Dear Innovative Rec Therapist —

October brings crisp air, colorful leaves, and a fresh reminder of the change and growth that are always possible—both in nature and in our work as recreational therapists. This month, we’re excited to share resources, tools, and stories that highlight creativity, connection, and the power of therapeutic recreation to make a difference in people’s lives.

In this issue, you’ll find our Book of the Month and Game of the Month picks to inspire your sessions, giveaways to show our appreciation for this community, and practical articles designed to support your practice. Whether you’re looking for new group ideas, professional development opportunities, or a spark of encouragement, this newsletter is here to fuel your passion and remind you that the work you do matters.

As the days grow shorter, let’s continue to shine bright for the individuals and communities we serve.

Thank you for being part of Rec Therapy Today—we’re glad you’re here.

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.

Self-Study CEU Bundle Opportunities

Exciting News: We’re Sponsoring the 2025 ATRA Annual Conference

We’re thrilled to share that Rec Therapy Today is an official sponsor of the 2025 ATRA Annual Conference. This year, our support will help make the event even more memorable for attendees in several ways:

• 🎒 Conference Bags & Lanyards – Every attendee will receive a stylish and practical bag and lanyard, provided through our sponsorship.

• 🏆 Awards Ceremony – We’re proud to sponsor the celebration that recognizes outstanding professionals in recreational therapy.

This sponsorship is especially meaningful to our founder, Danny W. Pettry II, who has been a lifetime member of ATRA since 1999. Over the years, Danny has been honored with:

• The Peg Connolly Scholarship (2004)

• Advocate of the Year Award (2005)

• Certificate of Recognition (2015)

Supporting ATRA is not just professional—it’s personal. We are proud to give back to the association that continues to champion recreational therapy and the amazing therapists who make a difference every day.

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

🌸 Month-Long Observances (Oct 1–31)

• Breast Cancer Awareness Month

• National Disability Employment Awareness Month

• Domestic Violence Awareness Month

• ADHD Awareness Month

• Down Syndrome Awareness Month

• LGBTQ History Month

• National Bullying Prevention Month

• National Physical Therapy Month

• National Dental Hygiene Month

• Health Literacy Month

• Emotional Wellness Month

📅 Week Observances

• Mental Illness Awareness Week: Oct 6–12

• Respiratory Care Week: Oct 20–26

🎯 Key Dates

• Oct 1 (Tue): International Day of Older Persons

• Oct 5 (Sat): World Teachers’ Day

• Oct 6 (Sun): World Cerebral Palsy Day

• Oct 10 (Thu): World Mental Health Day (Theme: “Mental Health at Work”)
  – also National Depression Screening Day

• Oct 10 (Thu): World Sight Day

• Oct 11 (Fri): National Coming Out Day

• Oct 12 (Sat): World Hospice & Palliative Care Day

• Oct 14 (Mon): Indigenous Peoples’ Day / Columbus Day (U.S.)

• Oct 15 (Tue): Global Handwashing Day

• Oct 16 (Wed): World Spine Day

• Oct 16 (Wed): International Pronouns Day

• Oct 29 (Tue): World Stroke Day

• Oct 31 (Thu): Halloween 🎃

✅ Recommended highlights for Rec Therapy Today readers:

• Mental Illness Awareness Week (Oct 6–12)

• World Mental Health Day (Oct 10)

• Domestic Violence Awareness Month

• National Disability Employment Awareness Month

• ADHD Awareness Month

Rec Therapy Today — CEU Reminders:

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

Activity Ideas for the Month

1. Pumpkin Painting Party

Supplies Needed: Small pumpkins, acrylic paints, paintbrushes, table coverings, aprons.
Instructions: Provide each participant with a pumpkin to decorate. Encourage creativity—designs can be spooky, silly, or abstract. Once finished, display pumpkins together.
Benefits:

• Social: Encourages conversation and compliments among peers.

• Emotional: Provides self-expression and joy through art.

• Cognitive: Stimulates planning and decision-making.

• Leisure Skills: Builds confidence in a seasonal craft.

• Spiritual: Offers reflection on the season’s harvest and abundance.

• Fostering Independence: Participants choose their own designs and colors.

2. Autumn Nature Walk & Leaf Collection

Supplies Needed: Collection bags, magnifying glasses (optional), paper, glue.
Instructions: Take a group walk outdoors to observe fall changes. Collect colorful leaves, then return inside to create leaf collages.
Benefits:

• Physical: Promotes light exercise and mobility.

• Social: Encourages group interaction and shared observations.

• Emotional: Reduces stress and promotes calm through nature.

• Cognitive: Enhances attention to detail and memory recall of nature facts.

• Leisure Skills: Introduces or strengthens appreciation for outdoor recreation.

• Spiritual: Connects participants with the beauty of nature.

