I dream of ways to build marriages with right brained activities. Lots of people go to summer camp. What if they had activities to foster skills that could contribute to robust relationships?

 

Take croquet for starters. Imagine if each wicket is labeled with a learnable ability, like forgiveness, or good listening. As players try to get their colored ball through the wicket, their brain internalizes the idea that practicing those skills will get them closer to the goal of a winning marriage. 

 

When people watch other players with their struggles and misses, they have a chance to encourage teammates as the ball veers off into the bushes. In this version, everyone can win. There is a cooperative effort to get all the balls through the course and smacked against the post.

 

There could be hikes that have symbolism too. Before you begin, you fill a backpack with essential items to take along. The water bottle is labeled with true ideas that keep relationships hydrated. The granola bars and gorp come in packages that sport nourishing feelings, and things to say to each other when you get tuckered out. There would be a map of the trail, titled The Way, that clearly identifies danger spots and beautiful rest stops. Each hiker would also have a first aid kit, with bandages that say, "I'm sorry," and "Where does it hurt?"

 

In the evening everyone would hunker down by the campfire and sing sappy songs like You are My Sunshine, and pass the s'mores.

 

It sounds like fun to me. Want to come too?