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The art of play is essential for children. It's crucial for their development, and according to a recent study, it's in danger of becoming a lost art! Lack of time and a shortage of inspiration were listed as the main reasons for this, but one in three parents interviewed said they found playtime boring!
The way to fight this trend could be to support organizations that specialize in helping children learn play . . . like the Discovery Gateway. This is a family-friendly environment with a three-pronged focus on discovery, imagination and helping kids connect with the world around them. You never know if a visit to an investigative science exhibit will someday be the motivation for that child to study a science-related field in college.
Maria Farrington, CEO of Discovery Gateway, says they have daily activities with age-appropriate learning for children, lead by a trained and certified educator. Some parents even use these activities as a preschool because of how interactive they are. The center also addresses relevant topics and provides parents with information to help them be better parents.
Before moving to the Gateway in downtown, this organization was known as the Children's Museum of Utah. They've been around since 1978, and interestingly enough Maria says they're now serving the third generation from their original clients. You wouldn't believe how many people come expecting to see the exact same exhibits, but this means their challenge is to constantly re-establish the product they offer.
Play is the traveling exhibit the Discovery Gateway is hosting through Sept. 5. It uses larger than life clubhouse-style games like a foosball table and bowling pins to explore how people connect socially through play. Another exhibit, Saving Lives from the Sky, includes a LifeFlight helicopter and is known as the "daddy magnet" because dads are just drawn to it. They almost get more excited than their kids.
Maria says corporate sponsorships and volunteers are an essential part of Discovery Gateway. Just one more example of why Utah was voted No. 1 in the nation for volunteerism.
For Zions Bank, I'm Chris Redgrave, speaking on business.
