Dear Innovative Rec Therapist — 

Welcome to June! ☀️

As summer begins, we’re reminded of the power of growth, sunshine, and new energy — much like the joy and healing you bring through recreational therapy every day. Your work lights the way for others, helping them heal, connect, and thrive through play, creativity, and purpose.

At Rec Therapy Today, we’re proud to walk alongside you on this journey. Our mission is to support you with inspiration, resources, and fresh ideas so you can keep doing what you do best: changing lives through recreation and care.

Here’s what’s blooming in this month’s issue:

🌟 Featured Articles to fuel your knowledge and passion
🎨 Creative Activity Ideas for summertime fun and engagement
📚 Book of the Month to spark growth and reflection
🎲 Game of the Month to bring joy and connection to your groups
🏅 Rec Therapist of the Month — be inspired by your fellow professional!

…and of course, an exciting giveaway to say thank you for all you do!

Make sure to scroll to the bottom so you don’t miss your chance to enter!

Thank you for being an important part of the Rec Therapy Today community. Keep bringing the sunshine, the smiles, and the strength — your impact matters more than you know.

With gratitude,

Your friend and partner in Rec Therapy,

Danny W. Pettry II, M.Ed., M.S., LPC, NCC, CTRS-BHS

P.S. — Monthly giveaway is at bottom of this page, so you’ll have to scroll to the bottom. 

P.S.S. — Need CEUs? Go here: Click here for online self-study CEUs

Rec Therapy Today — TRUSTED by Rec Therapists Everywhere

Why Rec Therapy Today? 

Looking for self-study CEUs that actually work for you?
At Rec Therapy Today, we make continuing education:

✅ Flexible – Learn anytime, anywhere
✅ Affordable – No subscriptions or hidden fees
✅ Relevant – Real-world courses written by a certified rec therapist
✅ Recognized – You’ll earn instant certificates that you can use for recertification.

We’re not just another CEU provider — we’re a community built by recreational therapists for recreational therapists.

Start earning your CEUs the easy way — with Rec Therapy Today.

The May 2025 CEU Bundle 

The May 2025 CEU Catalog from Rec Therapy Today® offers a curated bundle of five continuing education courses designed to enhance therapeutic practices through creative and engaging modalities.

These courses explore the use of writing, books, movies, gardening, and humor as tools for healing, providing recreational therapists with innovative strategies to support their clients’ well-being.

Seeking Presenters for Sat. Aug. 30th, Webinar Date 

🎤 Call for Speakers – Free Webinar Day for Recreational Therapists!

🗓 Saturday, August 30, 2025
📍 Online | Hosted by Rec Therapy Today

We’re excited to announce a Free Webinar Day dedicated to supporting and celebrating recreational therapists!

This special event will feature five engaging sessions, all designed to educate, inspire, and uplift professionals in the field.

We’re currently seeking 5 passionate presenters to share their expertise on topics relevant to recreational therapy.

💼 Speakers will be paid for their time.
🎓 Each session will be 60 minutes.

Do you have a session idea?
Whether your passion is adaptive activities, mental health, ethics, self-care, or something innovative—you’re encouraged to apply!

👉 Submit your session proposal today!
Spots are limited, and we’d love to feature YOU.

Let’s make this an unforgettable day of learning, connection, and growth!

Inspiration for the Month

Download and share these graphics on your social media to promote Rec Therapy! 

Humor for the Month

Infographics for the Month

Holidays and Observations

🎉 June Holidays & Events for Recreational Therapy Planning

🗓 Monthly Observances

• Pride Month – Celebrate LGBTQ+ inclusion, identity, and rights

• Men’s Health Month – Focus on physical, mental, and emotional wellness for men

• Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month – Activities to promote cognitive health

• PTSD Awareness Month – Educate and support those affected by trauma

• National Great Outdoors Month – Perfect time for nature-based recreation

• National Zoo & Aquarium Month – Explore animal-themed activities

🇺🇸 National & Federal Holidays

• Flag Day (June 14) – Patriotic crafts, trivia, or flag-making activities

• Juneteenth (June 19) – Celebrate African American freedom and cultural contributions; music, storytelling, and history-themed activities

