About Me!
Hello!
My name is Molly Bishop, and Navigation Play is truly my dream job! This business is a combination of so many things that 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 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 - I think this is probably true of most people! 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 took a part-time job teaching a program called Ready for Kindergarten that focused on teaching early academic skills through play. I had my own children and witnessed how play affected them and how they grew through play. I've also experienced 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 have been studying with the amazing folks at Pop-Up Adventure Play!
And now, I get to share the benefits of play with the Williamsburg, IA area and beyond!
A few of my experiences:
I look forward to meeting you and getting more involved in the Williamsburg community! 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 truly my dream job! This business is a combination of so many things that 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 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 - I think this is probably true of most people! 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 took a part-time job teaching a program called Ready for Kindergarten that focused on teaching early academic skills through play. I had my own children and witnessed how play affected them and how they grew through play. I've also experienced 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 have been studying with the amazing folks at Pop-Up Adventure Play!
And now, 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. Although it was a more structured setting, I saw the benefits of play here first-hand, and fell in love with 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 been on a variety of leadership committees and boards, including: Prairie Ecology Bus Center board, Worthington Young Professionals Network leadership team, the Business Education Committee for the Worthington Chamber, leadership for the Ames/Gilbert Girl Scouts, and more. I love being involved in my community, making a difference, and making new connections!
- I taught ballet classes to young women in middle and high school for multiple years. I loved the process of getting to know my dancers, encouraging them as they grew, and seeing the progress they made throughout the years. I also loved putting together a piece of art through music, choreography, costumes, and more!
- 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 bare feet in summer grass, sunshine, campfires, donuts, and looking at the stars.
I look forward to meeting you and getting more involved in the Williamsburg community! 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!