We have all been there… a new school, a new neighborhood, or brand new surroundings full of new faces and places to explore and enjoy. But for some, it can be an overwhelming experience. Young, possibly bashful children, might need a friendly nudge to help them make new friends at school and on the playground. So what about something for your playground which could help cure the “playground loneliness” some children might experience?

In comes the BUDDY BENCH. What’s a Buddy Bench you ask? 

The Buddy Bench is a brilliant idea which came from second-grader, Christian Bucks, of York, Pennsylvania. Christian saw the need to eliminate loneliness and foster friendship on the playground, so he decided to do something about it. His simple, utterly, heartwarming solution was to install a playground “buddy bench.”

The Buddy Bench, a simple yet impactful, solution creates an environment for shy children to reach out of their comfort zone – just by sitting on the bench when they are experiencing loneliness. Then other children, who know the purpose of the Buddy Bench, soon approach the timid student and engage in conversation. It’s that simple!

Christian received nationwide attention with his idea, starting with his town’s local newspaper. The story caught the attention of the Huffington Post, and then NBC, and soon other media outlets. Christian has heard from students and adults across the country who love this idea and want to bring the Buddy Bench concept to their schools! 

In the United States alone, 10% to 13% of school-age kids experience some form of rejection by their peers. Research shows this type of rejection can cause mental/emotional issues, social isolation,  increase the likelihood of poor grades and school dropout rate, as well as the development of substance abuse problems. So is it time for your school to invest in a playground Buddy Bench to help create a welcoming feeling for new students at your school?  The Buddy Bench, more than a playground decoration, could become a key piece of equipment, and one of the most helpful ways to create “peer support” in your community.

Noah’s Park & Playgrounds offers different Buddy Bench styles. Each Buddy Benches comes with the words: Buddy Bench. Your Buddy Bench can be customized with the addition of your school or town logo, with texts and font/color options to make your Buddy Bench one-of-a-kind bench.

• Buddy Bench from Xccent Play, Inc.
• Buddy Bench- Perforated Style from Webcoat
• Buddy Bench 4′, 5′ and 6′- Standard Classic from Webcoat
• Buddy Bench 4′ and 6′- Classic Wingline from Webcoat

Call toll free at (877) 248-5444 or email Noah’s Park and Playgrounds to learn more about the Buddy Bench, and how to customizing one for your school or city park! 

Since
2001, Noah’s Park & Playgrounds has provided commercial-grade park and
playground equipment, on a national level, to housing communities, schools,
churches, daycare facilities, special-need centers, non-profit organizations,
city parks, developers, and many more. Noah’s Park & Playgrounds provides a
vast selection of items from early childhood playgrounds, indoor playgrounds,
ADA accessible play pieces, outdoor fitness equipment, sports equipment, and
park amenities such as tables, benches, trash cans, bleaches, and shades.
Noah’s Park & Playgrounds specializes in design and bid consultation,
commercial playground installation services and custom playground design
services.