🧠 Health & Awareness Days

• Global Running Day (1st Wednesday of June) – Host a walk, roll, or movement event

• National Cancer Survivors Day (1st Sunday of June) – Celebrate resilience and hope

• World Environment Day (June 5) – Outdoor cleanups or plant-based crafts

• World Oceans Day (June 8) – Ocean crafts, water play, marine life education

• National Migraine and Headache Awareness Day (June 21)

• PTSD Awareness Day (June 27)

🎨 Fun & Creative Days

• National Donut Day (1st Friday of June) – Donut decorating, sensory fun, or themed games

• National Best Friends Day (June 8) – Group bonding games or partner crafts

• International Yoga Day (June 21) – Mind-body wellness session

• National Selfie Day (June 21) – Fun photo booth or confidence-building activity

• National Sunglasses Day (June 27) – Create and wear decorated shades for summer fun

🧁 Silly & Lighthearted Days

• Say Something Nice Day (June 1) – Compliment circles or kindness cards

• National Upsy Daisy Day (June 8) – Promote optimism and uplifting activities

• National Flip Flop Day (June 14) – Craft flip-flop art or host a beach-themed day

• National Chocolate Pudding Day (June 26) – Tactile fun or pudding taste-test challenge

Rec Therapy Today — CEU Reminders:

Email: Danny(at)DannyPettry.com to learn more about our group/ coporate CEU disocunts. 

Actiivty Ideas for the Month

• 🌞 1. Sunshine Suncatchers

  Supplies: Clear plastic lids, tissue paper, glue, yarn, hole punch
  Instructions: Participants glue bits of colored tissue paper onto clear lids to make suncatchers. Punch a hole, tie with yarn, and hang in a sunny window.
  Outcomes:

  • Social: Encourages group conversation during crafting

  • Emotional: Bright, cheerful visuals uplift mood

  • Physical: Develops fine motor coordination

  • Cognitive: Fosters planning and color matching

  • Leisure Skills: Introduces creative crafting as recreation

  • Independent Functioning: Encourages project follow-through

  ---

  🧘 2. International Yoga Day Stretch Session (June 21)

  Supplies: Yoga mats or towels, calming music, visual pose guides
  Instructions: Lead a gentle yoga routine with modifications for all abilities, emphasizing mindfulness and breath control.
  Outcomes:

  • Social: Builds group unity

  • Emotional: Reduces anxiety, promotes relaxation

  • Physical: Enhances strength, balance, flexibility

  • Cognitive: Improves focus and body awareness

  • Leisure Skills: Encourages ongoing physical wellness

  • Independent Functioning: Teaches self-regulation strategies

  ---

  🇺🇸 3. Flag Day Patriotic Trivia & Craft (June 14)

  Supplies: Red, white, and blue paper, markers, trivia sheets
  Instructions: Begin with trivia about Flag Day, then make mini flags or themed art pieces.
  Outcomes:

  • Social: Encourages teamwork and knowledge sharing

  • Emotional: Fosters connection through shared heritage

  • Physical: Uses fine motor skills

  • Cognitive: Boosts memory and historical learning

  • Leisure Skills: Combines trivia and creativity

  • Independent Functioning: Builds pride in personal contributions

  ---

  🌼 4. Plant & Grow – Nature Connection

  Supplies: Soil, pots, seeds, water spray bottles
  Instructions: Guide participants in planting their own flowers or herbs and teach them basic plant care.
  Outcomes:

  • Social: Inspires shared conversations about growth

  • Emotional: Promotes hope and responsibility

  • Physical: Hands-on activity with natural materials

  • Cognitive: Reinforces steps and plant science

  • Leisure Skills: Gardening as a healthy pastime

  • Independent Functioning: Teaches responsibility and routine

  ---

  📸 5. National Selfie Day Confidence Collage (June 21)

  Supplies: Selfies, magazines, scissors, glue, poster boards
  Instructions: Participants create confidence collages using their photos and magazine cutouts representing personal strengths.
  Outcomes:

  • Social: Group reflection and positivity sharing

  • Emotional: Enhances self-esteem and identity

  • Physical: Creative manipulation of materials

  • Cognitive: Reflective thinking and organization

  • Leisure Skills: Expressive art activity

  • Independent Functioning: Promotes self-awareness and positive self-talk

  ---

  🌍 6. World Oceans Day Water Play & Learning (June 8)

