Honoring Craig Harrison Dobkin

This photo was taken at a play session in Guatemala.

Craig Dobkin lived a life devoted to connection, joy, and the transformative power of play. From his earliest days at Towson University, he inspired students not only to excel on the rugby field but to discover the courage, creativity, and resilience within themselves. He organized unforgettable experiences, such as a winter tour of England and Wales, where his team returned undefeated, and created wilderness programs that introduced generations of students to the magic of learning through exploration.

In 1995, Craig faced a life-altering accident that left him paralyzed. Yet even in the face of profound challenge, he transformed adversity into purpose. The very next year, he and his colleague, Michael Terrien, co-founded Play for Peace, an organization built on the simple yet powerful idea that cooperative play can heal, unite, and build bridges across conflict. Through Craig’s leadership, Play for Peace has touched more than 1.5 million children and youth across dozens of countries.

Craig’s life was a testament to hope, resilience, and the impact one person can make. He showed that joy and play are not just leisure, but pathways to understanding, empathy, and lasting peace. Friends, colleagues, and the countless young people he mentored remember him for his warmth, his unwavering optimism, and his ability to see the potential in everyone.

Though Craig is no longer with us, his spirit continues to live in the communities he strengthened, in the children whose lives he touched, and in the enduring belief that peace begins with play. His legacy is one of love, courage, and joy that will continue to inspire future generations.

The family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Play for Peace to continue Craig’s life-long mission of building peace through play. You can make a gift in Craig’s honor here:

[Donate in Honor of Craig – Craig Legacy]

Our Celebration of Life for Craig brought together family, friends, and our global Play for Peace community in a beautiful tribute filled with stories, laughter, and love.

We invite you to watch the memorial video and a heartfelt message from Mike Gass, honoring Craig’s extraordinary life and impact.