• Fostering Independence: Individuals decide which leaves to collect and how to arrange them.

3. Halloween Costume Parade

Supplies Needed: Costumes (store-bought or homemade), music for parade.
Instructions: Host a fun parade where participants dress up and walk through a designated space. Consider having judges vote on categories like funniest, most creative, or scariest.
Benefits:

• Social: Promotes laughter, interaction, and shared fun.

• Emotional: Increases self-esteem through performance and recognition.

• Cognitive: Engages imagination in costume design.

• Leisure Skills: Encourages creativity and participation in community events.

• Spiritual: Fosters playfulness and celebration.

• Fostering Independence: Participants select and prepare their own costumes.

4. Spooky Storytelling Circle

Supplies Needed: A cozy space, chairs in a circle, flashlight (for dramatic effect).
Instructions: Gather in a circle and invite participants to tell ghost stories, fall memories, or read from a Halloween storybook. Use a flashlight under the chin for dramatic effect.
Benefits:

• Social: Builds group connections through listening and sharing.

• Emotional: Provides safe expression of fears and feelings.

• Cognitive: Enhances imagination, memory recall, and communication skills.

• Leisure Skills: Encourages storytelling and public speaking.

• Spiritual: Strengthens sense of community and tradition.

• Fostering Independence: Each person chooses whether to share or just listen.

5. Harvest-Themed Cooking: Apple Crisp

Supplies Needed: Apples, oats, cinnamon, sugar, butter, mixing bowls, oven.
Instructions: Work together to peel, slice, and mix ingredients for apple crisp. Bake and enjoy as a group. Adapt with pre-prepared ingredients if needed.
Benefits:

• Social: Promotes teamwork in the kitchen.

• Physical: Supports fine motor skills in peeling and mixing.

• Emotional: Comfort food boosts mood and creates nostalgia.

• Cognitive: Follows a sequence of steps and recipe recall.

• Leisure Skills: Develops cooking as a life skill.

• Spiritual: Celebrates the harvest season with gratitude.

• Fostering Independence: Participants handle tasks according to their abilities.

6. Gratitude Tree Craft

Supplies Needed: Construction paper, scissors, markers, tape, or real tree branch in vase.
Instructions: Create a tree trunk on a bulletin board or use a branch in a vase. Participants write something they’re grateful for on paper leaves and attach them to the tree.
Benefits:

• Social: Encourages sharing positive thoughts with others.

• Emotional: Builds optimism and appreciation.

• Cognitive: Promotes reflection and memory.

• Leisure Skills: Introduces a mindful journaling/crafting practice.

• Spiritual: Connects to themes of gratitude and thanksgiving.

• Fostering Independence: Each person decides what to contribute.

7. October Trivia Challenge

Supplies Needed: Prepared trivia questions about fall, Halloween, sports, and history; scorecards.
Instructions: Divide into teams or play individually. Ask trivia questions and award small prizes for correct answers.
Benefits:

• Social: Encourages teamwork and fun competition.

• Cognitive: Stimulates memory and knowledge recall.

• Emotional: Creates laughter and boosts self-confidence when answering correctly.

• Leisure Skills: Enhances game-playing as a social hobby.

• Spiritual: Builds unity through shared experience.

• Fostering Independence: Participants answer questions on their own or help teammates.

Featured Article of the Month

World Mental Health Day: Supporting Mental Health at Work and Beyond

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

Every year on October 10th, people around the world recognize World Mental Health Day. The theme for 2025 focuses on supporting mental health at work and beyond. For recreational therapists, this observance is not just about our clients—it’s also a reminder to care for ourselves and our colleagues.

Recreational therapists spend countless hours helping others find joy, balance, and wellness. But when stress builds up, therapists themselves can face burnout, compassion fatigue, or mental exhaustion. By practicing intentional self-care and resilience strategies, we strengthen not only our own wellbeing but also our ability to serve those who depend on us.

Why Workplace Wellness Matters

• Better care for clients: A therapist who is calm, rested, and resilient can provide higher-quality interventions.

• Role modeling: Clients learn healthy coping skills by observing their therapist’s own balance and wellness practices.

• Sustainable careers: Long-term professional success depends on keeping burnout at bay.

Quick Interventions for Recreational Therapists

The Two-Minute Breathing Break
Find a quiet spot. Inhale slowly for four counts, hold for four, exhale for four, and pause for four. Just two minutes can reset stress levels.

Benefit: Lowers anxiety, improves focus, and helps regulate emotions.

Gratitude Journaling
At the end of your shift, write down three things you’re grateful for that day. Keep it simple—it could be a smile from a client, supportive coworkers, or even a warm cup of coffee.

Benefit: Boosts positivity, reframes challenges, and supports emotional wellness.

