Easterseals Northeast Central Florida and the Early Learning Coalition are teaming up this summer to remind adults why children need to play on purpose with unique educational and interactive events offered this summer in Daytona Beach.
The Play On Purpose (POP) events will be held at Dave & Buster’s on several dates between June 27 and July 25. The registration fee is $35 per adult.
Why is playing on purpose an issue to address in our community? In short, being a kid today isn’t what it was 50 years ago. Children don’t play as much as they once did – structured after-school activities have replaced spontaneous get-togethers and free time has been replaced with scheduled activities. The “play deficit” children face today is real, consequential and unhealthy, but thankfully, it’s also reversible.
“In play deficit, we see many consequences for not allowing children to use their imaginations and play freely within healthy parameters every day and for significant intervals,” said Dorothy Lefford, OTR/L, VP-Clinical Services at Easterseals Northeast Central Florida. Lefford added that research shows lessened play time has contributed to increased mental disorders in children, higher instances of childhood anxiety and depression and increased suicide rates among older children and young adults.
POP events are formatted to educate adults as to why kids need more playtime and allow adults to engage in their own purposeful play in the process. At every event, participants will experience an interactive presentation about the value of playtime for children, engage in play challenges with other group members, enjoy tasty hors d’oeuvres and refreshments and then are set free in Dave & Busters with a $10 play card to get more playtime in and to use their newfound knowledge.
Event dates and times are:
Thursday, June 27 5 -7 p.m.
Tuesday, July 9 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 11 5 -7 p.m.
Tuesday, July 23 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Thursday, July 25 5 – 7 p.m.
The cost is $35 per person. Business casual/casual attire is recommended. You can RSVP by clicking here.
Easterseals’ goal is to set #100PlayDates in 2019 with engaged adults throughout the community who will share the value of playtime with others, especially the children they love and care for.
Join the #MovementToMove today! RSVP for an upcoming event at www.eastersealsnecfl.org.
