On September 23, Let's Play America will be having its 15th Annual Play Day at Takoma Park Middle School. This totally free event will have opportunities for kids and grown-ups alike to have fun and rejoice in the power of play.
Macaroni KID Takoma Park - Silver Spring recently reached out to Pat Rumbaugh, known as "the Play Lady" and one of the founders of Let's Play America, to learn more about the history of the organization and the upcoming Play Day event.
What is Let's Play America and how did it get started?
Let's Play America started out in 2009 as TakomaPlays! Rumbaugh and her co-founder, Daniel Nakamura, believed in the need for the Takoma Park community to have more advocates and opportunities for play. TakomaPlays! became Let's Play America when the duo felt that a wider audience would benefit from the same important values and chance for community connection through play. Now, "Let’s Play America increases opportunities for all people to enjoy play through partnering with communities, organizations, and individuals to create locally-inspired, playful events." Resources can be found on the Let's Play America website.
Why is play so important for kids and grown-ups alike? And how can we make more time for play in our busy daily lives?
One of Let's Play America's values is the belief that play is a vital part of the human experience. Rumbaugh says that play helps to relieve stress and improve health. She thinks that "Adults and families need to make play a priority for their children and themselves." And she suggests carving out time before school, after school, for game nights, playful family walks, or weekend play outings.
 |
What can we expect at this year's Play Day on September 23?
In 2023, Play Day will have a Story Walk and reading of the book Leaves to My Knees by author Ellen Mayer, corn hole, square dancing, dress up, giant chess, games, live music, Simon Says with a special guest Simon, arts and crafts, and more! The entire event is free to the public, including food generously donated by the TP-SS co-op, Giant Foods, and Starbucks.
There are opportunities for teenagers to volunteer to earn SSL hours. Contact info@letsplayamerica.com for more info.
