CLOSED: PlayHealth: Bridging Playwork and Public Health
Course Overview:
Following the Second World War and inspired by the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights, which recognizes play as a fundamental human right, the UK established play spaces for children and adolescents that embody a philosophy of unstructured, child-led play in dynamic environments. Since that time adventure playgrounds in the UK not only serve the children of a community by protecting a child’s right to play but also function as points of service for their surrounding communities. These playgrounds often provide services such as food banks, "wet bathrooms" or care facilities for individuals with disabilities, and interventions for medical/mental health and child safety. The adventure playground in the UK is more than just a playground; it is a community hub for a wide range of services uniquely tailored to the surrounding population. In comparison, there are roughly 5 to 10 adventure playgrounds operating in the United States each year (frequently closing and reopening). Adventure playgrounds have struggled to gain a foothold in US society, primarily due to the element of risk-taking/risky play in Playwork’s philosophy, and the lack of public funding available for play spaces in the US. Most importantly, US-based adventure playgrounds do not typically provide public services.
For students wishing to pursue careers in education and/or public health, UK adventure playgrounds offer a unique location for studying strategies that promote overall well-being in diverse communities. This course will support students' intellectual development through a survey and tour of UK adventure playgrounds and provide firsthand, practical training in Playwork - a unique way of working with children and adolescents. The purpose of Playwork is to compensate children and adolescents for the presence of adults in their time and space.
Furthermore, studying Playwork and Public Health in the UK allows for a comparative analysis of policies, practices, and outcomes. Students can contrast the UK's approach with that of the United States, gaining insights into different strategies for promoting public health through play. This comparative perspective enhances critical thinking and encourages students to consider the cultural nuances influencing public health initiatives. Experiencing the authentic implementation of adventure playgrounds in the UK, alongside comparative analysis, ensures that students are equipped with insights into a model that might differ significantly from the limited examples available in the United States, enriching their understanding of Playwork's potential impact on public health.
The PlayHealth course will conduct 3-4 pre-departure “orientation sessions” that include guidance on travel documents, safety, luggage, and appropriate clothing for the travel experience. Orientation sessions will also introduce essential preparatory elements that align with the course outcomes.
Course fulfills these requirements: IL
Course Prerequisites:
Students must have successfully completed at least one of the following courses: EDUC 250: Teaching, Learning, and Cognition; INQ 260 How People Learn; PHST 204: Social Determinants of Health; INQ 260 PH: Adolescent Health; PHST 202: Global Health and Culture -- Or Instructor Permission
Destinations:
London, England
Bath, England
Birmingham, England
Wrexham, Wales
Llangollen, Wales
Course duration: 15 days
Program Fee: $5,000
What is included:
The program fee for this course includes the following items:
Airfare (Washington Dulles to London Heathrow, roundtrip)
Lodging/Accommodations (Hostels and Hotels, shared accommodations)
Ground Transportation
Breakfast everyday
Lunch (8 days)
Dinner (5 days)
Entrance Fee for Playgrounds
Sightseeing/Attractions (Guided Tour of London, Stonehenge, Walking Tour of Bath, Narrowboat Tour, Visit to historic village of Llangollen)
Out-of-pocket expenses: $750
Students should be prepared to cover the costs for some meals and sightseeing/attractions for "free days". The course includes "free days" where students are able to explore on their own.
London Pass which is included in the program fee will be able to be used on a Free Day in London for sightseeing and attractions.