The basis for this study was my own conception of a weakening of recreational activities in the Swedish secondary school. The aim of the study was to look into five school leaders’ ideas of recreational activities. The school leaders’ who participated came from various municipalities in two different counties, southern Värmland and northern Västra Götaland (former Skaraborg). In order to collect the school leaders’ perceptions of the subject, qualitative interviews were conducted. Theoretical models produced by Pierre Bourdieu and his thoughts of

habitus together with Abraham Malsows hierarchy of needs have left their mark on this study.

The study showed that the school leaders perceived several positive qualities from recreational activities, such as fellowship, it´s relaxing effect, calmness and the physical aspect that comes from being in nature. Despite this, recreational activities occurred irregularly, which was mainly due to organizational reasons, such as the schedule involving several lessons with different teachers, which makes it hard to practice outdoor life for any great length of time. Costs and lack of equipment are also mentioned as limiting. Several school leaders mentioned the PE teacher’s enthusiasm as an important factor affecting the amount of outdoor life in school.