From the Source: Savannah and Outside Service with Playworks

Another installment in our series where Chicago Health Corps members write about a service experience of their choice, in their own words

Dear Reader,

It is with great enthusiasm I write today about an organization dear to my heart. Playworks is a non-profit organization committed to inspiring safe, inclusive, and healthy physical activity in low-income schools across the country. In a Playworks school, students are active at recess, after school and in the classroom. The interaction is positive, accessible, and fun, in a way that enhances learning, teaches life skills, and promotes healthy living.

I have witnessed first-hand the developmental sports leagues directed by energetic Playworks coaches during after-school hours. These sports leagues allow students from any income level to learn the rules and skills necessary to be an athlete. Parents and student athletes gather for the evening games, proud to represent their schools. The score of the game is not kept. The focus is entirely on learning the game, building character, and having fun. The atmosphere is electric and light-hearted. Parents and players are cheering for both teams, indiscriminately. Most touching, in my view, was seeing the children, during time-outs and after the game, being prompted by coaches to share the positive things they saw their teammates doing on the court. No one was placing blame. The focus was around what the team was doing right. There is also a rare breed of sportsmanship taking place on the court. Sometimes, with 5 minutes until game time, a team would be short 2 or 3 players, and without fail, members of the other team were volunteering to help balance the teams, trading out their jerseys, smiling and learning the names of the other school’s players, and the game goes on.

For me Playworks is a vision of what all schools in America can and perhaps should be. Not a place where physical education is slipped in, grudgingly for some, merely to meet federal requirements. Not a place where recess is a distraction and a springboard for behavior issues which then spill into the classroom. In a Playworks school there is an authentic incorporation of play into the life of the student. Here young people are appreciating that physical activity is an enjoyable part of their life style not an unwelcome and disorganized ritual. A healthy relationship with playing and learning is what perpetuates my deep respect for Playworks, their mission and method, and is the reason I hope to continue volunteering with Playworks in the years to come. I invite anyone who is similarly impressed by the good work of Playworks to join their volunteer team and we’ll see you at the next game!

-Savannah Jackson

Below are photos of three Chicago Health Corps members, volunteering at the recent Playworks Chicago Volleyball Extravaganza. This event kicked off the co-ed volleyball season for the Playworks schools in the city. Everyone had a great time bumping, setting, spiking, and serving! Go Playworks!

Coach Becca creates safety in a drill where students practice
 good control by trying to hit the cones.

The players are practicing their very best bumping with Coach Savannah.

Coach James catches a loose ball as students practice aiming their serves toward the basketball hoop.