As this article (linked below) puts it, there is a steep decline in kids playing in natural environments. In addition, and likely tied to the decline in outdoor play, is the rise in mental and social health problems. New Life Bible Camp holds this idea of outdoor play as a very necessary component of our camp schedules. During Kainos and Day Camp weeks, we have "Unstructured Play in Nature" (or UPN). This free play in a purely natural environment allow kids to use their imagination, learn about one another, removes the square and straight angles of man-made structures and gives kids confidence to explore and build. UPN breeds happy and satisfied campers.
In addition to UPN, we have "Free Time" -- within this segment of the schedule, kids get to choose from a variety of activities from play together at Gaga, playing solo at the creek, enjoying a short walk to the Box Cave or sitting and talking with friends and their counselor. This Free Time is valuable for the well being of the camper -- as it places in them the choices to be quiet, be active, be social, unwind, be creative, or be stationary. All this happens under the supervision of the staff and counselors.
Camp is a great place for kids to come and enjoy the huge benefits of "Free Play".
Here is a link to the article drawing a correlation from the decline in Free Play with health problems in children -- follow this link.