I’m Bored
I don’t know about you, but all summer long I hear the “I’m bored” laments from my kids, typically after the daily screen time limit has been reached. My response…” OK.” And, left on their own with time spent pouting or just staring at the ceiling, eventually they turn to other activities. Books are read, fantastic Lego builds are created, new games are devised, and SOMETIMES they just sit and TALK with friends.
With the 2022-23 school year just around the corner, I know the “I’m bored” comments will stop as the schedule fills with classes, homework, team sports, music lessons and other extracurricular activities. Of course, when the homework starts piling up, they just want to return to summer.
But, wait, I thought it was boring! Italians have a saying for relishing that free time that many of us label boring: “il dolce far niente”—the sweetness of doing nothing.
As it turns out, there are benefits to boredom. A Forbes magazine article, Why Neuroscientists Say, ‘Boredom Is Good For Your Brain’s Health.’ notes boredom is critical to brain health. Taking a break from information and distractions promotes improved social connections and fosters creativity. These breaks also give us time to recharge which can lead to greater productivity. Psychology Today notes that the dissatisfaction of boredom also promotes curiosity, adventure seeking, and goal setting, which for youth can be correlated with self-control.
While boredom has its benefits, LifeBridge Partnership is here to offer a break from the boredom and put all that creative energy to good use! As a provider of enrichment programs, LifeBridge Partnership is not only in the middle of summer camp season but we are also gearing up for the 2022-23 school year.
LifeBridge Camps provide children and young adults an opportunity to become active participants, rather than observers. Using adaptive equipment and techniques, children participate in a variety of sporting and recreational activities such as basketball, golf, dance, music and art therapy. Activities also include experiential learning activities such as a behind the scenes tour of the St. Louis Zoo or exploring a pirate ship. The Organization offers day camp opportunities during the summer and during other school breaks or holidays.
We have offered after school enrichment in partnership with St. Louis Public Schools for more than 30+ years. Today we offer LifeBridge Leaders Club for students who attend Nottingham CAJT High School and are preparing or currently participating in the community work service program. Promise Christian Academy also hosts a LifeBridge Leaders Club site. This program provides fun and interactive activities with a goal to develop essential soft skills that students will need in the workplace later in life.
If you would like to volunteer in any of our boredom busting activities, visit volunteer to learn more and fill out an application. We hope to see you soon.
Karen Schuster, CEO