Blog Posts

Last Child in the Woods, Richard Louv

Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell

This book provides a substantial argument regarding the importance of nature exploration. He cites research suggesting that kids' senses are more fully engaged in natural settings. Their observation and creativity is enlivened. He states that children have a tendency to play in the parks where rules, boundaries, and traditional norms are enforced, but it is on the edge of the parks, in the creeks, ditches, and forested areas where their minds, senses, and intuition are most fully engaged. This is the reason our camps provide play through structured games, and allow plenty of time for independent exploration, each and every day.

In his book Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell explores the many factors that lead to success and achievement. In chapter nine, he analyzes the performance gap between income groups. He explains that learning throughout the school year is consistent among economic groups, but the biggest game-changer in student achievement is defined by what happens during the summer months. Children who are exposed to social interaction, guided exploration, and other learning opportunities continue their growth curve through the summer months, while those without this exposure lag behind.

TED Radio Hour: Press Play

End of 2017 Summer Letter:

This podcast explains how play helps develop empathy for others, has an incredibly positive influence on our development.

Well, it's back to school for me, and I'm taking stock of some of my summer highlights. Thank you for letting me hang out with your kids this summer. I had a blast! Here's a long version of my gratitude:

I have seen kids chasing, hopping, riding, throwing, kicking, shooting, building, inventing, and smiling on a summer day. The thrill of the chase, focused attention on the target, and intent chatter amidst invention. Kids showing up tentative on Monday morning, and wishing it wouldn't end on Friday afternoon. Kids becoming more confident. That is something worth seeing! I've seen friendships solidified, born, and reborn while stalking grasshoppers in the tall, dried grass, while wading through the gnome home village, and bracing from the heat in the wide open fields. We've seen bee stings, scraped knees, friendship woes, and disagreements, too. Kids learning about life, and how to exist in it. The rough spots make us smarter, usually. I am grateful for my summer. I had a blast, and experienced some things worthwhile. Thanks for sending your kids to camp this summer. I hope that they experienced some things worthwhile, too. Now, back to school! : )

Garry