The Florida Kiwanis Foundation was proud to highlight its LET’S PLAY initiative and Reusable Resources Program at the 2025 National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Annual Conference. This national gathering of early childhood educators and advocates provided the perfect platform to share how Kiwanis Clubs are bringing play, creativity, and connection to children, youth, and families across our communities.
At the heart of this work is a simple yet powerful idea: play matters — for young children and for all of us.
Turning Reusable Resources into Meaningful Play
Through the Reusable Resources Program, Kiwanis Clubs partner with local businesses to locate and collect valuable reusable materials, often called “loose parts.” These everyday items — such as stones, fabric, wood pieces, and other safe materials — become tools for hands-on, self-directed play.
Loose parts invite exploration, creativity, and problem-solving. They allow children to build, imagine, design, and discover — all while strengthening social and emotional skills. Best of all, this approach is low-cost, sustainable, and community-driven, making it an ideal service project for Kiwanis Clubs of all sizes.
Discovering the Power of Play — at Any Age
At the Kiwanis exhibit booth, conference attendees were invited to experience play firsthand. One memorable moment featured a young woman from Arkansas who paused to engage with ceramic stones, discovering the calming and creative power of tactile play. As she explored the materials, she also learned how Kiwanis Clubs are serving the unique needs of young children through intentional, play-based initiatives.
Her experience captured an important truth: play is not just for children.
Play relieves stress, fosters peace, and opens the door to joyful self-discovery. When we slow down and engage our senses, play becomes a pathway to learning, reflection, and connection — no matter our age.
Intergenerational Play That Builds Leaders
The Florida Kiwanis Foundation also highlighted how intergenerational play with purpose strengthens leadership skills among youth, including Key Club high school leaders. Through guided play experiences, young leaders learn to collaborate, problem-solve, and reflect — skills that directly translate to effective leadership and service.
These play education programs are intentionally designed to support a more enjoyable, higher-functioning state of being, helping participants feel grounded, focused, and energized. When young people are given space to play, they don’t just recharge — they grow.
Why Let’s Play Matters
\The LET’S PLAY initiative embodies the Florida Kiwanis Foundation’s commitment to Young Children: Priority One while also recognizing the role play has in nurturing healthy communities. By combining creativity, sustainability, and service, Kiwanis Clubs are making a meaningful impact — one play experience at a time.
From early childhood classrooms to youth leadership programs, play is proving to be a powerful tool for learning, connection, and joy.
As we continue to expand these efforts, the Florida Kiwanis Foundation remains dedicated to equipping clubs with resources, training, and inspiration to bring play to life in their communities.
Because when we play with purpose, we strengthen children, empower leaders, and build a brighter future together.