Pennsylvania

Junior Coach Leadership Conference 2016
2016-05-10 13:30 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
Junior Coach Leadership Conference – May 2016 – Temple University, Philadelphia
This year more than 200 fourth and fifth graders across Philadelphia participated in Playworks’ Junior Coach program.
Our Junior Coaches are trained four days a week, after school, on topics such as conflict resolution, leading recess games and public speaking. They receive homework help, and participate in literacy projects and social/cognitive skills building. Junior Coaches play a leadership role in creating a safe and inclusive recess and learning environment in their schools. They practice their leadership skills first hand on the playground with their peers in K-3rd grade every week.
Our program ends with a celebratory and educational Junior Coach Leadership Conference at the end of the school year. This year’s keynote was Temple University’s Head Football Coach Matt Rhule.
Through participating in the Junior Coach program, students develop the academic, social and leadership skills needed to stay on a pathway of life-long success.
For photos like our Facebook page.

Playworks' Jeffersonian Dinner
2016-10-20 13:45 (America/New_York)
The Playworks Jeffersonian Dinner is an exclusive event for 12 indiviudals interested in finding ways to help children in Pennsylvania be healthier and happier. True to Thomas Jefferson's signature dinner party format, the Playworks' Jeffersonian Dinner is an opportunity to join a whole table discussion. All participants agree to follow Chatham House Rules to allow for open dialogue.
This year participants will share a story of an adult that changed their life as a child—we know our coaches do this for thousands of children every day. We are looking for that memory that has stayed with you and why you believe it still shines brightly in your mind.
The event is not a fundraiser. Its soul purpose is to prompt new dialogue, ideas, and allies for the cause of play. The only ask is that you consider visiting one of our playgrounds within one month of the dinner to see how new memories are made every day. At Playworks, we believe in the power of play to bring out the best in every kid. The Playworks' Jeffersonian Dinner brings out the best in every adult.

Let's Play: Playworks PA Texas Hold'em Tournament
2017-05-18 06:00 - 09:30 (America/New_York) | Simeone Automotive Museum, 6825-31 Norwitch Dr, Philadelphia, PA, 19153, United States
All in for Play! Play Transforms Schools!
We want to change the school culture so that every elementary-age child experiences the benefits of healthy play at school—every day. That is why we are accelerating our impact. We plan to bring our innovative approach to safe, healthy play to 125,000 children across Pennsylvania by December 2020, and we need your help making that happen.
Join us for a spirited evening of competition:
Thursday, May 18, 2017
6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
at
The Simeone Automotive Museum
Enjoy food, beer and wine, cigars, whiskey tasting, photobooth, live entertainment, a vintage car experience, and exciting prizes such as a

two night stay in NYC, including Broadway show tickets,
an Apple watch,
an evening at the Philadelphia Opera and dinner for two at a Starr restaurant,
four one-day passes to Walt Disney World, or
four Flyers tickets for the 2018 season and signed memorabilia.

Bring friends, family, and clients! Don’t miss this memorable event.
New to Poker? No Problem, beginners welcome!
The Ace of Spades (1 Player): $225
(Includes unlimited food, beer and wine, and $5000 in playing chips)
The Spectator (1 Non-player): $125
(Includes unlimited food, beer, and wine, museum tour, a promised fun evening with photobooth, live entertainment, and much more)
Full House (10 Players + Company Sponsorship): $3000
(Includes unlimited food, beer, and wine, $5000 in playing chips per player, company signage at event and recognition at event & on all event communications)
This event is now over.
If you cannot attend but would like to donate, we truly appreciate your support and passion! Sponsorships and In-Kind Donations are welcomed!
Please email Shivani at shivani.patel@playworks.org
Play has a long-lasting and extremely transformative power not only on children as individuals, but also in strengthening our communities. Playworks gives children throughout Pennsylvania the chance to grow socially, emotionally, physically, and academically through the power of play.

