Intended for recreational leaders, classroom teachers, volunteers, and parents, the text presents guidelines for planning and conducting activities for mentally retarded youth and young adults. Consideration of understanding the maturing retardate and his social needs includes different kinds of beneficial social experiences, the maturing retardate, establishing purposes and goals for organized recreation, and areas of development. Discussion of an organized program treats the roles of director, parents, and volunteers; the program structure; and flexibility and growth. Also presented are the following: group activities such as music, games, and parties; special interests in sports, handicraft, nature and hobbies, and homemaking hobbies; and family centered activities in the community and at home. Supplementary materials listed are 17 periodical articles, 55 books and pamphlets, and 15 sources of continuing information. (DF)