  Supplies: Blue tarp or bin of water, toy marine animals, trivia cards
  Instructions: Create a water play station with ocean-themed facts and sensory play. Include scavenger hunt elements.
  Outcomes:

  • Social: Group cooperation and learning

  • Emotional: Provides calming sensory input

  • Physical: Active participation in water-based tasks

  • Cognitive: Teaches environmental awareness

  • Leisure Skills: Sensory and themed play

  • Independent Functioning: Encourages care and curiosity

  ---

  🤝 7. Best Friends Day Compliment Circle (June 8)

  Supplies: Paper hearts/stars, markers
  Instructions: Participants write and exchange compliments or kind notes with each group member.
  Outcomes:

  • Social: Builds peer relationships

  • Emotional: Promotes positivity and belonging

  • Physical: Handwriting and crafting skills

  • Cognitive: Requires thoughtful reflection

  • Leisure Skills: Group engagement

  • Independent Functioning: Enhances self-expression

  ---

  🎨 8. Summer Chalk Art Festival

  Supplies: Sidewalk chalk, stencils (optional), water spray bottles
  Instructions: Let participants create colorful chalk drawings on outdoor surfaces. Offer themed prompts or let creativity flow freely.
  Outcomes:

  • Social: Public art shared with others

  • Emotional: Encourages cheerful self-expression

  • Physical: Engages large motor movements

  • Cognitive: Inspires imaginative thinking

  • Leisure Skills: Outdoor creative recreation

  • Independent Functioning: Fosters confidence in artistic choices

  ---

  🧁 9. Donut Day Design & Taste Test (1st Friday of June)

  Supplies: Plain donuts, frosting, toppings, napkins
  Instructions: Set up a DIY decorating station. Vote on creative designs and enjoy the results.
  Outcomes:

  • Social: Shared celebration and peer interaction

  • Emotional: Brings joy and satisfaction

  • Physical: Fine motor skills in decorating

  • Cognitive: Encourages planning and comparison

  • Leisure Skills: Food-themed fun

  • Independent Functioning: Builds skills in preparation and choice-making

  ---

  🎶 10. Summer Playlist & Dance Off

  Supplies: Music player, speaker, paper, pens
  Instructions: Everyone suggests a favorite summer song. Create a playlist, then host a group dance session or freeze dance.
  Outcomes:

  • Social: Promotes interaction and cooperation

  • Emotional: Boosts mood and confidence

  • Physical: Encourages movement and coordination

  • Cognitive: Engages memory and rhythm

  • Leisure Skills: Enjoyable musical recreation

  • Independent Functioning: Encourages self-expression and active participation

  Distraction, Confidence Boost

Featured Article of the Month

The Healing Power of Nature: Benefits of Outdoor Activities
By Danny W. Pettry II, M.Ed., M.S., LPC, NCC, CTRS-BHS

Spending time outdoors isn’t just a leisure choice—it’s a powerful therapeutic tool. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a hike through the woods, or gardening in the sun, nature-based activities provide a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional benefits.

Outdoor recreation can reduce stress, elevate mood, and increase overall well-being. Sunlight helps regulate sleep and boost vitamin D levels. Gentle movement in fresh air improves circulation and promotes relaxation. Nature also inspires mindfulness, helping individuals feel more grounded and present.

In recreational therapy, nature-based interventions are used to support clients in building confidence, improving social skills, and reconnecting with their inner selves. Group hikes foster cooperation. Gardening teaches patience. Time in green spaces lowers anxiety and lifts spirits.

The great outdoors offers one of the most accessible and effective environments for healing and growth. So step outside—you might just find the therapy you didn’t know you needed.

Book of the Month

“The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative”
By Florence Williams

In celebration of summer and the healing power of the outdoors, our June Book of the Month is The Nature Fix by Florence Williams.

This compelling book explores the science behind what many recreational therapists already know—spending time in nature is good for the mind, body, and spirit. Williams takes readers on a global journey, from the forests of Japan to the trails of Finland, uncovering how nature influences mood, cognition, creativity, and overall well-being.

