August 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to attend Mindcamp.
The year's theme? Play!
Mindcamp is a gathering that brings together some of the most creative and innovative minds to explore the many dimensions of play, learning, and personal development. As a lifelong learner, I always find these experiences deeply inspiring.
Mindcamp is not just about sitting in sessions or listening to speakers: It is a dynamic and interactive experience where learning happens through doing, exploring, and connecting with others. The environment is intentionally designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and innovation, values that align perfectly with the principles guiding my work. Mindcamp included Mind U sessions, which met daily for the entire event. I opted for Clara's and Sylvain's session: Share the Toys in Our Attic. It was incredibly inspirational!
One of the highlights for me was the opportunity to present Strategic Play's newest activities, which are designed to promote engagement, self-actualization, and creativity through play. These activities are built around the concept of play archetypes and playstyles, ensuring they resonate with a diverse range of participants, each with their own unique approach to play and learning.
I received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many participants expressing how the activities not only engaged them but also challenged them to think differently and explore new dimensions of their creativity.
What stood out the most was the way these activities fostered a sense of community among participants. As they engaged in the playful challenges, they also connected with each other, sharing ideas, insights, and experiences. This is the true power of play—it brings people together, breaks down barriers, and creates a space where learning and personal growth can happen organically and joyfully.
I cannot begin to thank Tim Hurson enough! We previously met up in a beautiful plaza coffee shop in Sestri Levente, Italy, where we pitched our Playsonality™ idea while at the CREA Conference. He was such an encouraging leader. He is also a creative frontrunner open to collaboration, willing to promote the ideas of others. Tim, you rock!
And to everyone else who attended Mindcamp: Thank you for your enthusiasm, creativity, and willingness to embrace the power of play. Together, we are creating a brighter, more playful future.