About Bedrock Play
PLAY is the Bedrock of Childhood Development and that’s why we design, host and facilitate programs that specifically expose children to play and all the ways it benefits them.
Our Philosophy
Think back to your childhood – what are your favorite memories of play – where were you, what do you see, what can you smell, who were you with? For many of us, these memories take place outside, with friends, in situations that were not organized, not dictated by adults, often involved some risk, and came with a sense of freedom – you were doing what you wanted to do, when you wanted to do it. Now think of children today – how have things changed? Do they have the time or space to determine what, when, and how they want to do things? When do they have time to just play?
Children's lives have changed drastically in a short amount of time. Instead of hours of time every day for free play outdoors, children are more often in scheduled adult-led activities or inside on screens. Times have changed, our culture has changed, but children's need for self-directed play has not.
There are crucial skills that are developed through play that cannot be taught in a classroom or made-up for during a sport. When is a child most likely to challenge themselves, take risks, make mistakes, push themselves to try new things, and learn to rely on themselves to problem solve? Research shows that it is not in a pressured environment, like a classroom, where often children feel like there is a right and wrong answer. It is when they are in free play situations with other children!
It is in play that children through the millennia have developed their sense of self-confidence and “practiced” being human. This is where they can build houses, pretend to be someone else, make tools, create rules - unbound by the restrictions imposed by the adult world, including adult fears. These are experiences that are essential for a child’s development.
PLAY (and specifically OUTDOOR PLAY) helps children by:
Developing their sensory integration capabilities - their bodies crave healthy sensory input in the same way that our metabolic system craves healthy food
Developing the physical body through unrestricted movement. Kids use their whole body during play, strengthening the gross and fine motor systems as well as the core and postural muscles, and even supports the development of their eye muscles.
Developing the skills needed to be in relationship with others. Play demands communication skills, negotiation, compromise, and empathy for other people’s needs and perspectives. We are social beings in a social world and the ability to be successful in that realm is dependent on social skills learned through play (and not on a worksheet or from a show).
Developing executive functioning skills. This can be described as the ability to make choices, plan actions, organize materials and supplies, and problem solve when things go wrong. Having these abilities helps kids to feel autonomous and in control of their lives. It helps them be able to visualize what they want and take steps to get it.
Developing their individual sense of “self” and figuring out what brings them joy!
These days, even when parents want their kids to play outside, there seem to be many barriers to making this happen, whether it is because they don't live around other children, both parents work and there isn't time, parents feel pressure to have their children in scheduled activities every day, or children have a hard time disconnecting from their screens, and so on.
It takes a concerted effort to make sure our kids are getting the play time they need, but it may mean some difficult changes that go against the flow. Limiting screen time, letting your child get bored, creating outdoor family time, cutting back on scheduled adult-directed activities, making free time on the weekends, connecting with neighbors, overcoming fears – these are not easy but can lead to a healthier child who can play independently, knows their body, has learned to get along with others, and most importantly, has had the chance to figure out who they are and what makes them unique. We are here to support and help you provide this for the children in your care.
At Bedrock Play, we believe that PLAY is absolutely necessary to our development as humans and it is missing from many children’s lives. We need to change that. That’s what Bedrock Play is here for.
You can also learn more about how our founder Beth’s journey and how Bedrock Play came to be here.
What Kids Experience at Bedrock Play
Play is the centerpiece of Bedrock Play. Why do we insist on being outside? It just happens that nature is the perfect sensory experience for all of us and provides for the sensory needs of the developing child. Their sensory systems are “hungry” for input and the rich sensory experiences found in the outdoors is the perfect food!
At Bedrock Play, Uninterrupted Play is the majority of what kids experience. This means that kids have access to a lot of time, space and open-ended materials. They drive the play - they collaborate, they imagine, they create - at their own pace and with their own two hands. We provide the solid base of reality where children should be spending most of their time, finding their potential and their power.
Because adults can influence play, we minimize adult influence as much as possible. Our facilitators will actively watch from the perimeter and be available to step in as needed. Our role as adults in the setting is to be a mediator and to provide tools, not a leader. As a result, children will delve deeper into their experience, will feel empowered to work things out themselves and develop life-long skills in the process.
Who our Programs are for
We believe play is essential for all children and accordingly, we think more outdoor play would benefit every child. Our nature-based programs are suitable for a wide range of children, whether typically or atypically developing, whether they are thriving in their current situation or are struggling, whether they love the outdoors or consider themselves to be the indoor type.
We believe outdoor, child-led play is therapeutic for all children, providing a “pressure valve” in their lives. Children are more relaxed and can get more absorbed into tasks. They are better able to practice and perfect newly emerging skills. In this low-pressure environment, they are more willing to try new things and push themselves to take “risks” like jumping off a rock or approaching a new friend. We believe this type of play will help children build a solid foundation of skills that they will use for life!
Please note - Our child to staff ratio is about 6:1. If your child is in need of direct 1:1 attention, please reach out to address if we can accommodate your needs.*
We offer three weekly programs during the school year for different age groups. These are primarily attended by children who are homeschooled or who are in other part-time programs, though we recently have had success in getting a one day a week excused absence from some schools in order for kids to attend our classes. If you want more info on that, please contact us! And of course, we love providing workshops and Field Trips for all.
Summer camps are attended by children from our local public schools, private schools and homeschool communities.
Helpful Links
Are you a parent interested in having your child join us at Bedrock Play?
Check out some of the programs we offer:
Are you interested in having a Field Trip at Bedrock Play?
Are you interested in the Bedrock Play Philosophy and would like to learn more with a workshop at your organization/community group/school or want to connect with our founder Beth for coaching or consulting?
Are you interested in joining our team as an employee, volunteer or field work student?