The primary guideline of Play Club is to keep its existence a secret. And the second? There are no guidelines at all. Kids thrive on untamed, unregulated play in natural settings. Here’s what guardians and caretakers should understand.
Embrace the chaos
In contrast to organized sports like soccer that have clear objectives, unstructured play is more freeform.
“This form of play allows children to engage their instincts, creativity, and interests without a predetermined goal,” states the Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA). The CPHA highlights numerous advantages for children, such as:
- better physical health
- enhanced motor skills
- improved social abilities, including empathy and emotional awareness
- boosted self-esteem, alongside lower risks of depression, anxiety, and stress
- superior academic outcomes, encompassing classroom behavior and learning capabilities
“Facilitating active play in natural environments is crucial for the healthy development of children,” asserts a joint position paper from 14 Canadian organizations. “We advocate for increasing opportunities for self-directed outdoor play in various environments—be it at home, school, daycare, local communities, or nature.”
The approach
These benefits inspired Marie-Andree Racine, a mother from Squamish, BC, to start The Little Explorers, which quickly attracted over 400 families in just a few months.
Together, they engage in biking, camping, hiking, and more. Although the essence is to explore and embrace nature, Racine emphasizes a crucial guideline.
“We always allow the kids to take charge,” she remarks. Five minutes into a recent hike, the children spotted a puddle and chose to play there for the afternoon. “We don’t establish goals; we simply say, ‘let’s begin here’ and see where it leads us.”
Calculated risks
While the idea of my young child running freely through the woods may seem a bit risky, that’s an integral aspect of the experience. “We don’t permit any extreme dangers, but minor scrapes and bruises are beneficial,” explains Racine. “Children must engage to learn. We let them run wild and present challenges.”
If you’re hesitant about letting them roam …
Transform your perspective. Experts recommend adopting an “as safe as necessary” mindset rather than “as safe as possible.”
Provide suggestions, not directives. For example, you could say, “Perhaps try placing your foot there,” when they’re attempting to climb a rock. “Have you noticed what’s beneath that log?” might be a thought to share during a hike.
Pause and observe. Avoid rushing in to rescue them and watch how the situation unfolds. “Trust your children,” advises Racine. “If they wish to climb a tree, let them. You can stand by to watch and discover what they are truly capable of achieving. They often amaze us with what they can do.”
