When Vinaya Met with Craig Dobkin

Vinaya had a remarkable experience recently when she met Craig Dobkin, a legendary founder of Play for Peace. This encounter left a profound impact on Vinaya as she was inspired by Craig's wisdom, his unwavering commitment to peace-building, and his belief in the transformative power of play.

She said.
"On a bright and sunny afternoon today, I had the incredible opportunity to meet Craig Dobkin, one of the legendary founders of Play for Peace, a renowned organization in the field of experiential education. I was filled with anticipation and excitement where our meeting was scheduled to take place. Little did I know that this encounter would be nothing short of inspiring and transformative.

As I walked into the gate, there he was, wheeling towards me, a figure who had left an indelible mark on the world of experiential education in communities across the globe. Communities where the FUNN and FUN of play, laughter and compassion was most needed. Known for his unwavering commitment to peace-building and fostering empathy among communities, Craig's name had become synonymous with change, compassion, and resilience. His journey, which began decades ago, had seen him  and his mentees touch the lives of countless individuals, transforming their perspectives through the medium of collaborative play. We talked about Play for Peace, its origin, how it is today, where would it like to go, volunteering, trainer, fund raising, different perspectives of the present day and of course Outward Bound and Kurt Hahn. I then learnt he was an instructor at my school, where I currently practice in a role of an educator, The Colorado Outward Bound School way back in the day!!  Aaha moment!!

As our meeting began, I found myself captivated by Craig's calm demeanor, his receptiveness to my thoughts and some radical ideas, and his wisdom. His passion for experiential education radiated from him, making it impossible not to be inspired. Craig spoke with eloquence and conviction, sharing anecdotes of his experiences working in diverse communities around the world. It was evident that his belief in the transformative power of play was the driving force behind his work. He shares, the best times he has had has been with children

Furthermore, he shared the model Kolb’s learning cycle and Hahn’s 5 principles where we both in once voice shared, “And Above all COMPASSION”! the roots of Play for Peace. By promoting active participation, reflection, and dialogue, he had witnessed remarkable transformations within communities.

Throughout our conversation, it became clear that Craig's dedication to his mission had led to a legacy of positive change. His organization, Play for Peace, had impacted countless lives, empowering individuals to become agents of peace in their communities. Through the implementation of innovative programs, training initiatives, and collaborations with local organizations, Craig had built a global network of peacebuilders.

As our meeting drew to a close and when it was time to leave I thought of all those people who helped me experience this day! I left from the banks of the swimming pool room with a renewed sense of purpose and determination to make a positive impact in the spaces I move in."
 

Thanks and Regards
Vinaya