In the summer of 2024, the Child and Youth Services division of Alberta Health Services (AHS) hosted a free summer camp in the city of Grande Prairie, AB. Aiming this camp for kids aged 8-10, this Building Buddies camp’s goal was to assist kids who struggle in social situations.

In the camp’s advert on the Cool Aid Society’s website, they state “skills include: turn-taking, problem solving, verbal and nonverbal communication, and many more.”

AHS wanted to include a fun swag bag for the kids, hoping for something that was both educational and on theme with the camp’s goals. Where they could find a gift that would suit such a camp, let alone a company that would understand those goals well enough to bring it to life?

Back in the early days of Playwell Bricks, CEO Jason Pyett started the company as a nonprofit to support kids’ creativity through bricks. The educational, social, and problem-solving benefits of building with bricks has been well-documented and the folks at AHS were well aware of them too.

Both companies were delighted to come together to create the perfect bit of swag for the summer camp that boosted all of its goals.

For the custom set itself, AHS chose to have a local landmark, the Millenium Sundial of Grande Prairie, as the subject. This way, the sets could connect the kids to their community as well.

Playwell Bricks designer Pedro Lara recreated the sundial’s gnomon (the part of the sundial that casts the shadow) in bricks, taking care to keep the build simple and fun for the kids. Building a sundial while making new friends does come with distractions, after all!

After some back and forth to get the design just right, these custom Playwell Bricks sets were packaged up and delivered to Grande Prairie for the July summer camp.

I just wanted to let you and your team know that we received the packages of Playwell Bricks yesterday and I must admit to being overwhelmed with gratitude – everything from the packaging to the instructions is exactly as I hoped. The way you and your team were able to bring my vision to life is astounding and a kindness I will never forget. Knowing there are like-minded people out there willing to put their time and energy into projects related to the healthy development of kids makes my heart happy. On behalf of myself, Alberta Health Services and the children, youth and families who will benefit from your creative innovations – THANK YOU.

- Valerie Daoust, Manager, Child and Youth Addiction and Mental Health, Alberta Health Services

If you’re in need of a special custom set for a swag bag you’re putting together, reach out to Playwell Bricks today! Our team of world-class designers are here to help you build your dreams.