2018 Playworks Pennsylvania Corporate Kickball Tournament
2018-05-19 10:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Lace up your kicks and join Playworks Pennsylvania for our annual Corporate Kickball Tournament on Saturday, May 19, 2018. Corporate Kickball is an employee engagement event and fundraiser for Playworks Pennsylvania that gets your team out of the office and onto the kickball field for an afternoon of team building, networking, and fun. This year’s tournament will be held at the fields of Penn Park with gorgeous views of Philadelphia’s skyline.
Register Your Team
Corporate Kickball is an active employee engagement event that brings teams of ten to twelve co-workers together with tournament-play kickball. More than one corporate team from your company can participate. Companies will compete for the championship trophy and the opportunity to bring healthy, meaningful play to more than 27,000 children in elementary schools across Pennsylvania. Join more than 150 of Metro-Philadelphia’s top entrepreneurs, attorneys, corporate vice presidents, managers, and other community leaders for this half-day event.
The day will consist of tournament play, food and beverages, raffle packages, and a great employee engagement opportunity that will encourage team building.
Day of Agenda

10:00AM – 10:30AM – Registration & Welcome Remarks
10:30AM – 2:30PM – Tournament Time
2:30PM – 5:00PM – After Party & Award Ceremony at Wahoo’s (3180 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104) to recognize the most successful team of the tournament.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Questions? Please contact Ivy Olesh at Ivy.Olesh@playworks.org or 267.455.0830.

Let's Play! A Playworks Fundraiser and Poker Tournament
2018-05-23 18:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Yards Brewing Company, 500 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19123, United States
Go all in on your commitment to Playworks,
and come play with us!
Join us for a spirited evening of competition:
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Tournament play starts promptly at 7:00pm
at
Yards Brewing Company
500 Spring Garden St.
Philadelphia, PA 19123

Fantastic prizes ● Yards craft beer ● Raffles
Games ● Food ● Fun

Ticket Information:
Put me in the game, Coach!
Player: $200
(Includes over 2 hours of tournament play, rebuys and add-ons available up front and within the first hour of play)

New to poker and want to learn?
General Admission & Poker Lesson: $150
(Includes one 30-minute poker lesson; option to buy-in to the Novice Poker Tournament)

Poker? I’m good with beer and delicious food!
General Admission: $125
(Includes games, raffles, prizes and Yards beer & food sampling)

Sponsorship Available!
Purchase Tickets

If you have any questions, please contact Bridget O’Halloran at Bridget.OHalloran@playworks.org.

Playworks PA 5K Fundraiser
2018-10-14 07:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA, 19131, United States
About the Playworks PA 5K

A part of the Generosity Series, the Playworks PA 5K will take place on October 14, 2018 in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia. You don’t want to miss this amazing event featuring a live DJ, pre-race warm-up & stretch, a professional announcer, one-of-a-kind Playworks event gear and just an amazing time with friends, family, neighbors, co-workers and other charitable individuals like yourself.

Become a Recess Rockstar!

Join/Start a Team or Register as an Individual.
Promote, share your page, and amplify the power of play!
Check your email for additional runner & race information and fundraising tips.

Register
Sponsorship opportunities are available. Email bridget.ohalloran@playworks.org for more information.
Check out the course map for the 5k!

2019 Playworks Pennsylvania Corporate Kickball Tournament
2019-05-04 10:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | Penn Park, 3000 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, United States
Lace up your kicks and join Playworks Pennsylvania for our annual Corporate Kickball Tournament on Saturday, May 4, 2019 (Rain Date – Sunday, May 5th). Corporate Kickball is an employee engagement event and fundraiser for Playworks Pennsylvania that gets your team out of the office and onto the kickball field for an afternoon of team building, networking, and fun. This year’s tournament will be held at the fields of Penn Park with gorgeous views of Philadelphia’s skyline.Corporate Kickball is an active employee engagement event that brings teams of ten to twelve co-workers together with tournament-play kickball. More than one corporate team from your company is eligible to participate. Companies will compete for the 2019 championship trophy and the opportunity to bring healthy, meaningful play to more than 26,000 children in elementary schools across Pennsylvania. Join more than 150 of Metro-Philadelphia’s top entrepreneurs, attorneys, corporate vice presidents, managers, and other community leaders for this half-day event.
The day will consist of tournament play, food and beverages, raffle packages, and a great employee engagement opportunity that will encourage team building.
Day of Agenda

10:00AM – 10:30AM – Registration & Welcome Remarks
10:30AM – 2:30PM – Tournament Time
2:30PM – 5:00PM – Post-Tournament Happy Hour at Wahoo’s (3180 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104)

Sponsorship Opportunities

Questions? Please contact Bridget O’Halloran at Bridget.OHalloran@playworks.org or 267.455.0830.