Movement Moments
Incorporate small bursts of activity into your day—stretching between sessions, walking during breaks, or even a quick dance to your favorite song.

Benefit: Releases tension, increases energy, and improves physical and emotional health.

Peer Check-Ins
Connect regularly with a trusted colleague to share challenges and successes. A supportive conversation can reduce feelings of isolation and build community.

Benefit: Strengthens social bonds and creates a culture of support.

Mindful Transitions
At the end of your workday, pause before heading home. Take a deep breath, reflect on one positive moment, and mentally “close the door” on work.

Benefit: Creates boundaries, supports work–life balance, and reduces spillover stress.

Moving Forward

World Mental Health Day is a reminder that caring for mental health is everyone’s responsibility—professionally and personally. As recreational therapists, we bring creativity, joy, and connection to others. Let’s also honor ourselves by practicing the same resilience and wellness strategies we teach.

On October 10th, and every day, take a moment to pause, breathe, and invest in your own mental health. When we care for ourselves, we’re better equipped to care for the world.

Book of the Month

October 2025 Book of the Month

The Long-Haul Leader: Ten Strategies to Work Smarter, Live Better, and Achieve Lasting Success
by Chris Ducker

About the Book

The Long-Haul Leader is a guide to creating a sustainable path for success without burning out along the way. The author emphasizes that constant hustle and overwork are not the only ways to lead effectively. Instead, the book outlines strategies for building a balanced life that integrates meaningful work with personal well-being, relationships, rest, and joy. Readers are encouraged to rethink success not as short bursts of achievement, but as something that can be sustained for decades through smarter choices, healthier boundaries, and intentional living.

Why Rec Therapists Should Read It

Recreational therapists pour their hearts into serving others, often while juggling busy schedules and high emotional demands. This book offers encouragement and practical ideas for creating a life that supports both professional passion and personal health. It reminds us that taking care of ourselves is part of taking care of those we serve.

For rec therapists, the lessons in The Long-Haul Leader can inspire ways to protect energy, manage time more wisely, and keep creativity alive over the long term. The emphasis on balance and sustainability speaks directly to the challenges therapists face in preventing burnout while continuing to make a lasting difference.

Get the book here:

Game of the Month

🎲 Game of the Month

Would You Rather? Family Card Game
By Lindsey Daly

This month’s pick is all about laughter, connection, and sparking conversations. The Would You Rather? Family Card Game brings 200 hilarious and thought-provoking questions that get everyone — kids, teens, parents, and grandparents — talking. Whether your answer is clever, silly, or totally unexpected, you’ll have a blast hearing how others respond.

What makes it great for recreational therapy is its ability to break the ice, encourage creative thinking, and foster social interaction in a fun, non-threatening way. The compact deck is also travel-friendly, making it perfect for groups on the go, waiting rooms, or a cozy game night.

With categories ranging from sports to nature to pure silliness, there’s something here for everyone. And best of all, it’s a screen-free way to bring people together and build memories.

If you’re looking to add more fun, laughter, and meaningful connection to your sessions (or your own family nights), this game is a must-have!

Rec Therapist of the Month

Jessica

This month, Rec Therapy Today is proud to recognize Jessica, a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist from Henderson, Kentucky, as our October Rec Therapist of the Month!

🎓 Education and Professional Background

Jessica earned her B.S. in Recreation and Leisure Services with a therapeutic option from Murray State University (2007) and holds the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential. She has also been recognized as a Service Learning Scholar.

For 16 years, Jessica worked in inpatient children’s psychiatric care before transitioning this year to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Her career shift has reignited her passion for working with individuals with autism and other disabilities.

💡 Why Recreational Therapy?

Jessica’s path to recreational therapy began in high school. Inspired by her grandmother’s rehabilitation journey after a hip injury, she explored therapy fields but realized PT and OT weren’t the right fit. When a college advisor introduced her to recreational therapy, it clicked — and it has been her calling ever since.

👩‍👧‍👦 Populations Served

Jessica works with clients ranging in age from 4 to 65 years old, primarily serving individuals with autism and developmental disabilities.

Her interventions are diverse and engaging, including:

• Physical activities

• Community outings

• Card and board games

• Art and creative expression

• Mood regulation strategies

• Family engagement

• Social and communication skills

Her goal is always to help clients learn new skills, retain strengths, and discover positive ways to express themselves.

❤️ What She Loves About the Profession

Jessica’s passion shines brightest when she describes her work:

“Seeing the difference I make and the relationships with the families I build, all for the common goal of helping their child or adult learn and grow — that’s what keeps me going.”

For Jessica, some of the most meaningful moments happen when clients surprise themselves — whether it’s a nonverbal child beginning to form sentences, a client managing their aggression, or simply the joy of a child running to greet her with excitement each week.

