Recreational tendency of the orphans and socialization effects of the activities

-221- SUMMARY The purpose of this study was to determine the participation of recreational activities that interest, tendency and participation levels and effect to their socialİ2ation's process the orphans in Turkey. 257 girls and 563 boys were participated in this study, whose ages between 13 - 18 years old. The survey method was used to determine the recreational activities that tendency the orphans, their participation levels, and affect to their socialization process. Thus, data was gathered mainly through consulted questionnaire by researchers. Using SPSS 11.0 statistical package program did analysis of data. The findings of this study showed that, the orphans were interested in recreational activities intensively. In spite of intensive interest orphan's participation levels of recreational activities seemed to low level. Those primary factors were highlighted: Facility unavailability or inefficient using. Lack of expert who was able to organize recreational activities for orphans. Lack of orientation and supporting children to the activities by orphanage management. Lack of finding partners to participate in the activities. Lack of desired type of activities and lack of cooperation with other welfare service institutions. In addition to results of this study indicated that; children usually participated to recreational activities that was organized orphanage's facilities. It was expressed that participation to recreational activities help to have closer friendship, improve sense of responsibility and self-confidence and physical peace of mind. The participation to the recreational activities especially helps to girls to get ride of boredom. It was determined that, boys preferred to participate generally to sports activities, while girls preferred to participate generally to passive recreational activities. As result of research findings show that, the regularly participation of recreational activities affect the orphan's socialization process.