 Health and other 🔗 Activities holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about National Therapeutic Recreation Month. So be sure to check back soon.

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