Photograph by Jason Koski
A time of less structure, summertime brings memories of outdoor exploring and endless free play. At Global Roots’ summer camp, we aim to bring that to families new and familiar. For our second year, we welcomed 13 children with the goal of providing a place for families to connect and play. New students were excited to explore our space and returning students were so happy to be reunited with their friends.
Global Roots is a play-based, child-paced school, and our camp is structured the same. During our 3-week program, children explore our playground, classroom and gym at their own leisure and are free to follow their interests. We believe that play is essential and is the most natural mechanism for learning. We also believe children are capable, unique learners. We leave room for children to make decisions and take control of themselves and their environment. Dinosaurs, animals, insects, building, and art are big this year.
Wet and gloomy weather kept us inside our second week. Cozy and creative, the children enjoyed building giant towers and making art. They played with water and animals at our sensory table and constructed a large bus for transporting children to “work” and other fun places – these are their sweet ideas! In the gym, they continued building, giggled as they chased each other on tricycles, and practiced their basketball shots. Our toys, loose parts, and endless art materials lead to many imaginative and joyful moments.
Families are always welcome at Global Roots and we have 3 older siblings attending camp this year. We love seeing them interact with their younger peers. It’s an opportunity for them to be the big kids and help, while allowing them the freedom of unrestricted play in a less structured environment. Parents that are able to attend English classes at Open Doors English, pursue their career aspirations, find their footing in a new place, or simply take a break.
In these over-scheduled and over stimulating times, it feels extra special to have a soft-landing spot where the only expectation is community and play. As we were saying goodbye and “see you next week” to a newly arrived child, he expressed surprise and sadness at the lack of camp on Fridays. It quickly changed to a smile and a hug, “I’m so happy to be here,” he said.
Photographs by Jason Koski
