“Kubb gospel-spreader” -Vita.mn
I started Minnesota Kubb in 2009 simply as a way to continue playing kubb in the long winter months. It quickly turned into more than that as our events attracted people from around the state (and beyond) looking for a way connect with one another through the game they love.
As a niche sport, I knew the game had a broader appeal and I was eager to raise the kubb flag as high as possible to share the inclusive and positive nature of kubb. So in 2011 I established a partnership with the Loppet Foundation to bring kubb to the City of Lakes Nordic Ski Festival. Thanks to hard work, dedicated volunteers, and great participants I’ve helped make the Loppet Kubb Tournament the largest winter kubb event in the world.
It became clear Minnesota Kubb was at the perfect intersection of my professional background in education and passion for community building. Whether it’s teaching a few families in a park or 1,400 participants at the Swedish Institute, I see the same result – kubb brings people together from all walks of life as equals to learn from one another.
Working with a wide variety of students and teachers throughout my career, I’ve witnessed first hand the importance of collaborative learning. I believe people of all ages and ability learn best by “doing” and when done correctly, learn as much from one another as the teacher. I’ve experienced this in the classroom over six years of elementary special education, two years tutoring adult college english language learners in a group setting, and several summers in youth recreation.
So why kubb? Quite simply the game lends itself perfectly to collaborative learning because it is a team game. Each player’s role is equal to that of their teammate. As individual players learn to talk out their turns I am pleased when I see the “light bulb” go on that compromise will most benefit the team. I enjoy helping players understand they must work together, discovering new strategies and improved ways to play.
Over the last two years I’ve built partnerships with the American Swedish Institute, Commonweal Theater, Marquette Plaza, Open Streets Mpls and the Piazza on the Mall – all of which bring kubb to new and unique environments exposing the game to new audiences.