The Importance of Free Play
I recently attended a regional camp conference where the closing keynote speaker discussed how parents these days feel compelled to keep their children “safe” at home, and inadvertently (or purposefully) limiting their chances to play outside with other children. It reminded me of how fortunate our son is to grow up in our rural camp home, where he can go outside at any time and engage in free play, limited only by the bounds of his imagination or when hunger calls him to come in for a snack, or when mom and/or dad call him inside. It reminded me of my own childhood, where often summers were spent playing in the front or backyard with other kids from the neighborhood (or neighbourhood, since I grew up in Canada…) or setting up street hockey leagues where we’d travel maybe up to a mile away by bike or on foot with our buddies to challenge another street’s youngsters. It struck me as sad that many parents, whether because of perception or reality, feel compelled to restrict or eliminate their kids’ opportunities for unstructured free play.
Unstructured play at camp fosters creativity and social skills
A recent report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that a child’s engagement in free play helps foster creativity and social skills. The study also argues that during unstructured play, children become more creative in figuring out important developmental skills such as conflict resolution, negotiation, and leadership.
Studies like this reinforce the benefits of what we know our camp can help facilitate in our campers. Sadly, despite the documented benefits of free play, children do not always get the opportunity to do so. In fact, almost a third of children in grades one to six get fifteen minutes or less of recess a day.
In addition to our structured curriculum focusing on children’s empowerment, diversity, and communication skills, we purposely schedule opportunities for unstructured play, so that the campers can further their character development. Combined with the other opportunities for experiential experiences, the opportunities for healthy, safe risk-taking, the “unplugged” environment that gives the kids the chance to connect with themselves, their friends, and the natural environment; and a community full of caring adults to serve as mentors and caregivers, our girls-only and boys-only summer camp programs provide a comprehensive environment to have fun while building excellent character.
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