About Me!
Hello!
My name is Molly Bishop, and Navigation Play is my passion come to life! It is a culmination of so many different experiences in my life, and a combination of many things I love - I hope you'll come check it out and meet me sometime soon!
The very first spark for this business started almost 10 years ago, when the camp I loved was at risk of being closed. As I started researching the benefits of the outdoors for kids, hoping this information would help save our camp, I found so many articles discussing the benefits of play in conjunction with the outdoors. While I've always been a playful person, I had never thought of play as anything but fun - maybe this is true for you! I learned that many children are lacking the type of play they need, and that our changing culture is drastically changing how kids play!
Over the years, the benefits of play continued to pull me in: I read articles and books, I looked at children's programming differently, I had my own children. I witnessed how play affected my children and how they grew through play. I've also experienced the fact that providing quality play is not always easy as a parent!
Finally, as I started researching for the start of my business, I discovered Playwork, and I never looked back. I am a graduate of the Playwork Development Course created by Pop-Up Adventure Play. I have visited the Adventure Playground at the Parrish School in Houston and learned from their playworkers. I have continued to dig into play through reading, conferences, and more. Most importantly, I've spent hours upon hours observing and learning about play from the experts: the children!
And through my business, I get to share the benefits of play with the Williamsburg, IA area and beyond!
A few of my experiences:
If we haven't met, I look forward to meeting you and getting to know you better! If you have any questions about my business or would like to talk more, please contact me! I would LOVE to connect!
If you want to learn more about Navigation Play, Playwork, and the benefits of play, click here!
My name is Molly Bishop, and Navigation Play is my passion come to life! It is a culmination of so many different experiences in my life, and a combination of many things I love - I hope you'll come check it out and meet me sometime soon!
The very first spark for this business started almost 10 years ago, when the camp I loved was at risk of being closed. As I started researching the benefits of the outdoors for kids, hoping this information would help save our camp, I found so many articles discussing the benefits of play in conjunction with the outdoors. While I've always been a playful person, I had never thought of play as anything but fun - maybe this is true for you! I learned that many children are lacking the type of play they need, and that our changing culture is drastically changing how kids play!
Over the years, the benefits of play continued to pull me in: I read articles and books, I looked at children's programming differently, I had my own children. I witnessed how play affected my children and how they grew through play. I've also experienced the fact that providing quality play is not always easy as a parent!
Finally, as I started researching for the start of my business, I discovered Playwork, and I never looked back. I am a graduate of the Playwork Development Course created by Pop-Up Adventure Play. I have visited the Adventure Playground at the Parrish School in Houston and learned from their playworkers. I have continued to dig into play through reading, conferences, and more. Most importantly, I've spent hours upon hours observing and learning about play from the experts: the children!
And through my business, I get to share the benefits of play with the Williamsburg, IA area and beyond!
A few of my experiences:
- I graduated from Wartburg College with a Bachelors degree in Music Therapy, as well as a minor in Leadership. I worked as a music therapist for 9 years before moving to Williamsburg, working in early childhood all the way to older adults. One of my favorite parts of being a music therapist is getting to know my clients and their strengths. I am still a board certified music therapist, and I believe strongly in what music can accomplish!
- I worked at Camp Tahigwa, a Girl Scout camp in NE IA for 5 years - 3 as a counselor, and 2 on the administration team. I saw the benefits of play here first-hand, and found a deep love for the outdoors, as well! From games and fun to hikes and building fires, there is no other place I have experienced for myself the benefits of outdoor play so intensely!
- As a volunteer, I have organized short programs for small groups, day camps, programming for resident camps, and adult retreats involving over 100 people. I love the process of planning an event and watching it come to life!
- I have taught ballet classes to young women in middle and high school, taught a program called Ready for Kindergarten that focused on teaching early academic skills through play, and have been on a variety of leadership committees and boards. I love being involved in my community, making a difference, and making new connections! I currently help lead my church's youth group and substitute teach at a local dance studio.
- I am now a mother of 2 wonderful boys and a spirited little girl! Becoming a mother is the best and hardest thing I have ever done, and I enjoy being able to support other moms in any way I can. Our family enjoys being outside, cooking together, dancing, going on adventures, and playing games.
- I also love to read and create! Some of my favorite things include sunshine, campfires, a good pastry, a bad joke, and looking at the stars.
If we haven't met, I look forward to meeting you and getting to know you better! If you have any questions about my business or would like to talk more, please contact me! I would LOVE to connect!
If you want to learn more about Navigation Play, Playwork, and the benefits of play, click here!