As a kid, the days of summer stretched on forever. The silliness, the nonsense, the neighborhood games and rivalries. Some of my best memories are of being sent outside to play and getting into mischief that only pre-internet kids could get into!
At Project Sunshine, we’re bringing back long days of play. Cancel your meetings, block your calendar and save the date, because on June 21, we play!
June 21 is the Summer Solstice Play-A-Thon. The looooooooongest day of play.
This year we’re writing a Prescription for Play. And trust me, it’s just what the doctor ordered.
Because here’s the thing: play isn’t just a “nice to have,” it’s one of the most important things we can offer kids. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends prescribing play to kids to support their social and emotional development.
Play is powerful. It reduces stress, sparks imagination and builds resilience. It helps kids feel like kids, even in the hardest moments. At Project Sunshine, we see it every single day. A game, a story, a moment of silliness, they aren’t small things. They’re everything.
On June 21, from sunrise to sunset, we’re celebrating play in all its forms—big, small, silly, creative, joyful. And we are thrilled to share that Mattel is partnering with us for the Play-A-Thon. The entire month of June, their flagship store in El Segundo, California will have a Project Sunshine installation where you can fill your prescription for play! (Unfortunately, my prescription involved a Draw Four).
Whether you’re an Uno master like me, a board game champion, having a dance party in your living room, creating a sidewalk chalk masterpiece, or a full-on costume parade (highly encouraged), June 21 is your moment to embrace the magic of play.
Every dollar you raise helps us deliver the healing power of play to children who need it most. And every moment you spend playing? You’re part of a movement that says joy matters, laughter matters, and kids deserve to feel like kids, no matter what they’re going through.
Ready to play? Great! There are three ways you can participate and help Project Sunshine bring joy and connection to pediatric patients across the country:
- Post your Play. Project Sunshine wants you to spread the word on why play is so important. Crafting gone wild, boardgame domination, trick shot awesomeness help us have fun and burn off stress. Tag us @projectsunshine and use the #playforprojectsunshine to raise awareness. Learn more!
- Play and FUNdraise. Ask your friends and family to support your PLAY. Shoot hoops, play boardgames, have a slime party or dance-off in the living room - just let them know you are playing for a cause and Project Sunshine will provide a step-by-step guide to get you started. Check out the guide here.
- Rally Your People to Play. Invite your coaches, yoga/dance teachers, favorite karaoke performers, Mahjong/D&D group, swim team and cornhole buddies to set up a community playdate, class or tournament for the cause. Play is always best when shared! Register today!
June 21 will be a day filled with light, laughter, and the kind of joy that sticks with you long after the sun sets.
Ready to play? Sign up your team and let’s make this the longest—and most meaningful—day of play yet.