Playworks PA 5K Fundraiser
2019-10-06 07:30 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA, 19131, United States
About the Playworks PA 5K

A part of the Generosity Series, the Playworks PA 5K will take place on October 6, 2019, in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia. You don’t want to miss this amazing event featuring a live DJ, pre-race warm-up & stretch, a professional announcer, one-of-a-kind Playworks event gear, and just an amazing time with friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, and other charitable individuals like yourself.

Become a Recess Rockstar!

Join/start a team or register as an individual.
Promote/share your page and amplify the power of play!
Check your email for additional runner & race information and fundraising tips.

Register
Sponsorship opportunities are available. Email bridget.ohalloran@playworks.org for more information.
Check out the course map for the 5k!

Let’s Play For a Generation of Impact
2020-10-07 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
How can play help kids develop, practice social and emotional skills, and get physically active in virtual or hybrid environments or in-person experiences that are COVID-19 safe?
Find out by joining Playworks and other supporters nationwide and Let’s Play!
During this unique virtual event, you will experience how play feels right now. Teachers, coaches, and kids will share their stories of the back to school journey and how play and Playworks have eased the transition. Playworks President Elizabeth Cushing will highlight the current state of the organization and our school communities, and Playworks Founder Jill Vialet will highlight her predictions for the future of play.
For almost 25 years, Playworks has leveraged the power of play to bring out the best in every kid. While historically our services have mostly been in person, we’ve transformed the Playworks experience to ensure that we can support kids and school staff in their current environment-whatever that is- and ensure they get to benefit from playing every day. We need support to be here for generations to come.
Let’s Play together to recognize this impact on the past generation and raise critical funds to support the next. Thanks to the generous support of Swapnil Agarwal for every $1 donated, Playworks will receive an additional $2, up to $100,000. If you can’t attend but still want to make a difference please donate now.
Register Now
If you can’t attend on this day, you’re in luck! We’ll be hosting a second event on Thursday, October 8.
Register for that event here.

5 Ways to Have a Great Recess Webinar
2022-10-06
Big changes start small.
Join us as we kick-off The Game Plan, a free, four-part webinar series designed to provide practical solutions for principals, district administrators, teachers, and leaders of youth serving organizations .
During the first webinar, you will learn the 5 key components of a great recess:

Safety on the Playground
Effective Systems (play space, transitions, equipment, & visuals)
Engaged & Empowered Adults & Students
Conflict Resolution
Games, games, games, games!

Leave this webinar with a better understanding of the value of play and recess, how to identify and improve your play space, games that you can deliver right away, and how to help ensure students feel safe and engaged in play.
We’ll also discuss our Recess CheckUp, an online quiz designed to help you identify strengths and uncover areas for improvement. Get a head start by taking the three-minute check-up prior to the webinar.
The webinar will be offered twice, at 12:30 PST/3:30 EST and 3:30 PST/6:30 EST.
Register now

Learn more about the full series and other upcoming webinar topics

3 Questions to Ask About Your Indoor Recess Webinar
2022-12-07
Indoor recess doesn’t have to be intimidating.
Join us as for webinar 2 of The Game Plan, a free, four-part webinar series designed to provide practical solutions for principals, district administrators, teachers, and leaders of youth serving organizations .
During this next webinar, we will explore 3 questions to ask as you approach indoor recess:

Is it really recess?
Are you getting the most out of your space?
Who else can get involved?

