Big Way Of Life

This July you are invited to attend the International Play Association Conference 2011 which celebrates 50 years of the IPA.

From 4-7th July a host of speakers from all over the world will gather in Cardiff to discuss various aspects of play and show how children learn and develop in other cultures.

The speakers will include:

• Dr Brian Sutton Smith (USA)
  On play as emotional survival
• Bob Hughes (UK)
  On playwork. Author of Evolutionary Playwork and Reflective Analytic Practice
• Wendy Russell and Stuart Lester (UK)
  On the importance of play for all children.
  Authors, Children's Right to Play (IPA)
• Dr Sudeshna Chatterjee Phd (India)
  Child focused urban designer working in India
• Prof Marc Bekoff (USA)
  On play's contribution to surviving and thriving
• Prof Lothar Krappmann (Germany)
  Sociologist and Child Development - UN Committee on the Rights of the Child.

There is also a variety of other events and activities taking place over that fortnight.

IPA Playwork Camp 1-3 July 2011

In addition to the Cardiff conference join a two night camp on a farm in beautiful mid Wales

A chance to experience the nature of playwork in Wales, to get your hands dirty, share theories and dream dreams around the fire.

Limited places available - book on when you register for the conference.

More celebrations during the conference week:

Twmpath on Monday evening (July 4) - a traditional Welsh welcome with live music, dancing and food

50th Anniversary Party - Wednesday evening (July 6)

Make a Noise for Play - Wednesday (July 6)
an outdoor event for children and delegates to enjoy an afternoon of unadulterated noisy mayhem during the conference!

If you want to be a part of the IPA's 50th anniversary celebrations then book your places as soon as possible, here.