Backed by cutting-edge research and told with warmth and humor, The Nature Fix shows why green spaces matter more than ever in today’s fast-paced, screen-heavy world. It’s an inspiring read for any recreational therapist looking to recharge personally and professionally—and to advocate for nature-based interventions in their work.

Takeaway: Whether you’re leading a group hike, planning outdoor games, or simply enjoying your own walk in the park, this book will remind you of the deep, restorative power of the natural world.

Let nature be your co-therapist this June! 🌳

Get the book here:

Game of the Month

🌼 Game of the Month: “Camp Board Game” by Keymaster Games

Theme: Nature, Camping, Outdoor Adventure
Players: 2–8 | Ages: 4+ | Playtime: 20–30 minutes

Why it’s a great pick for June:

• Celebrates the spirit of summer, camping, and nature exploration

• Includes four levels of difficulty, making it adaptable for all ages and cognitive levels

• Combines education with fun, featuring trivia about wildlife, ecology, and outdoor survival

• Encourages social interaction, turn-taking, and cooperative learning

• Portable and perfect for indoor or outdoor group sessions

Therapeutic Benefits:

• Cognitive: Enhances memory, attention, and environmental awareness

• Social: Promotes conversation, teamwork, and peer learning

• Leisure Skills: Encourages healthy competition and enjoyment of board games

• Emotional: Fosters a relaxing, playful atmosphere

• Independent Functioning: Reinforces following rules and structured play

Bonus Tip for Rec Therapists: Pair this game with a short nature walk, a “create your own campsite” art activity, or a picnic for a full thematic experience!

Rec Therapist of the Month

Bonnie Iacobelli

This month, we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on Bonnie Iacobelli, our June 2025 Rec Therapist of the Month! With a deep passion for helping others and a wealth of experience across diverse care settings, Bonnie exemplifies what it means to be a leader and advocate in the field of recreational therapy.

Education & Credentials
Bonnie holds a B.S. in Recreation Therapy from St. Joseph University in Long Island, NY. She is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and also holds the Certified Nursing Home Administrator (CNHA) credential. Her dedication to professional excellence is evident in everything she does.

Populations Served & Work Settings
Bonnie offers her expertise through freelance consulting, providing services to young adults and seniors alike. Her experience spans a wide range of populations, including:

• Geriatrics

• Dementia care

• Spinal cord injury

• Traumatic brain injury

• Psychiatric needs

• Cognitive challenges

• Behavioral challenges

Recreational Therapy Approach
Bonnie specializes in comprehensive assessments and person-centered program recommendations, always tailoring her interventions to meet each client’s unique needs. She believes in the power of recreation to enhance physical, cognitive, social, and independent living skills.

Why She Chose RT
With a passion for helping others and a love of integrating her hobbies, Bonnie found her calling in recreation therapy. She appreciates the versatility of the field and the opportunity it gives her to serve a wide range of people.

Professional Advice & Vision
Bonnie has strong words of encouragement for new professionals:

“Insure your title in a job setting is changed to Recreation Therapy Director if it’s advertised as Activity Director. Politely educate HR and admins on the difference between a CTRS and an ADC.”

Looking forward, she hopes to see recreational therapy recognized on the same level as other therapies, emphasizing, “We do it all—with great success!”

Words of Wisdom
Bonnie also reminds her fellow professionals:

“Never let your certification lapse!”

Who Inspires Her
Bonnie admires Ann Dolloff, noting a strong professional relationship and appreciation for supervising many of Ann’s interns from Temple University’s Recreation Therapy Program.

Why She Loves Rec Therapy Today
Bonnie enjoys the variety of CEU opportunities and looks forward to ongoing collaboration, having recently discovered us through LinkedIn.

Featured Ted Talk for the Month

Title: There’s More to Life Than Being Happy
Speaker: Emily Esfahani Smith
Length: ~13 minutes
Why We Recommend It:
In this thought-provoking talk, Emily Esfahani Smith shares research and personal stories that explore how meaning—not just happiness—is what makes life truly worthwhile. She outlines four pillars of a meaningful life: belonging, purpose, storytelling, and transcendence—concepts that align beautifully with the heart of recreational therapy.

This talk is a powerful reminder for recreational therapists: you’re not just promoting joy—you’re helping others find meaning and connection.

