Recently we had a call with a group from China that were interested in possibly bringing JumpBunch to their country. During the call they asked a question about how cultural differences might need to be considered when evaluating how the program might work there or in other countries. Our CEO, Tom Bunchman, began his reply by pointing out something that is so simple yet so powerful. Kids are kids. At the core of it all, if we let them, kids all have the same basic needs and desires wherever they may be.
As true as that is, it's so easily forgotten and lost when trying to overthink what is going to be appealing to kids. The fact is that kids have an innate desire and ability to have fun and play. Mix in the natural curiosity and willingness to try new things and you really have all you need to make a great kid's program. This is the core of what JumpBunch is and what we want kids to find in our classes. For us, sports is just the vehicle to carry kids into a world where being active and healthy is simply fun and full of potentially new experiences all the time.
Tom also pointed out that even here in the United States, children in the midwest, south, northeast, and west are all a bit culturally different. Yet, when given the chance there is no geographic hesitation to get down to play. There may be a time and a need to "get serious" and "specialize". That is not the role we play though nor the one kids need when learning to build healthy habits. We, the grown ups, are the only ones who add confusion to the process. Let them be kids. Show them that being active, learning new things, and working together is fun, and they will "play" for a lifetime.
