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Forums to focus on kids, clubs, and more

Do you remember the slide? You’d crawl to the top and gulp a little in anxious anticipation before swooshing down with a delighted shriek and running around to do it again. And again. And again. Why? You did it, because it was fun. And that’s exactly why kids today still flock to the slide, swings, monkey bars, and new twisty-turned equipment concepts on playgrounds worldwide.

But it’s not just about “fun.” Research shows play is not only good for children’s health, but also for the development of kids’ social, cognitive, and emotional skills (see “Child’s Play Essential to Growth, Development”). That’s the focus of one of the forums set for the 2007 Kiwanis International Convention in San Antonio, Texas. The forum “Dynamics of Play Lead to Healthier, Smarter Children” will show how playgrounds facilitate “play as the child’s work” and the subsequent development of habits, skills, and manners that last through adulthood. And, participants will learn how to create a play environment that maximizes kids’ happy, healthful learning.

“The Dynamics of Play” is just one of many forum topics geared to help Kiwanis clubs help kids. Other forums cover issues directly related to children as well as ideas for strengthening clubs, membership, leadership, and publicity—which ultimately boost Kiwanis’ ability to serve children.