Playing expresses our joy and love for Earth. Our playful selves skilfully repurpose everyday materials—cardboard recycling, tape, twine, and fabric. The simplicity and power of one child playing on his terms, a stockroom of materials, a supportive parent, and a third party made Caine’s Arcade go viral. They brought it to the greater community and beyond.
Picture yourself and your friends discovering a field of materials to shape at your whims. What if such public space existed in your community, entirely free to participate?
Close your eyes and feel the deep sense of permission and freedom that comes with getting to do what you want. Imagine how wonderful that must be for a child. They’re free to be messy and to do anything they like. And parents get to say YES! where they might ordinarily be inclined to say No!
Not only was celebrating our Earth an awesome enough reason to play, but we at Pop-Up Adventure Play are also thrilled there were two Pop-Up Adventure Playgrounds happening in celebration of Earth Week 2012 – over the April 28-29th weekend. The kids were welcome to play and join the fun! To see how much fun it was, check out our picture albums at facebook.com/popupplay.
I. Saturday – April 28, 2012
Austin, TX – Dia del Nino Verde at The Magellan International School (an event supported by Pop-Up Adventure Play)
II. Sunday – April 29, 2012
New Rochelle, NY – Earth Week Family Fun Day at The Castle Gallery (an event co-hosted by Pop-Up Adventure Play).
If you didn’t live nearby, you could make your own “mini pop-up” with friends at the park or in your yard. In 2012, Pop-Up Adventure Play proudly supported communities around the world through our growing network of independent organisers, printed materials, trainings and workshops. Learn more here, at Pop-Up Adventure Play. Sign-up for our mailing list for your Mini Pop-Up Kit.
Keep an eye out for all the trees, birds, and children that might be tugging at your sleeve, quietly (or loudly)… nudging you to play.
Happy Earth Week Play Everyone!
By Sharon