Mission, Vision & Values
Vision
Smith aspires to be:
- A welcoming, safe, and inclusive space where differences are valued. We facilitate interaction among children and families of different backgrounds in order to promote understanding and acceptance of diversity.
- An advocate and thought leader for play in the City, region and nation.
- An active member of the East Fairmount Park community who works to increase access to the park and draws visitors to the area, including residents and tourists, for a variety of outdoor and play-inspired activities and learning.
- A steward of our park and woods, intentionally shaping our programs around this tremendous asset.
- An accessible resource for the families and children in our nearby neighborhoods. We see Smith as “belonging” to this community in particular ,and serving them is a priority.
- A
joyful, inclusive, and playful work environment with staff and Board members who reflect the diversity of the children and families we serve.
Values
Smith's board and staff believe …
- Play is essential to the healthy development of children, and advocating for play as a practice that should be found everywhere.
- Every child, regardless of their gender, race, socio-economic status, or abilities, should have access to joyful and meaningful interactions through play.
- Play nurtures hearts, minds and bodies.
- Play in nature cultivates love of and responsibility for the natural world.