This talk aligns perfectly with the themes of mental health awareness and the transformative power of recreational therapy. It underscores the importance of incorporating play into therapeutic practices to enhance mental health outcomes.

Danny Pettry’s Corner

Honoring a Legacy: A Father, A Grandfather, A Veteran

This month, I’m proud to share a personal moment that touched my heart and honors the generations who came before me. My father, Danny Pettry Sr., was recently featured on the front page of the Register-Herald newspaper in Beckley, West Virginia. The powerful image, captured by photographer Rick Barbero, shows my father standing quietly at the grave of his step-father, Alexander Napier, at the Beckley Veterans Cemetery.

Alexander Napier was more than a beloved grandfather to me—he was a proud U.S. Army World War II veteran and served as postmaster in Mount Hope, West Virginia for many years. He passed away on January 3, 2000, but his memory and legacy continue to inspire our family.

Memorial moments like this remind us to pause and honor the lives of those who served our country and shaped our communities. I’m grateful for my dad’s quiet strength, the courage of my grandfather, and the deep roots of service, duty, and love that run through our family.

Alex Napier and my grandmother, Carrie Pettry Napier met while volunteering at the Beckley, West Virginia V.A. Hospital.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, both generously gave thousands of hours of their time supporting veterans through the Recreational Therapy Department, creating a legacy of compassion, dedication, and meaningful connection.

Recent Blogposts 

Recent Posts

• Laugh It Off – The Uplifting Effects of Humor Therapy
• Lights, Camera, Cope – Using Cinema for Self-Discovery
• Growing Wellness – Horticulture as a Path to Healing
• Write It Out – The Therapeutic Magic of Expressive Writing
• Healing Through Stories – The Power of Bibliotherapy
• Why We Do What We Do: The Deeper Purpose of Recreational Therapy
• Focus on What’s Strong: A Strengths-Based Approach to Recreational Therapy
• Meeting Human Needs: Maslow’s Hierarchy and the Power of RT
• Healing through Leisure: How RT Supports People with Substance Use Disorders
• Get in the Game: An Overview of Adaptive Sports in Recreational Therapy
• Aging with Dignity: How Recreational Therapy Enriches the Lives of Older Adults

Recent Rec Therapy YouTube Videos 

Fun Pages for All Ages

(Print for your Clients) 

Did you receive your postcards and wild flower seeds?

In April, I mailed four Easter cards with gift cards inside to my nieces and nephews. Sadly, none of them arrived. Around the same time, three recreational therapists emailed me saying their packages had arrived opened. That left me feeling anxious and concerned.

I had also mailed out nearly 200 envelopes with wildflower seeds to rec therapists across the country. Some shared that they didn’t receive them either.

I recently came across a news story about a postal worker in Kanawha County, West Virginia being sentenced for throwing away mail — though that happened in May, and my mailing went out in April. Still, it made me wonder…

If you were supposed to receive something from Rec Therapy Today and didn’t, I’d truly appreciate it if you could let me know. I always want to make things right.

April Winners — packages going out in June.

The following 16 people won a copy of Danny Pettry’s new book, Life is Brief:

• Ann Bobos

• Jeri Bailey

• Gina Schulz

• Heidi Barnes

• Lynn Elliott

• Julie Stark

• Diana Hastings

• Howard Berger

• Melanie Hunt

• Taylor Claus

• Phoenix Daniels

• Jessica Scrabeck

• Angelina Field

• Charlyn Davis-Hager

• Michelle Lynn Mosser

• Kimberly Schrader-Matthies

$10 Amazon Gift Card Winners – will be sent out in June 2025. 

Winners:

• Heidi Barnes

• Jeri Bailey

• Howard Berger

• Taylor Claus

Enter the June Giveaway

🎁 June Giveaway: Win a Gift Pack! 🎨✨

We’re giving away 25 gift packs filled with fun and creativity—each one may include a coloring book, markers, sticker book, and more! Items may vary in each pack, but every gift is sure to brighten someone’s day.

📬 Open to U.S. participants only
🗓 Enter before midnight on June 15th for your chance to win!

👉 No purchase necessary. Just a little luck and a lot of joy!

P.S. Rec Therapy Today — CEU Opportunities