Ashley Font

LEI 4724 Activities Portfolio Submission #1

Facilitation Technique Category: Sailing

Activity Title: I Spy
Source: Autry, C., & Anderson, S. (2016). Therapeutic Use of Sailing. In Facilitation
Techniques in Therapeutic Recreation (3rd ed.).
Equipment: List to identify, and pencils
Activity Description: Effective communication during a sail is important to develop a safe
environment. There are distinctive terms when it comes to the sailing language. The purpose of
the activity is to learn certain terms needed for sailing while increasing memory and promoting
social interaction. Prior to the participants beginning the activity, instructors must produce a list
with photos and names of the area of the boat, people, and parts to identify. Once the participants
are ready to begin the search, they each must have a pencil and the list provided by the instructor.
They must identify the captain and crew; areas of the boat like the bow, stern, port, and
starboard; parts related to steering, lines, mainsail and jib; and the boom and mast. There will be
limited time given to participants to find all items. They must verify with the crew or instructor
what they have found and if it is indeed correct. Once the time is up the activity will be followed
by a discussion on sailing and what was the most difficult to identify.
Leadership Considerations: It is the captains duty to discuss safety topics. Although the sail
will be docked, participants must show proper etiquette. Safety topics should include how to
properly board the sail, rules while aboard the sail, being able to recognize an emergency and
what to do in case of an emergency. Crewmembers will be on board as well supervising behavior
and verifying participants are identifying the correct items. The Certified Therapeutic Recreation
Specialist (CTRS) functions as an instructor for this activity. He or she must get the prior
materials ready for participants. They are to be knowledgeable regarding the items on the list and
able to assist when needed.
Adaptations:
Participants with Visual Impairment: Having a visual impairment is the functional restraint of
the eye or eyes or the vision system. Although parts of the eye or brain needed to see are
damaged, it does not mean these people cannot participate in a scavenger hunt. The individuals
with this disability have other senses that have been heightened due to the lack of vision. To
ensure the participation of this activity, the individual will have a sight guide available during the
hunt. The individual will also be able to explore the objects before starting. The instructor must
read the participant the list and thoroughly explain the activity. Certain sounds should be helpful
for the individual to identify, for example the captain or crewmembers voice, the flaps of the
sail in the wind, or turning of the wheel. An alternative could be a list of sounds while on a
sailboat.

Ashley Font

LEI 4724 Activities Portfolio Submission #1

Participants with Autism: An individual with autism has difficulty in communicating, social
interactions and exhibiting proper behavior. They generally do not understand rules of
conversation and encounter social deficits. One to one assistance is most definitely required for
the participant due to wandering and extra help needed. Those with autism are visual thinkers, so
it is recommended that the instructor review the list with pictures thoroughly before and during
activity. Since individuals with autism tend to need a structure and routine, the instructor and
participant could develop a sequential order regarding identifying the items on the list. The
activity is a great way to develop social skills and teamwork, so grouping could be a possibility.
It is essential to keep the groups small and composed of persons with the same characteristics
due to their disabilities.
Adaption Reference:
Indiana University Bloomington. (n.d.). Retrieved September 09, 2016, from
https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/pages/Teaching-Tips-for-Children-and-Adults-with-Autism
Age, B. (n.d.). Have Some Fun Today! Recreation, Community Activities, Clubs and More!
Retrieved September 09, 2016, from https://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/communityconnections/have-some-fun-today-recreation-community-activities-clubs-andAutism characteristics. (n.d.). Retrieved September 09, 2016, from
http://calgaryautism.com/characteristics.htm
How can I create a scavenger hunt for children on the autism spectrum? (n.d.). Retrieved
September 09, 2016, from https://www.quora.com/How-can-I-create-a-scavenger-hunt-forchildren-on-the-autism-spectrum