17 Aug 2009
As readers of Green Hour know, playing outdoors is a vital part of a healthy, happy childhood. From climbing trees and rolling down grassy hills, to wading in creeks and collecting rocks.
Outdoor play and childhood should just go together – but as we have seen with the increase in time spent in front of electronic screens, the increase of homework load, and many schools eliminating recess – outdoor play is on the endangered species list.
A great way to help bring play back to your community and to the lives of children and adults alike is to host a Play Day the week of September 19 -27th. This event can be whatever you choose to celebrate play and get your community outside. No rules, just FUN!
Why not…
- Sponsor a community toy swap and park clean-up
- Host a family nature hike, fishing derby, or canoe trip
- Have a geocaching or letterboxing event
- Throw a block party
- Have a community garden day or a scavenger hunt that challenges families to explore the parks and trails in your community
KaBOOM! can help. Our Play Day Planner will walk you through the steps of planning a successful event in your community. Click here to register your Play Day today, and get started on bringing fun and play back to your community. You’ll receive a great Play Day Kit (valued at $100), and all completed Play Day events are eligible to be in the running for one of seven equipment grants.
Join people nation-wide as the celebrate play and connect with nature. Trust me: It’s just what the doctor ordered!
Bethe Almeras writes The Grass Stain Guru, a blog about restoring childhood, and saving ourselves in the process.
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