🌱 Advice for New Rec Therapists

Jessica encourages new professionals to:

• See the individual, not just the diagnosis

• Be patient and listen — families and caregivers are key partners

• Think outside the box when planning interventions

• Adapt and communicate when something isn’t working

Her words are a reminder that flexibility and creativity are essential in recreational therapy.

🔮 Looking Ahead

Jessica sees a bright future for recreational therapy:

“I see lawmakers getting involved with advocacy, new positions popping up, and more people in our communities learning about RT and how much it means.”

She also admires leaders in the field, like Dawn at ATRA, whose advocacy and dedication inspire Jessica to continue growing and speaking up for the profession.

🙌 Why She Loves Rec Therapy Today

Jessica values the CEU opportunities, outreach, and connections Rec Therapy Today provides to professionals nationwide.

🌟 A Final Note

Jessica reminds us of the heart of recreational therapy:

“When a child or client says, ‘Thank you, I needed that today,’ it makes it all worth it.”

Congratulations, Jessica, on being named our October Rec Therapist of the Month! Thank you for your passion, your advocacy, and the difference you make every day in the lives of your clients and their families.

Danny Pettry’s Corner

October has always been my favorite time of year. There’s a crispness in the air, leaves crunch underfoot, and everything feels just a little bit more alive — or perhaps undead. This season carries a kind of magic, where imagination and atmosphere come together in the most delightful way.

Lately, I’ve been indulging in one of my favorite October traditions: curling up with a good book of scary stories. There’s something about the flicker of a lamp at night and the turning of pages that makes the spine-tingling tales even better.

If you’re feeling brave, I’ll recommend one book in particular: Eyes Scream in the Dark by Elle Nightingale. It’s a chilling book that captures the spirit of the season in all its eerie glory. Give it a read if you dare — just don’t blame me if you sleep with the lights on afterward.

Here’s to celebrating the season of pumpkins, costumes, and a touch of fright. May October bring you both cozy comforts and a few good scares!

—Danny

Recent Blogposts 

Recent Posts

• The Future of Recreational Therapy: Building Stronger, Smarter, and More Connected Services
• Why Professional Memberships Matter for Recreational Therapists
• Growth Mindset in Recreational Therapy: Helping Clients Unlock Their Potential
• Cultural Competence in Recreational Therapy: Why It’s Essential for Every Therapist
• Recreational Therapy and Dementia: Helping People Feel Seen and Heard
• Why Trauma-Informed Care Matters in Recreational Therapy
• Rec Therapy Today Sponsors the 2025 ATRA Annual Conference
• Announcing the Winners of Our August 2025 CEU Teleconference Giveaway!
• Why Hobbies Make You Better at Your Work (and Your Life
• Branding Lessons for Recreational Therapy: What We Can Learn from Cracker Barrel and Coca-Cola
• They Laughed When I Said a Walk in the Woods Could Heal… Until They Tried It”
• This One Thing Could Save Your Career in Recreational Therapy
• Strength Beyond Limits: How Rec Therapy Supports People with Disabilities
• When Every Moment Matters: The Role of Rec Therapy in Hospice Care
• They’re Not Bad Kids — They Just Need Better Tools.

Recent Rec Therapy YouTube Videos 

Fun Pages for All Ages

(Print for your Clients) 

Featured Winner: 

Shelley Hauke

Shelley Hauke was one of the lucky winners of our recent Parks and Recreation Gift Pack Giveaway from Rec Therapy Today! She shared photos of her prize along with her cherished Senior Lifetime National Park Pass, a special memento from a recent trip to Zion National Park. A lifelong fan of our country’s National Parks, Shelley embodies a love for both nature and the healing power of recreation.

With over 40 years of experience as a Recreational Therapist, Shelley earned her CTRS credential with the very first national certification exam in 1990. Her career has been primarily in physical medicine and rehabilitation, serving individuals across many settings: post-acute rehabilitation for adult neuro diagnoses, acute spinal cord injury rehabilitation, home care for adults and children with traumatic or acquired brain injuries, work-related trauma recovery, and medical-assisted breathing units. Today, she continues to provide care on an on-call basis in acute medical settings while working full time in Volunteer Services at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Shelley is grateful for the free and affordable CEU opportunities offered through Rec Therapy Today and has even expressed interest in becoming a presenter at future conferences.

We celebrate Shelley’s decades of dedication to recreational therapy and are proud to feature her as part of our Rec Therapy Today community!

Enter the October Giveaway

October 2025 Giveaway

This month, we’re giving away nine (9)  $10 Amazon Gift Cards!

• No purchase required

• Anyone can enter

• Deadline: Entries must be received before midnight Oct. 11, 2025

Winners will be selected at random after the deadline.

👉 Don’t miss your chance—enter today!

P.S. Rec Therapy Today — CEU Opportunities