Team activities encourage cooperation and build self-esteem.
Gymtastics for kids (and adults too) like many sports and activities, is often a solo endeavour.
Often children will flourish by
- Building and demonstrating their independence
- Growing mentally and physically
- Developing new skills
- Getting recognition for their individual achievements
Team activities are an important part of encouraging self-esteem, cooperation and a love of being active.
Most children want to have a team experience, but sometimes competing on a team may not be an option for them. Perhaps its a logistics issue, or a lack of local opportunities, or maybe the child is just not suited to participate on a competitive level. That’s why it’s so important that we, as instructors, coaches, summer camp counselors, give all children the opportunity to have that team experience. A shared sense of accomplishment is a great way for a child to feel like they belong.
Teams help build self-esteem
All positive feedback is worthwhile, that’s true. But a pat on the back often means more from a peer than a coach or parent. Succeeding at something in a group, or having your contribution acknowledged, is a great way for children to develop their sense of self worth.
Two is just more fun than one
It’s the plain truth! It’s hard to build a pyramid alone and throwing + catching games don’t really work without a friend. Tug of war just isn’t the same if no one is on the other side of the rope!
Make anything more extreme by making it a team
Any activity that is done solo can be done as a double – and don’t feel limited to sports or games. Anything the children can do together counts; in my Extreme Team Summer Camp Program, we even make team banners to promote that group experience. Just make sure the focus is always on achieving something together, and not winning or losing.
Personally, I like to mix up the size of groups in my program – from large groups to small groups to just a couple of partners. One benefit of this variety is that it ensures a child who may hang back more in a large group is given a chance to shine in a smaller one.
It also helps keep things from getting too competitive and also gives the children the opportunity to connect with lots of different children
Cooperative play is a wonderful way to liven up any athletic summer camp program and light a spark of fun and excitement in children of any age.
From Darlene “The Bean”
