Patagonia is a world famous brand recognized for its long lasting commitment to sustainability. They are the true innovators in this space with initiatives giving their products a second life through their “Worn Wear” programme or social media campaigns discouraging black friday shopping.
It maybe a lesser known fact that they are also big supporters of free play.
Patagonia runs its own childcare center for employees. But it’s no ordinary childcare center. Free, outdoor play is at the heart of its mission. Here’s what they have to say about it:
The foundation of play is exploration.
Our teachers have an eye for simple items that can be transformed into experiences, plus we have a sewing room, design studio, café, and retail store—all of which can serve as sources for reusable raw materials, including fabric remnants, cardboard boxes, and long tubes from fabric bolts. Children’s interests unfold best in their play when they are fashioning toys out of found objects, rather than commercial toys.
Whether kids are climbing trees, hunting for bugs, or pretending to fly to the moon, exploration is central to play. Infants play by exploring their hands, fingers, and toes. Toddlers leave no stone unturned. All kids use play to investigate their senses and delve into relationships. Children are inherent explorers—curious about the unfamiliar and interested in challenges. We strive to keep them that way.
Play can be challenging
When did you last recruit friends and entice them to play a role in a game complex enough to be interesting but simple enough to follow? Sound easy? It’s not. Play is difficult. Objects are unruly. Everyone wants things to go their way. What you imagine is often impossible to achieve. Sometimes frustration motivates kids to solve problems. Other times, it can be too much. By learning children’s cues, teachers know when to provide minimal support that still allows children to experience self-reliance while achieving their goals.
Teachers also keep in mind that when children play games where everything goes according to plan, they quickly drift away. The goal of play isn’t racing to the finish but relishing the journey. We are inspired by the adventure playground movement, which encourages providing children with tools and a plethora of building materials so they can create their own challenges.
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