THE PLAYGROUNDgr

06/24/2026

THE PLAYGROUNDgr Camp Day 2 was full of Midbrain Play! We explored body regulation through break dancing with Teknique Street Dance Academy and Janeil Foy and Leah Koski AND circus arts with Grand Rapids Circus Project and Sierra Hatfield. We learned the importance of self expression through movement, as well as new ways to be in control of our body while remaining authentic to our emotions.

Each camper each day returns home with a new sensory tool, and today's tool was a STRESS BALL made with balloons and beads, all led by a local Play Therapist.

Thank you to today's partners: MSU Federal Credit Union , LMCU and ICCF!

06/23/2026

THE PLAYGROUNDgr CAMP is excited to explore LIMBIC PLAY with Wednesday's Play Experts. Edwin Anderson, Founder of Studio Smoov, brings self portraits and painting to Camp this Summer. Edwin can often be found partnering alongside THE PLAYGROUNDgr at community experiences, such as Portrait of Me, but also in our city where he has several comissioned murals for all to enjoy.

Edwin's focus on self expression makes him a perfect fit for THE PLAYGROUNDgr Camp!

THANK YOU EDWIN!

06/23/2026

THE PLAYGROUNDgr Camp Day 1 was full of Brain Stem Play! We explored breath work through yoga and breath painting. We also explored the regulation our heart beat provides through mindfulness, drumming and free play!

Each camper each day returns home with a new sensory tool, and Monday's tool was a SENSORY Jar, an activity led by a Camper and our local Play Therapist.

Thank you to yesterday's partners: MSU Federal Credit Union , Amber Monét , Marcus Jackson , ICCF, LMCU and Cousin's Chicken.

06/23/2026

THE PLAYGROUNDgr CAMP is excited to explore MIDBRAIN PLAY with Tuesday's Play Experts.
Sierra Hatfield, Founder of Grand Rapids Circus Project, brings Circus Arts to Camp this Summer, and can often be found partnering alongside THE PLAYGROUNDgr at community experiences, such as Grand Rapids Plays. Sierra's focus on body regulation and self expression make her a perfect fit for THE PLAYGROUNDgr Camp!

Sierra is a true play enthusiast and continues to ensure play is available to all! THANK YOU SIERRA!

06/22/2026

THE PLAYGROUNDgr CAMP is excited to explore Midbrain Play with Tuesdays's Play Experts.
Janeil Foy continues to be a master of play, and a constant within programming at THE PLAYGROUNDgr. Janeil aka Alien Jay, continues to teach and model the health benefits of play and break dancing, and can be found throughout the community, including THE PLAYGROUNDgr Camp, Grand Rapids Plays and other pop up THE PLAYGROUNDgr experieces.

In fact, Teknique Street Dance Academy Owner, Janeil Foy was THE PLAYGROUNDgr's 2024 Play Expert of the Year!

THANK YOU ALIEN JAY FOR CONTINUING TO INVEST IN PLAY!
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06/21/2026

📢 Unpopular opinion; DO LESS to PLAY MORE.....

💦 ⛱️ 📖 🎨 🎤 🛹 🎲 🪄 🛝 🕺 🏊 😀 🏀 🎴

"Reclaim Free Play - Child-led play—play without adult direction or goals—is more than fun. It’s how children process emotions, develop problem-solving skills, practice empathy, and learn about themselves. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (2018), unstructured play is essential for healthy brain development. Summer is the perfect time to let kids just play—with sticks, dirt, costumes, water, cardboard boxes, and their imaginations."

Learn more ⏬️

https://instituteofchildpsychology.com/the-power-of-a-slow-summer-why-kids-need-time-to-just-be/?fbclid=IwdGRjcASk7s1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR78BQTtZ66bNsJVoFumD5klrUqZhWbmJ5dJ06sno6U0IThQGyORuT8JTkpSFw_aem_iFbJZn59y8AZDEflCGcrdg

Tammy Schamuhn | May 27th, 2025 As the school year winds down, many parents feel the pressure to fill their child’s summer with structured camps, academic

06/21/2026

THE PLAYGROUNDgr CAMP is excited to explore BRAIN STEM PLAY with Monday's Play Experts.
Leah Koski brings YOGA to Camp this Summer, and we are thrilled to learn breath and body regulation through her expertise. Leah has been apart of THE PLAYGROUNDgr team, leading in breakdancing at Grand Rapids Plays and particiapating in Camp 2025 as a THE PLAYGROUNDgr staff member!

Leah embodies PLAY and we are grateful to learn alongside her! THANK YOU LEAH!!!

06/21/2026

THE PLAYGROUNDgr is grateful to all of the Father's, Uncle's and neighbors saying YES to a stronger, healthier village! Thank you for saying YES to more play, reducing the stigma of mental health and 11 second hugs!

We see you!!!! We value you!!! We love you!!!

06/20/2026

THE PLAYGROUNDgr has intentionally cultivated authentic and educated Play Leaders within our THE PLAYGROUNDgr community! We continue to be grateful to our Board of Directors and Intern Community for SHOWING UP with LOVE, EXCITEMENT and true HEART for INCLUSION!

🌟 Thank you to our THE PLAYGROUNDgr Board Members Cody Dean Timm ,Tiburcio Lince and Susan Clark for leading in PLAY at Grand Rapids Pride Festival today!

🌟 Thank you to Grand Valley State University MSW Intern, Anna Finton for your courage and passion to lean into leading your FIRST THE PLAYGROUNDgr community experience! You nailed it! ❤️

🌈 At THE PLAYGROUNDgr we believe that Play Therapy and play based supports should be accessible for all! We are proud to be apart of the
Grand Rapids Pride Festival hosted by Grand Rapids Pride Center. We KNOW that PLAY heals and PLAY is essential!!!!!!!!!!!!

🌈 Join us downtown Grand Rapids from 12 to 6pm as we lead in PUPPET creation! We invite all attendees to make a puppet that represent their feelings and emphasis who they are as a reminder that you are always ENOUGH.

🌈 Come PLAY with us.....

🌈 More information in comments!

06/20/2026

THE PLAYGROUNDgr CAMP is excited to explore BRAIN STEM PLAY with Monday's Play Experts. Josh Dunigan continues to be a master of play, and a constant within programming at THE PLAYGROUNDgr. Josh continues to teach and model the health benefits of play and drumming and can be found throughout the community, including THE PLAYGROUNDgr Camp, Grand Rapids Plays and other pop up THE PLAYGROUNDgr experieces.

In fact, Josh was THE PLAYGROUNDgr's 2025 Play Expert of the Year!

THANK YOU JOSH FOR CONTINUING TO INVEST IN PLAY!