It’s no secret that outdoor play is essential for children’s development. A recent survey involving 12,000 parents from ten different countries revealed that about half of children aged 5 to 12 spend less than an hour outdoors each day, with a shocking one-third managing less than 30 minutes. For perspective, that’s even less than what maximum-security inmates receive for outdoor recreation.
Children are in dire need of outdoor time. They require opportunities to “spin, leap, roll, climb, swing, and dash,” according to pediatric occupational therapist Mia Thompson. She observes a worrying trend where many children struggle with basic physical activities and emotional regulation, often becoming overwhelmed by their surroundings. “Active free play outdoors enhances creativity, academic performance, and emotional well-being,” she explains. Kids who miss out on these experiences may face various challenges, from emotional instability to difficulties with fine motor skills, such as holding a pencil.
In response to this growing concern, Thompson launched GreenPlay, described by many as a “therapeutic outdoor program for children.” This program aims to inspire creativity, imagination, and independent play in natural settings. GreenPlay seeks to counteract the constraints modern life imposes on children, offering “sensory-rich experiences” that encourage exploration and engagement with their environment. The goal is to exemplify what authentic play should look like.
GreenPlay operates under the belief that outdoor play is “intrinsically therapeutic” and emphasizes the need for children to have unstructured time away from adult supervision. They advocate for the benefits of ample outdoor play, which positively impacts children’s physical, mental, and emotional health.
Picture this: children exploring their surroundings, building, creating, and taking risks while fostering a profound appreciation for nature. However, they aren’t just released into the wild without guidance. Kids balance on logs elevated above the ground, while others immerse themselves waist-deep in water, excitedly counting down before submerging their faces. Some even catch peculiar aquatic creatures, while others swing in dizzying circles on large wooden platforms. Thompson notes, “Children often establish their own societies, currencies, and languages at GreenPlay, all while enjoying hours of free play with minimal adult involvement.”
These children are thriving, fully embracing their childhood. Depending on the location, participants may encounter towering climbing trees or expansive mud puddles, where rolling around is actively encouraged. Some sites even feature unique attractions, like sheep in New Zealand or massive sand dunes ideal for sledding in California. Additionally, GreenPlay provides “loose parts” – items like tires, bricks, and sticks that promote creativity and imaginative play. Cooking over open fires is also part of the adventure.
Honestly, I can’t help but wonder: does GreenPlay offer classes for adults? I could use some practice on my balance and would love to roll around in a mud puddle, perhaps even start a playful mud-slinging contest with fellow adults. Everything about this concept sounds enchanting.
In essence, these nature-based classrooms encompass all the elements children need to flourish, learn, and have fun while doing it. We need more spaces like this for the sake of our kids – and perhaps for our own inner children too.
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In summary, the rise of nature-based classrooms like GreenPlay highlights the crucial need for outdoor play in childhood development. These magical environments provide children with the freedom to explore, create, and thrive in a way that modern life often neglects.