Where Joy Meets Healing: The Power of Play for Children at St. John’s Home

Picture a boy racing across a yard, his laughter filling the air as he joins a game of tag. Nearby, another boy sits on a blanket, focused on painting bright shapes across a sheet of paper. These moments of play might seem simple, but they are powerful tools in helping children heal from trauma and grow in confidence. At St. John’s Home for Children, play is much more than fun. It is part of how we help children rediscover safety, trust, and joy.

St. John’s Home for Children provides a safe, nurturing place for boys ages 6 to 12 who have experienced abuse, neglect, or emotional challenges. Through trauma-informed care, education support, and community partnerships, we help each child heal and prepare for a brighter future.

Why Play Matters: Healing Through Play at St. John’s Home for Children

The power of play is not just about keeping kids busy. Play helps children express themselves, build relationships, and develop skills that support emotional well-being. Many of the boys at St. John’s have experienced trauma that makes it hard to trust others or manage emotions. Play provides a safe space to practice these skills in a way that feels natural and joyful.

Play can also reduce stress, improve focus, and give children a healthy way to process difficult feelings. Whether it is a game of basketball, a craft project, or time on the playground, these activities help build resilience.

What Types of Summer Activities for Kids Support Healing?

At St. John’s Home, summer recreation includes a wide range of child development recreation activities that promote healing and growth. Here are some of the activities we offer:

• Outdoor games such as basketball, soccer, and tag
• Arts and crafts including painting, drawing, and building models
• Gardening projects where kids learn to care for plants
• Group board games that encourage teamwork and communication
• Bike riding and nature walks that build confidence and connection to the world

Each activity is designed to support healing through play and help children build positive social connections.

FAQ: How Does Play Support Emotional Healing?

Q: Is play really that important for children who have experienced trauma?
A: Yes. Play allows children to express emotions they might not have words for. It helps them practice problem solving, build trust, and experience joy. These are essential steps in healing.

Q: Are all types of play helpful?
A: Play that is safe, supportive, and guided by caring adults is most effective. Structured play, combined with free play, helps children gain both confidence and social skills.

Q: How does St. John’s Home make sure play is part of healing?
A: We integrate recreation into daily routines. Our team plans activities that meet children where they are emotionally while helping them stretch and grow.

Where Play Happens: Creating Spaces for Growth at St. John’s Home

Our playgrounds, recreation rooms, and gardens are more than spaces for activity. They are places where healing happens. Staff members join the boys in games, crafts, and group projects. These shared experiences help build trusting relationships. Our community partners and volunteers often join in, adding new ideas and energy to our recreation program.

We also work closely with schools and other organizations to bring enrichment opportunities to our boys. This might include visiting artists, sports clinics, or special events that spark creativity and confidence.

How Families and the Community Can Support Summer Recreation

St. John’s relies on community support to keep our summer activities strong. There are many ways to help:

• Donate art supplies, sports equipment, or board games
• Sponsor a group outing or special event
• Volunteer to help with recreation projects
• Contribute to our summer wish list

These gifts make it possible for us to offer meaningful, healing experiences to the children in our care.

Have You Thought About the Power of Play in Your Own Life?

Think back to a moment when play helped you feel connected, confident, or joyful. That is the power of play. At St. John’s Home, we work to give that experience to every child, because we believe healing grows stronger when joy is part of the journey.

Help Us Provide Healing Through Play

If you know a child who has experienced trauma and needs a safe, supportive place to heal, or if you want to help us provide enriching summer activities, we invite you to connect with us. St. John’s Home for Children offers trauma-informed care, recreation programs, and emotional support that help boys heal and thrive.

Call (304) 242-5633 to learn more or get involved.