The Play Captains initiative was supported by the Overdose Prevention and Community Healing Fund through the Scattergood Foundation.
Teen leaders bringing energy, connection, and creativity to community spaces
Play Captains
Play Captains engaged local teens as leaders in activating neighborhood Playstreets and community spaces. Through structured training grounded in evidence-based youth development models, participants gained meaningful employment matched to their developmental stage while building skills, networks, and work experience in a supportive setting.
Teens designed and led interactive games that encouraged movement, teamwork, and social connection throughout Playstreets. This holistic approach supported individual growth, strengthened leadership and facilitation skills, and contributed to vibrant, welcoming neighborhood spaces for children and families.
The Learning Goals
Play Captains strengthened communication as teens facilitated group activities, gave clear instructions, and engaged younger children and caregivers in conversation and play. The program fostered collaboration by requiring teens to work together to plan activities, support participants, and create inclusive environments.
It also built confidence as participants took on visible leadership roles, practiced responsibility, and developed workplace and facilitation skills that prepared them for future opportunities.
The Team
The Play Captains initiative was led by Fab Youth Philly in partnership with community organizations and neighborhood stakeholders across Philadelphia.
The Science
Schlesinger, M. A., Sawyer, J., Hirsh-Pasek, K., & Fabiano, R. (2020). Play Captains on Play Streets: A community-university playful learning and teen leadership collaboration. Collaborations: A Journal of Community-Based Research and Practice, 3(1), 1-13. [PDF Link] [Online Link]
