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To kids, a shaded grove, a sandbox, or just a patch of grass can feel like the world’s biggest classroom. For young children, time outside is more than a break from screens — it is a proven way to build healthier bodies, sharper minds, and stronger social skills.

Social-emotional skills play a crucial role in a child’s development, shaping their ability to interact with others, manage emotions, and navigate the world with confidence. While children naturally develop these skills over time, early learning centers provide structured opportunities for growth in a supportive environment. High-quality early childhood programs focus on helping young learners build strong relationships, develop empathy, and regulate their emotions — setting the foundation for lifelong success.

On Sunday, May 6th, the Siegel JCC of Delaware was proud to bring a 23-person delegation to the Mid-Atlantic Mini & Junior Maccabi Games in Baltimore, the first since COVID. This one-day, Olympic-style event for Jewish youth ages 9-12 rotates between host sites in the region. For our 12-year-olds, this was their first and last year of eligibility; they were only eight the last time the games were held. Despite getting the short end of the stick, these athletes paraded onto the field with their heads held high in solidarity with the other 500+ participants, fully embracing their common interest in sport and common heritage as Jewish kids.