Leave this webinar with a better understanding of the benefits students can enjoy even when recess is moved inside, the pros and cons of different play spaces, and the staffing and support needed for an effective indoor recess.
The webinar will be offered twice, at 12:30 PST/3:30 EST and 3:30 PST/6:30 EST.
Register now

Learn more about the full series and other upcoming webinar topics

Get Groups Engaged Through Play
2023-02-01
Keeping kids attention can be tough. Play-based practices can help.
Join us as for webinar 3 of The Game Plan, a free, four-part webinar series designed to provide practical solutions for principals, district administrators, teachers, and leaders of youth serving organizations .
During this next webinar, we will explore:

Using play-based practices to create systems to effectively manage large groups
Implementing proactive systems to address disruptive behavior before it occurs
Infusing play into the day to ensure effective communication with students

Leave this webinar with a better understanding of the group management strategies that are both fun and effective.
The webinar will be offered twice, at 12:30 PST/3:30 EST and 3:30 PST/6:30 EST.
Register now

Learn more about the full series and other upcoming webinar topics

Playground Mapping 101
2023-10-25 12:30 - 15:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Make sure your playground is prepared for play.
Join us as for the first webinar in the return of The Game Plan, a free, four-part series designed to provide practical solutions for principals, district administrators, teachers, and leaders of youth serving organizations.
During this next webinar, we will explore playground mapping.
Recess is safer (and more fun!) when games have their own dedicated locations on the playground. Learn how you can create a map for your playground that encourages safe and healthy play for all students.
The webinar will be offered twice, at 12:30 PST/3:30 EST and 3:30 PST/6:30 EST.
Register

Playing Across Age Groups
2023-12-13
There are many ways to play!
Join us as for the second webinar in the return of The Game Plan, a free, four-part series designed to provide practical solutions for principals, district administrators, teachers, and leaders of youth serving organizations.
As students grow and learn new skills, their approach to play evolves too. Discover games and resources that engage students across different grade levels, ages, and abilities.
The webinar will be offered twice, at 12:30 PST/3:30 EST and 3:30 PST/6:30 EST.
Register

Resolving Conflicts Through Play
2024-02-14 12:30 - 18:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Learn fun, easy conflict resolution techniques students can utilize!
Join us as for the third webinar in the return of The Game Plan, a free, four-part series designed to provide practical solutions for principals, district administrators, teachers, and leaders of youth serving organizations.
Disagreements on the playground can be an opportunity for children to develop healthy and productive conflict-resolution skills. Explore strategies you can use to encourage students to resolve disagreements independently and create a culture of cooperation.
The webinar will be offered twice, at 12:30 PST/3:30 EST and 3:30 PST/6:30 EST.
All webinars will last approximately one hour and will be recorded.
Register

Supporting Student Mental Health Through Play Webinar
2024-05-16 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual
Create a more playful environment that supports every child’s mental well-being!
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Playworks and the American Academy of Pediatrics are teaming up for a special webinar exploring the ecosystem of care for kids’ mental health and the transformative role of play.
This virtual conversation will engage medical professionals, educators, and other community leaders to shine a spotlight on the various people who form the ecosystem of care for youth and how play based practices can make a difference across all of those relationships and settings.
Attendees will:

Identify the various roles within the ecosystem of care for kids’ mental health
Learn about the benefits of universal supports and protective factors on youth mental health
Understand how play positively supports youth mental health
Take away practical tips for utilizing play in your roles

This webinar will begin at 12pm ET / 11am CT / 10am MT / 9am PT and will last approximately one hour. It will be recorded and the recording will be available following the event.
Register
Experts

Gigi Chawla, MD, MHA, pediatrician, received her medical degree and business degree from the University of MN and is the Vice President and Chief of General Pediatrics at Children’s Minnesota. In her role, she has oversight over primary care, rehabilitation services, and mental, developmental, and behavioral health, including development of an inpatient mental health pediatric unit, and partial hospitalization mental health programs. She is often called upon by the media for her pediatric expertise and is a regular contributor for the Minnesota Parent’s column and WCCO’s segment to “Ask the Pediatrician.” Her clinical areas of interest are the outpatient and inpatient care of complex special needs patients, premature infants, and ventilator dependent children. Dr. Chawla is also instrumental in advancing the organization’s forward-looking efforts around community engagement. Through internal efforts to better integrate school based care, primary care with behavioral health, social support services for families, as well as, external advocacy with government groups, she works to create an environment for child health that extends beyond the clinic. She is a Board Member and the state’s Medical Director for Reach Out and Read Minnesota. She’s been consistently named to Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine’s and Minnesota Monthly magazine’s Top Doctors annual list. In 2020, she received the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal’s Women in Business Honoree award; and in 2023, she received the Women’s Health Leadership TRUST Honoree award for Health and Well-Being. She is a Board Member and Vice President of the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice. She is a member of the National Quality Forum’s Prevention and Population Health Committee. She has two amazing daughters who are changing the world.

