The Joy of Play

"If we want children to flourish, to become truly empowered, then let us allow
​ them to love the earth before we ask them to save it."
— David Sobel (Beyond Ecophobia)

This jumble of logs near our tipi (reminds me of the game 'pick up sticks') presents an interesting challenge to the kids each time we meet,being right on a path that either leads to the tipi or a 'hideout' spot. This week I realized that many of them are now scaling it with ease, woot woot! One of the principles of forest school--that children return to the same place over and over again--is alive right here! With so many opportunities to tackle the same problem, they're able to experience success and mastery. 

Ephemeral art--learning the practice of creating and letting go. Oh, how I enjoyed watching the careful selection of materials for this piece, the young artist learning about larch trees in the process, and revelling in the fall colours! 

The girls took great pride in their beautiful crowns, adorned with rosehips and snowberries...

 
Here are some children sitting in front of (yet another!) pretend campfire, this time 'roasting' apples on sticks and telling spooky stories. I feel like I say it every week, but this was a week of SO much imagining. Deeper into their play, more complex stories and astounding cooperation. 

---

Thanks to everyone who came to Canyon Park for our 'Family Fun Day.' The weather cooperated, and about 20 adults and kids came out to play. We enjoyed our hot apple cider, yummy popcorn and playing 'human knot,' 'tail tag' and hide and seek. We explored some collections of rocks, bones and feathers, and I was amazed at all of the questions that arose! 

​

---

And who doesn't love a scavenger hunt? Everyone spread out around the park to collect smooth things, pokey things, animal things, letter-shaped things, cones and leaves and more...here they are spreading out their treasures for everyone to see. It was such a fun time, and we hope to see folks again in February for another Family Day (hopefully we'll have the fire pit back at the park by then!)