Kids Ground is a structured, trauma-informed youth wellness program that blends gardening, creative arts, and movement to support emotional regulation, confidence, and community connection.

Designed for schools, libraries, and community spaces, Kids Ground offers children a calm, engaging environment where they can learn through nature, creativity, and embodied practice.

Kids Ground is part of Made to Heal’s A.C.E. Programs (Arts • Community • Education) and is offered as charitable, public-benefit programming.

• After-school programs
   
• Libraries and youth learning spaces
   
• Community centers
   
• Summer enrichment programming
   
• Youth-serving organizations
   

The program is adaptable and can be tailored to the needs of each host site.

Through consistent, hands-on engagement, children develop:

• Emotional regulation through breath, movement, and grounding practices
   
• Confidence and self-expression through guided creative projects
   
• Responsibility and patience through plant care and garden stewardship
   
• Social skills through collaboration and reflection circles
   
• Connection to nature as a calming and empowering resource
   

• Length: 12 weeks
   
• Format: 1 session per week (60–90 minutes)
   
• Group Size: 8–20 youth (flexible)
   
• Ages: Adaptable (commonly ages 6–13)
   

Each session includes:

• Arrival + grounding (5–10 minutes)
   
• Main activity (gardening, art, or movement)
   
• Reflection + sharing (10–15 minutes)
   
• Closing ritual (2–5 minutes)
   

Weeks 1–3: Gardening Foundations
Children learn the basics of soil, seeds, sunlight, and water while practicing patience, care, teamwork, and stewardship.

Weeks 4–6: Creative Arts
Youth explore self-expression through nature-inspired art projects focused on color, texture, growth, identity, and community.

Weeks 7–9: Movement & Breath
Participants learn age-appropriate movement, stretching, and breathing practices that support focus, emotional balance, and healthy stress release.

Weeks 10–12: Nature & Reflection
Children integrate their learning through reflection, group discussion, and a final creative or garden-based celebration honoring growth and participation.

• Trained, trauma-informed facilitator(s)
   
• Structured lesson plans and guided curriculum
   
• Activity materials (based on agreed-upon model)
   
• A simple outcomes summary at program completion
  (participation, highlights, and photos if permitted)
   

• Consistent indoor space (outdoor access optional)
   
• A staff point of contact for scheduling and coordination
   
• Support with attendance and site guidelines
   
• Storage space for supplies (if sessions run weekly on site)
   

No permanent garden is required.
Container gardening can be used indoors or outdoors based on site capacity.

Option A: Mobile Program
Container-based gardening and activities brought directly to the site.

Option B: Site-Based Garden Program
Programming integrates existing garden beds, courtyards, or planters to support long-term sustainability.

Option C: Single-Day Workshop
A 60–90 minute introduction to Kids Ground for pilot days, family events, or community programming.

Kids Ground is facilitated with a calm, supportive structure that prioritizes:

• Emotional safety and respectful communication
   
• Consent-based participation (no forced sharing)
   
• Trauma-informed facilitation and positive behavior supports
   
• Inclusive practices for varied learning styles and abilities
   

If you are a school, library, community center, or youth-serving organization interested in hosting Kids Ground, we’d love to connect.

Contact: jdansby@madetoheal.world
Website: www.madetoheal.world
Suggested subject line: Kids Ground — Program Partnership

Do we need a garden?
No. The program can be fully implemented using container gardening.

Is this religious?
No. Kids Ground is wellness-based, culturally respectful, and non-religious.

Can this align with school standards?
Yes. Gardening, art, and movement support SEL, STEM, and whole-child learning outcomes. Language can be tailored to district frameworks.

Can families be involved?
Yes. Optional family days, showcases, or closing celebrations can be included.