When was the last time you stepped outside your comfort zone? Got messy? Tried something new? Felt that mix of nervous energy and self-doubt — and then realised, “I can do this”?

These moments matter. Research shows that trying new things helps build confidence, emotional regulation and a stronger sense of self. Yet, for many children, these moments are becoming rare.

At Kaleidoscope Arts Foundation, we welcome about 50 children daily and more than 1,000 yearly. We help children push their limits safely and joyfully through art, play and nature. We don’t focus on being “right” or making something “perfect”. We focus on the process: experimenting, solving problems, taking creative risks, and, yes, getting messy. And we do this through play.

Why does this matter? Because we’re seeing more anxiety and burnout in children than ever before. We’re seeing 18-month-olds through teenagers struggling to regulate big feelings. We’re hearing phrases such as “I can’t”, “I’m not good at this” and “It’s not good enough”.

No one deserves to think that way about themselves.

We know that children learn about the world around them when they play. Science tells us that play develops essential cognitive, social and emotional skills. However, according to a 2022 Omnibus study, the general public in Bermuda place less value on children’s play-based learning and imaginary play than on learning rote skills.

At Kaleidoscope, we work to change that narrative.

We offer free access to Kaleidoscope programmes to more 600 public school students each year. We run a bursary programme so more families can participate in classes, camps and workshops. We have worked with more than 40 teachers, helping them to integrate creativity into their classrooms, and 100 per cent of those who completed our survey say they would recommend our programmes to others.

We also hear directly from families about the difference it makes. One parent shared, “I feel that they are giving children the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe environment — allowing them to create their own masterpieces, which they feel proud of!”

This isn’t just about children, though. Adults need this creative space, too.

So, we invite you to take the challenge.

Get a little messy. Try something new. Say “yes” to the creative process, even if the outcome isn’t perfect. Help the children in your life to do the same — whether at home, in your classroom or in your community.

At Kaleidoscope, we believe every child deserves access to creative outlets and opportunities. With the help of volunteers, donors and community support, we are working to make that belief a reality. If you would like to join us — by supporting, volunteering or learning more — visit kaf.bm.

Together, we can make space for children’s creativity, courage and confidence to blossom.

• Fiona Rodriguez-Roberts is the executive director of the Kaleidoscope Arts Foundation. This op-ed is part of the Third Sector Spotlight Series, a collective media campaign co-ordinated by the Non-Profit Alliance of Bermuda, which aims to raise awareness of the value, impact and contributions of Bermuda’s non-profit sector