Last month, we returned to Duke Wellness Center to reintroduce the DuWell interns to flop balls and how to incorporate them and the other skill toys into wellness programming, mindfulness sessions, and tabling events around campus. We took them through our framework for helping learners thrive in the messiness that's inherent in the process of learning, growth, and change.

Our partnership with Duke began two years ago with a training and a skill toy kit. Their college interns have since done "Play Better" skill toy sessions for fellow students, played with skill toys to attract students to their table at promotional events around campus, and used custom flop balls to conduct mindfulness activities with lasting impact because their take-homes. The returning interns teach the incoming interns with a refresher each fall from us. What we love to see is the creativity each group brings to tools we have provided them.

We look forward to seeing this partnership grow and seeing what new ideas continue to develop.

"Flow Circus has become an innovative wellness experience that helps us facilitate mindfulness while incorporating wellness promotion messaging. During tabling and workshops, the uniqueness of the skill toys keeps students engaged and offers a quick break from their busy schedules. Through Flow Circus, we are able to reinforce the importance of taking time for self care while decreasing stress and anxiety." Justin Sharpe, Associate Director, DuWell, Duke University 

‍