My guest for this episode of the Guest Friends podcast is the youngest of three brothers - all of whom I hope to feature on Guest Friends at some point, as we've basically been more like family - having grown up two doors down from each other: Dan Wells. Dan - along with his wife Jennifer - are parents to a 15-month-old son and a Siberian Husky. Dan is also an accomplished architect, and a wizard at Legend of Zelda for the N64. I met up with Dan and Jennifer at their home - which doubles as the compound for Cousin Camp: a curated gathering of their nieces and nephews that takes place each Memorial Day weekend. What started as simply getting together to watch some movies and eat some food has turned into - having just completed its 6th year - something epic for the cousins. Amongst other insights, Dan and Jennifer share why traditions - like where the pizza is purchased - is of utmost importance to impressionable youth; how Pinterest and other tutorial websites can be a major budget hack when trying to build on themes - especially when creating cool things like Harry Potter wands; and how to encourage imagination and creative play when it doesn't come as naturally to kids born in the digital world. 

We'd enjoy your comments or questions:

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LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE:

Logo Credit: Saint-Creative.com 

Music Credit: Of Asaph (James Alleman)

"Inspired By" Voiceover: Ella

"Inspired By" Production: Joe Wells

 

Recommended Resources:

Website: TheGeniusOfPlay.org

Article: If you want your kid to get a good job, let them play more

Tutorial: Making Harry Potter wands

Video Game: Legend of Zelda for Nintendo 64

Video Game: Rock Band 4

Food: Toramina's Pizza

Architecture: National Tennis Center