The Importance of Outdoor Play – and How to Support It!

Kids should have time to play — at home and at school. We know that creative play can make kids happy and healthy, but some kids aren’t getting enough of it. That’s why the makers of Children’s Claritin are teaming up with the national nonprofit KaBOOM! to help bring innovative play spaces to schools in need. And since I’m a member of the Children’s Claritin Mom Crew, I wanted to be the first to tell  you all about this exciting program.

Why this is a great partnership to support play

If you haven’t heard of KaBOOM! – definitely take some time to check them out online. They are an amazing organization with the goal of creating playgrounds within walking distance of all kids in America. They have so many tools and resources on their site to help anyone, anywhere, find a way to build places to play in their local communities. And…. Children’s Claritin and KaBOOM! are helping bring play to kids in need by offering 12 national schools the chance to win Imagination Playground™ equipment! These mobile play sets are comprised of oversized foam blocks that can be assembled inside or outside, giving children of all abilities the opportunity to foster creativity and critical-thinking skills.

Learn More About KaBOOM!

KaBOOM!: A Movement to Save Play – This New York Times bestseller is a powerfully moving story of a man from humble beginnings, who identified a tragic problem and figured out how to address it on a national scale. “KaBOOm! chronicles Darell Hammond’s amazing journey from a childhood spent living in a group home in Illinois to becoming the founder and CEO of KaBOOM!, one of the most successful nonprofit organizations in the United States. KaBOOM! has raised almost $200 million, directly built 1,743 playgrounds with a million volunteers, and has touched the lives of countless children and families. More than just a memoir, KaBOOm! is a call to action that will inspire readers by challenging them to rethink traditional notions of community and social change.” I read this about a year ago, and it was so inspiring!!

Your vote can make a difference! Join Children’s Claritin, the #1 pediatrician-recommended non-drowsy allergy brand, and KaBOOM! to help select 4 schools to receive Imagination Playground™ equipment. You can visit http://Facebook.com/Claritin between 8/1-10/31 to cast your vote for one of twelve finalist schools. The four schools with the most votes will win Imagination Playground™ equipment for their students.

Help bring these schools to the finish line!

• 1.    Chicago, IL – Hanson Park Elementary
• 2.    Cincinnati, OH – Pleasant Ridge Montessori School
• 3.    Joplin, MO – McKinley Elementary
• 4.    North Salem, NY – Westchester Exceptional Children’s School
• 5.    Union Town, PA – Menallen Elementary School
• 6.    Washington, DC – Sela Public Charter School
• 7.    New Orleans, LA – Audubon Charter School
• 8.    Spartanburg, SC – Spartanburg Charter School
• 9.    Willis, TX – Parmley Elementary Annex
• 10.  Vail, AZ – Sycamore Enrichment Center
• 11.  Santa Cruz, CA – Live Oak Elementary
• 12.  Spokane Valley, WA – St. John Vianney School

And use the Tweet box below to help spread the word. Even if you don’t have a local school on the list – taking just a minute to help support such a wonderful campaign is a great thing to do :)