Let Grow Play Club

The Idea

Let Grow Play Club itself is very simple: Just let kids onto the playground or into the gym before or after school and let them play! Play Club involves unstructured play, kids of all ages playing together and adults stepping back.

Why this Matters

Many of today’s children spend their out-of-school time in adult-directed activities—from soccer to dance class to drama to tutoring. Even children who do have free time, like after school, are often glued to screens because parents are afraid to allow them outside. At the same time, the pressure of high-stakes testing has resulted in more seat time and dwindling recess during the school day. Is it any wonder that behaviour problems are increasing and more children than ever are suffering from anxiety and depression?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “ The benefits of play cannot really be overstated in terms of mitigating stress, improving academic skills and helping to build the safe, stable and nurturing relationships that buffer against toxic stress and build social-emotional resilience.”

An easy, almost no-cost solution for schools, rec centers, and other organizations is to host a Let Grow Play Club, where kids of all ages can enjoy unstructured free play outside of regular school hours.

Through the Community Play Challenge, supported by the Real Play Coalition, you can apply for some funding to cover any costs your school might incur in setting up a Play Club.