Play is Healing is a community partnership and initiative promoting wellness and healing from the collective trauma of the pandemic and stress inducing current events. Above and Beyond Children’s Museum, Mental Health America Lakeshore, the Sheboygan YMCA, and the Sheboygan Rec Department, amongst other community "playmates", have teamed up to provide playful educational opportunities developed to support our children's mental health, overall well-being, and positive connection to others.
Our first offering, "A Mindful Recess", was an 8-week series guided by Play is Healing Coordinator and Fitness and Wellness Professional Rachael Haas, to boost brain and body health with a mindful calming, focusing, and movement break from virtual schooling. Included in the pre-recorded sessions are playful mindfulness and fitness movements for calming and focus, balance and coordination, strength and flexibility, and finishing with gratitude while refocusing back on learning. Videos were recorded and inspired by different exhibits at the Above and Beyond Children's Museum as well as areas within the Sheboygan YMCA.
Please join us in 2022 for Playtime POP-ups at various parks in the community. Involved organizations will have a booth or table providing activities, play equipment, games, art projects, and structured or unstructured play opportunities according to each event's theme. Geared towards elementary students. FREE Pre-registration highly encouraged, drop-ins welcome.
Donations to the program are gratefully accepted so that we can maintain the program long term and provide experiences to all regardless of income. For more information please contact Play is Healing Coordinator Rachael Haas at 920-946-0058 or info@playishealing.org.
PLAYTIME POP-UPS IN THE PARKS
Fridays 10a-12p
Various parks throughout the county
Join us at different already scheduled community events throughout the county for our Playstation POP-up booth. We provide fun activities geared towards elementary aged students and their families to boost positive mental health. Get information on the play benefits of play for youth mental health and connect with local community resources. See schedule below!
If you would like to have our booth at your community event, please contact Play is Healing Coordinator Rachael Haas at info@playishealing.org or 920-946-0058 for more information.
The benefits of play for youth are many. Whether it be improving academic learning, decreasing anxiety and depression, or developing focus, coordination, and cooperation in a fun way, play is a great way to improve the overall health and wellness of our children. See below for just some of the benefits of play:
Check out some great resources on the benefits of play for our youth!
