By Danny W. Pettry
Image credit: Istockphoto: Credit:Liudmila Chernetska
📚 Sources:
Downs, J. (Adapted from Korn & Leeds, 1995). Advanced Resource Development (RDI) Scripts
Thornton, L. (2026, April 16). Trust our process: Resilience, self of the therapist and the power of showing up [Conference keynote]. WVLPCA Conference 2026.
These concepts were presented by Laurel Thornton, LCSW, and have been adapted here specifically for recreational therapy practice.
Recreational therapists are in a powerful position to help individuals feel safe, connected, and in control—especially when working with clients experiencing stress, trauma, or emotional overwhelm.
The following activities are inspired by trauma-informed practices such as resource development, grounding, and emotional regulation, and have been adapted into engaging, recreation-based interventions.
Each activity includes supplies, instructions, benefits, and a therapeutic wrap-up discussion to support meaningful outcomes.
🌿 Activity 1: Create Your Safe Place (Art & Visualization)
Supplies Needed:
- Paper
- Markers, crayons, or colored pencils
Instructions:
Invite participants to think about a place where they feel calm, safe, or relaxed. This can be real or imaginary.
Have them draw or color their “safe place,” including details like colors, objects, sounds, or people.
After drawing, ask them to briefly describe their place (optional sharing).
Benefits:
- Social: Encourages sharing and connection
- Physical: Fine motor skills through drawing
- Emotional: Promotes calmness and safety
- Cognitive: Uses imagination and visualization
- Leisure: Introduces art as a coping skill
Wrap-Up Discussion:
- “How did you feel while creating your safe place?”
- “What makes this place feel safe to you?”
- “How could you use this image in real life when feeling stressed?”
📦 Activity 2: Worry Box (Container Activity)
Supplies Needed:
- Small box, envelope, or container
- Paper and pens
- Stickers or art supplies (optional)
Instructions:
Have participants decorate a “worry box.”
Ask them to write down worries, stressors, or thoughts they want a break from and place them inside the box.
Encourage them to close the box and set it aside.
Benefits:
- Social: Can include group discussion about stress
- Physical: Hands-on decorating activity
- Emotional: Reduces overwhelm
- Cognitive: Organizes thoughts
- Leisure: Creative expression
Wrap-Up Discussion:
- “What was it like to put your worries into the box?”
- “Did anything feel lighter or different?”
- “When could you use this strategy outside of group?”
👀 Activity 3: Sensory Scavenger Hunt (Grounding Activity)
Supplies Needed:
- List of prompts (or verbal instructions)
Instructions:
Guide participants to find or notice items using their senses:
- 5 things you can see
- 4 things you can feel
- 3 things you can hear
- 2 things you can smell
- 1 thing you can taste
This can be done indoors or outdoors.
Benefits:
- Social: Can be done in teams or pairs
- Physical: Movement and exploration
- Emotional: Reduces anxiety and increases calm
- Cognitive: Improves attention and awareness
- Leisure: Encourages engagement with environment
Wrap-Up Discussion:
- “What did you notice that you hadn’t before?”
- “How did focusing on your senses affect your mood?”
- “When could this help you in daily life?”
🐾 Activity 4: Strength Animal (Resource Building)
Supplies Needed:
- Paper
- Art supplies
Instructions:
Ask participants to think of an animal that represents strength, confidence, or protection.
Have them draw the animal and list qualities it has (e.g., brave, calm, powerful).
Encourage them to reflect on how those qualities relate to themselves.
Benefits:
- Social: Sharing builds connection
- Physical: Fine motor skills
- Emotional: Builds confidence and identity
- Cognitive: Reflection and insight
- Leisure: Creative activity
Wrap-Up Discussion:
- “Why did you choose this animal?”
- “What strengths does it have that you also have?”
- “How can you use this ‘inner strength’ in your life?”
🤝 Activity 5: Positive Connections Circle
Supplies Needed:
- Ball or soft object
Instructions:
Participants sit in a circle.
One person tosses the ball to another and shares a positive statement, strength, or appreciation about them.
Continue until everyone has participated.
Benefits:
- Social: Builds relationships and trust
- Physical: Light movement
- Emotional: Increases self-esteem
- Cognitive: Encourages positive thinking
- Leisure: Fun and interactive
Wrap-Up Discussion:
- “How did it feel to receive positive feedback?”
- “What was it like to give it?”
- “Why is it important to recognize strengths in ourselves and others?”
💡 Final Thoughts
These activities help participants move toward a state of being calm, connected, and in control, which is essential for emotional well-being and growth.
Recreational therapy provides the perfect platform to transform therapeutic concepts into engaging, meaningful experiences.
📚 References
Downs, J. (Adapted from Korn & Leeds, 1995). Advanced Resource Development (RDI) Scripts
Thornton, L. (2026, April 16). Trust our process: Resilience, self of the therapist and the power of showing up [Conference keynote]. WVLPCA Conference 2026.