Written by Kristin Harrington
This August, my family took a week off and headed to Northern Wisconsin for what we lovingly called “Family Camp 2024.” Picture sleep-away camp, but with the twist that the moms and dads never leave. We embraced the classics: lakefront swimming, high ropes courses, arts and crafts, and shared meals in an old-fashioned mess hall. Our family of five even stayed in a bunk cabin designed to sleep 36 young campers. As we drove home, my husband reflected with nostalgia, “I can’t remember the last time I just played.”
There was something truly magical about that week. Time dedicated solely to family is rare, but it was more than that. For one week out of the year, a group of adults had the chance to revisit their childhoods—painting, running, laughing, and jumping without care. Sure, nearly half of us were injured by the end, but the joy was worth it. Remarkably, I spent the entire week with these adults and never once asked anyone what they did for a living, and nobody asked me either. In that space, professional identities didn’t matter. The freedom to simply be was intoxicating.
Returning to the daily grind, I couldn’t help but reflect on the importance of that week as a lesson for leaders. How often do we build time for joy, laughter, and play into our calendars? Amid endless meetings and mounting responsibilities, the joy that defined our childhoods often gets sidelined. Yet, reconnecting with that sense of wonder and play can be a powerful tool for both personal and professional growth.
Here are a few ideas for weaving childhood joy back into your life:
Schedule Playtime. Yes, literally. Carve out time in your calendar to engage in activities that spark joy—whether it’s sports, creative hobbies, or even just taking a walk with no particular agenda. Blocking off time for play might feel unusual at first, but it’s a small investment with great returns. Play can help reduce stress and anxiety while also fostering creativity. You’ll be a better “you” when you find time for fun.
Embrace Curiosity. Children are natural learners because they approach the world with open minds and unbridled curiosity. As adults, we can rekindle that same sense of curiosity by learning something new. Try learning a skill that’s unrelated to work or even just delving into a new book that piques your interest. Engaging in continuous learning enhances our ability to think critically and adapt to new situations.
Find Your Tribe. Just as camp brought together people with a shared purpose—having fun and unwinding—look for communities in your life that foster joy. Whether it’s reconnecting with friends or joining a group with similar interests, surrounding yourself with people who bring out your playful side can help bring balance to your routine.
My experience at Family Camp was a powerful reminder that there’s more to life than checking off to-dos and climbing the career ladder. When we make space for joy and play, we reignite our creativity, refresh our perspectives, and build deeper connections with those around us. So, as you tackle your responsibilities, don’t forget to ask yourself: when was the last time you just played? Let’s make time for the things that light us up—it may just be the secret to thriving in both work and life.
