 The Legend of Zelda, Imagination, and Camp MakeBelieve Kids
Over on the Camp MakeBelieve Kids Twitter account, @cmbkids, we mentioned that this past Monday was the 25th anniversary of the Legend of Zelda video game series by Nintendo. Many of us in the CMB Kids community grew up playing Nintendo games like Mario and Zelda, and they hold a special place of nostalgia in our lives. For those of you who haven't played any of the games in the series, The Legend of Zelda series is about a young boy named Link on his quest to save the princess Zelda from the evil Ganon, the ruler of the mythical land of Hyrule who deposed Zelda's father the king. There have been Zelda games on every major Nintendo video game system, and the series is beloved by millions. What many don't know about Zelda though is how the series was created and inspired. From the wikipedia entry on The Legend of Zelda: The Legend of Zelda was principally inspired by Shigeru Miyamoto's explorations as a young boy in the hillsides surrounding his childhood home in Kyoto, Japan, where he ventured into forests with secluded lakes, caves, and rural villages. According to Miyamoto, one of his most memorable experiences was the discovery of a cave entrance in the middle of the woods. After some hesitation, he apprehensively entered the cave, and explored its depths with the aid of a lantern. Miyamoto has referred to the creation of the Zelda games as an attempt to bring to life a "miniature garden" for players to play with in each game of the series.
Camp MakeBelieve Kids believes in the power of imagination and play in the life of each child. Studies have shown that children who play more develop better cognitive skills as well as interpersonal skills. Because of this, CMB Kids uses the power of imagination to help children, especially those with ADHD and Autism, to help children build friendships and discuss their feelings and observations with each CMB Kids group. The Camp MakeBelieve Kids social and emotional learning curriculum uses guidebooks and guided imagery to help children. The CMB Kids workbooks are incredibly colorful and fun to use, and children of all ages enjoy them! Children develop character through the use of imagination, fun, play, and the social and emotional learning principles that are behind each activity. Kids learn best through imagination and fun, wonder and adventure. For the last 25 years, the Legend of Zelda series has provided that for kids, shaping their lives. Camp MakeBelieve Kids is proud to be part of such a great heritage of helping and encouraging children to use their imagination to the fullest!
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