Ilitch Companies volunteers partnered with Playworks Michigan in early June to lead a Recess Play Day at Durfee Elementary-Middle School. Volunteers facilitated games and activities for the students that fostered collaboration, teamwork, and conflict resolution. Activities included freeze tag, soccer, dodgeball, chalk time, bubbles, and football. Playworks, a national non-profit organization, works to improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.
“We are providing an opportunity for kids to see adults showing positive behavior through play. Kids learn by example, and they need to see the joy that comes from playing, to see how adults are working together, laughing, celebrating positively, and even managing disappointments in a way that is not disruptive,” said Judy Tipton, executive director of Playworks Michigan. “These are all things that we think are very important to learn for our kids to be successful in life and in work.”