
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, free play
is important for children to reach significant social, emotional and
intellectual milestones. Peter Gray, an expert on the evolution of
childhood play, says “playing with other children is how children learn to make
their own decisions, control their emotions and impulses, see from others’
perspectives, negotiate differences with others and make friends”. We live in a time of passive play, where
children spend a lot of time sitting in front of a video game, computer or
television (usually indoors), with very little time to be imaginative or
creative outdoors.
So in addition to the fun and excitement that surrounds the
daily structured activities at camp, there is also time to unwind and just
play. Rest hour at camp, time at the
canteen and the occasional free time after dinner, allows campers to have this
creative time outside of the structured instruction they receive throughout the
day. During rest hour, you can find campers
shooting hoops on the basketball court, having an impromptu guitar jam, playing
a game of cards, having a rally on the tennis court, or making up a new dance. They organize the activity and make up the
rules. Whatever they decide to do, it is
usually something that uses the imagination and creates a connection to one
another. This connection and working
together builds self-awareness, cooperation and empathy. Free play also gives campers a chance to discover
new interests that they can enjoy at camp and throughout the year. Free play allows campers to create, grow and
stretch their imagination.
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