Elizabeth Cushing is CEO of Playworks, a national organization dedicated to ensuring access to safe and healthy play for all kids. During her tenure Elizabeth has led Playworks’ scaling strategy, growing from a San Francisco Bay Area-focus to a national organization reaching more than 700,000 children every year. She is an advocate for collaboration amongst youth development organizations and is committed to making sure every kid gets to play every day.

Jessica Driscoll is the Assistant Principal at Marcy School for the Arts in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Prior to her role as an administrator, Jess served as a teacher at the 1st and 2nd grade levels and worked in the capacity of both Instructional Specialist and Literacy Coach. Jess strives to create a school culture that nurtures the whole child while cultivating a strong community of students, staff, and families.

Dr. Arwa K. Nasir, MBBS, MSc, MPH is Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska. She is the chair of the AAP Committee on the Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health. Her research focuses on the impact of family psychosocial wellbeing on child development and behavior, and the incorporation of family science and behavioral health into primary care pediatric practice and residency training. She is also engaged in global health research with a focus on the cross-cultural aspects of behavioral conditions and autism. Dr. Nasir spent the 2019/2020 academic year as a Fulbright scholar in Jordan teaching and researching cross cultural aspects of pediatric behavioral health.

Dr. Michael D. Patrick, Jr. is a board-certified pediatrician and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He also serves as an Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine and an Attending Physician with the Section of Emergency Medicine at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Additionally, Dr. Patrick hosts the PediaCast and PediaCast CME Podcasts.

Thriving Through Play
2024-10-23 15:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | Virtual
Get ready for the return of The Game Plan webinar series—now featuring exciting new topics! Playworks invites educators and administrators to join our free, four-part series designed to help bring the benefits of play to your school.
Play is an essential part of every child’s development, fostering social skills, creativity, and overall well-being. Learn practical strategies and insights to increase playtime at your school or site and ensure every child has the opportunity to benefit from recess.
We’ll also explore how play can create positive outcomes for kids and contribute to a healthy, engaged learning environment.
Each webinar will begin at 12:30 PST/3:30 EST and last about an hour. The webinar will be recorded for future viewing.
Register

Building Positive Relationships with Play
2024-12-03 15:30 - 16:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual
The Game Plan webinar series is back with exciting new topics! Playworks invites educators and administrators to join our free, four-part series designed to help bring the benefits of play to your school.
Build stronger student-adult connections at recess with practical strategies for fostering positive relationships. We will explore the importance of adult buy-in and how involving adults in different roles can enhance the overall play experience.
With these strategies in place, you will be able to create a play environment where students and staff thrive together.
Each webinar will begin at 12:30 PST/3:30 EST and last about an hour. The webinar will be recorded for future viewing.
Register

Adapting Play for Every Space
2025-02-19 15:30 - 16:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual
The Game Plan webinar series is back with exciting new topics! Playworks invites educators and administrators to join our free, four-part series designed to help bring the benefits of play to your school.
Learn how to make play work in any space, whether indoors, on blacktops or small playgrounds, or in unconventional areas.
This webinar will provide practical strategies to keep kids engaged, safe, and having fun to maximize your available space.
Each webinar will begin at 12:30 PST/3:30 EST and last about an hour. The webinar will be recorded for future viewing.
Register

Youth-led Play Shapes Tomorrow’s Leaders
2025-04-16 15:30 - 16:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual
The Game Plan webinar series is back with exciting new topics! Playworks invites educators and administrators to join our free, four-part series designed to help bring the benefits of play to your school.
Unlock the power of youth-led play and see how it can transform your playground!
In this webinar, you’ll discover strategies to encourage children to be leaders during playtime, fostering creativity, confidence, and teamwork.
The webinar will begin at 12:30 PST/3:30 EST and last about an hour. The webinar will also be recorded for future viewing.
Register
