Free
The primary directive of Play Club is to refrain from discussing it. The secondary directive? There are essentially no directives at all. Children thrive on spontaneous, unstructured play in nature. Here’s what guardians and caregivers should understand.
No structure? No problem.
In contrast to organized activities like soccer, unstructured play is free of scoreboards and competition.
“Unstructured play occurs when children explore their instincts, ideas, and interests without predefined goals,” says the Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA). The CPHA highlights several advantages of this type of play, including
- better physical health
- developed motor skills
- boosted social skills, encompassing empathy and emotional intelligence
- increased self-esteem along with lower levels of anxiety, depression, and stress
- improved academic performance, reflected in classroom behavior and educational outcomes
A collective statement from 14 Canadian organizations states, “Access to active play in nature is crucial for healthy child development. We recommend expanding avenues for self-directed outdoor play across all environments—at home, school, childcare centers, local communities, and natural spaces.”
How it all comes together
These benefits prompted Marie-Andree Racine, a parent in Squamish, BC, to create The Little Explorers. In the initial few months, over 400 families joined.
Together, they engage in biking, camping, hiking, and more. While there’s a purpose to explore and embrace nature, Racine emphasizes one crucial principle.
“We let the kids take the lead,” she states. During a recent trek, the children stumbled upon a puddle and decided to play there for the whole day. “We don’t have set destinations; we simply say, ‘let’s begin here’ and see where the journey leads us.”
Accepting the risks
The idea of my toddler roaming wild through the forest may seem a bit precarious, but that’s part of the experience. “We avoid overly dangerous scenarios, but minor bumps and scrapes are part of learning,” Racine remarks. “Kids must engage in hands-on experiences to grow. We grant them freedom and encourage them to take on challenges.”
If you’re uncertain about jumping in…
Adjust your perspective. Experts recommend focusing on “as safe as necessary” rather than “as safe as possible.”
Provide suggestions rather than impose rules. For instance, you could encourage, “Maybe try placing your foot there” when they are scaling a boulder. Or ask, “Has anyone noticed what’s under that log?” during a hike.
Allow for pauses. Instead of hastily intervening, observe what unfolds. “Trust your children,” Racine advises. “If they wish to climb a tree, let them. You can shadow them for safety, and you’ll often be impressed by their capabilities. Children can achieve much more than we anticipate.”
