I remember as a Kid how much I looked forward to having the annual field day. It happened one day a year and it created some enjoyable moments where we all exercised, competed, and had fun while our parents and teachers where present.

Living in Bridgeport, Connecticut being outdoors with your elementary school classmates and family members was a privilege, not only was the cold weather a factor Bridgeport had a very high crime rate which was a bigger threat. Staying indoors as much as possible was the best thing anyone could do especially if you lived in a high crime area like I did.

The Outdoors

I moved  back to Puerto Rico when I was 12 because my parents wanted a better style of life for us. Moving back really helped me enjoy the outdoors. I had the liberty of taking my bike out, running, playing sports, and other games as long as I informed mom and dad where I was.

Now that I run my own business on many occasions I want to go outdoors but I get caught stuck indoors, building websites and applications, and performing administrative tasks.

In an effort to get out of the office, I attended an event a week ago called “A Jugar en Familia” created for the benefit of a Non For Profit called Escape.

A Jugar en Familia A Family Field Day

We arrived at El Morro a little just after the rain had stopped. Curious enough we drove in the rain for 85% of the 1 hour+ drive up to San Juan and we where happy that it stopped so the event could go on.

A Jugar en Familia is an event built to unite families to play together  while enjoying the games we used to play as kids. Games like 1,2,3 Pescáo, Tug-o- War, and Sack Races.  Although competition seems to be in everyone’s nature, it was great to see how people competed and  connected with complete strangers while playing along with their families as if they had known each other for quite some time.

Games Played

The games where well organized and the folks of Party Creators did an awesome job at keeping the energy up and making everyone feel involved. I admire the talent of the folks that made it look like it was something easy to take upon. Having run an event just last month I know from experience that what they were doing involved lots of planning and good management of logistics.

They also had a Group of Clowns who involved the kids and the crowd during the show. These clowns triggered one of my childhood memories since one of the skits was choreography of Iris Chacon’s entrance to her old school show. As a kid for some strange reason it was appropriate for families to sit down and watch the Iris Chacon show. Looking back their where many hidden messages that where probably best for an adult audience.

I had an old neighbor ,called don Siso, who at an early age taught me geography, history, and a few lessons that would carry with me for the rest of the 32 years I celebrated yesterday. For some reason he and his wife would not miss Iris Chacon’s show. Watching these clowns with their kid friendly skit transported me back to the 80’s where Don Siso (an Iris Chacon fan who passed away when I was about 8 years old) played a key role teaching me at an early age many lessons I would continue to use.

The Sponsors Enhanced the Experience

The sponsors of the event “ A Jugar en Familia” provided services that where needed. Similac had a tent with some shade, fans, changing tables and comfortable seats so mothers could breastfeed (something Lucy took advantage of). Being that Similac is baby formula I have to applaud them on creating a place to promote breastfeeding. Tying sponsors to making the event more enjoyable was something I applaud the folks from Escape for doing.

Scavenger Hunt

ATT Puerto Rico also mixed a bit of history with some QR codes and put up 5 stations where you would have to move from station to station based on the clues.

The setup was challenging for an adult to think a bit but easily done when an adult and kid would pair up.  Since our daughter at 15 months was small for most of the games, she enjoyed playing and walking on the grass while I went to complete the five stations.

Family First

Overall we had an awesome time in a relaxed environment. We also had our First Family Picnic. I am waiting for the next invite of similar events. But until that happens I am looking forward to researching Escape and looking for ways I can support more organizations like  Escape.

It’s Never Too Late

If you did not make it to the event, take an hour this week and take your children, nephews, or family members outdoors and play some 1,2,3 Pescao and then stop by the Escape website and make a small donation to support their efforts.

If  you would like to be notified about future events like this one, feel free to subscribe to the Papaheroes newsletter and we will gladly contact you in your email.

For now feel free to hug someone near you!