AMES, Iowa--Free play can foster creativity and social skills, suggests a report released Fall 2006 by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The study also suggests that when play is undirected, kids gain skills in conflict resolution, negotiation and leadership.

Despite these documented benefits, children may have little opportunity for free play.  In fact, 21 to 30 percent of children in grades one to six have 15 minutes or less of recess a day, according to the report.

“Unstructured camping activities, such as those  at the Iowa 4-H Center, give campers the opportunity to use their creativity and problem solving skills,” said Traci Haselhuhn, Iowa 4-H Center program director. “The campers are given direction and guidelines for some activities, such as team challenges and cabin skits, but there are also times for unstructured activities, such as Frisbee games and free time to spend with other campers and counselors.”

Camping experience applies directly to the developmental needs of children and offers the following benefits, according to the American Camp Association (ACA).

*Opportunities to engage in unstructured play

*Experiential education and experiences

*Opportunities for healthy, safe risk-taking

*A community that includes caring adults

The ACA study, Directions: Youth Development Outcomes of the Camp Experience, was conducted by the independent Philliber Research Associates and ACA, with support from Lilly Endowment Inc. For more information on the study, visit www.ACAcamps.org or contact Allison MacMunn at amacmunn@ACAcamps.org.

The Iowa 4-H Center is a joint project of the Iowa 4-H Foundation and Iowa State University Extension. For more information on camps through the center, visit www.iowa4hcamp.com or contact Traci Haselhuhn at tracidh@iastate.edu.

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