From Fun and Joy to Lessons Learned
authored by Sharon Kisubi, half full, llc summer intern
What happens when you bring over 80 young and lively people together for a day of challenges and full-fledged fun? Well, it results in an explosion of pure, joyous and chaotic fun! Recently, half full, llc, conducted a Forward (what you may know as a retreat) with one of our long-time clients, Family Behavior Solutions, and the outcome was nothing short of magical.
Family Behavior Solutions strives to help children and their families, especially those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder through the lens of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). The same warm and compassionate approach they apply to their community was apparent in the way they interacted with each other at our Forward. The excitement in the air was palpable, especially once they learned of the adventurous day planned for them at the beautiful Wharf Tavern in Warren, RI.
The day kicked off with a crowd favorite: a scavenger hunt through the sunny streets of Warren, Rhode Island. The joy was infectious — especially as friends teamed up, fueling both healthy competition and laughter. Running around in the heat did not deter our spirited clients; in fact, it fueled their creativity, joy, and eagerness to win! It felt like a day where they could breathe, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday responsibilities, and be silly. And who doesn’t want to be silly and run around once in a while?
Interested in what makes a Forward so magical? Click here to learn more about what goes into this unique experience.
The theme of pure fun continued as we introduced multiple energetic games such as Minute to Win It and Music Bingo! By this point, everyone had embraced the spirit of the day, diving into unfamiliar games simply to be present, open up, and learn more about one another. During Music Bingo, everyone belted out their pipes to some all-time favorite hits across the decades, like the beloved "Sweet Caroline," which ignited the room into a full sing-along.
Although the Forward provided ample time for kicking back and enjoying each other’s company, there was no shortage of lessons to be learned. For example, the importance and value of teamwork, participation, and appreciation towards the people who take care of others was highlighted.
Often, we find ourselves in the weeds of our responsibilities and can fail to stop, slow down, express gratitude, and simply have fun! There is a reason why psychology research points to the importance of play for children's social and cognitive development. The impact it can have on one’s mental health is invaluable and, as adults, we can forget how vital it is to simply play. I am grateful for the opportunity to see the theories I learn in class come to life in real-world situations.
