What does downtime without the screentime give us?

After two years of hosting weekly knitting and crochet workshops at Elysian Heights Elementary School, I launched In The Round summer camp. Kids ages 8-12 join in person to knit or crochet. I help each student select a project that suits their experience level. Over one week, working for three hours a day, they build their skills and work on their project. By Friday, they will have (hopefully) finished the project. That's it! 

But that's not it. What does gathering in a small, intimate, informal group of peers all working on a tactile creative project offer us?  What can be achieved through an unstructured screen-free hang? What does downtime without the screen time give us?

I first noticed that the quality of conversations is immediately intimate. Conversations about challenging family dynamics and confusing local and world politics developed within the second hour of the first day. Silliness arrived by the third hour. When we cultivate a safe, respectful space, kids show up, let their guard down, share, and let others connect with them. Research tells us that when we feel connected to people in our community, we experience less anxiety and depression. Social connections make us more resilient in the face of stress and support our mental well-being. 

Secondly, the older kids mentored the younger kids, and the younger kids relied on the older kids for support. We know that when older kids have the opportunity to mentor younger kids, the mentors develop greater self-confidence and self-esteem. For the mentees, we see a greater connection to peers, feelings of competency, and increased self-efficacy. 

Third, the kids self-regulated. The group was diverse: Some of the kids had been diagnosed with ADHD, we had one 7-year-old, and we had beginners and experienced students all working together. These kids sat, worked, took breaks when they needed to, and stayed in the flow for three straight hours. All indoors, completely screen-free. No tantrums, whining, conflict, or boredom. 

As I reflect on these beginning moments of camp, I'm struck by the power of creating a nurturing, non-competitive space that focuses on inclusivity and celebrating each other's work. We have a universal need to belong and feel safe, and we have a universal desire to explore, create and build skills in a judgement-free environment.   

As educators and community builders, we can create positive, safe, and affirming environments where inclusivity is the default and the outcome is belonging, connection, and confidence. When we have downtime without the screen time, we set the stage for authentic connection and provide an opportunity to develop regulating skills and self-esteem and the occasion to go deep together.