Mindful Connections

“Connects”

Summer Program

An integrative social-emotional learning program to promote mental wellness.

Where kids can build skills, make friends and have fun!

Location: 145 Main Street, Toronto

Willow Tree Mind & Wellness Centre - Upper Beaches Location

For Kids 6-8 and 9-12 years old

Monday - Friday 9:00am - 3:00pm

Term 1: July 6th - July 31st 2026 (4 weeks)

Term 2: August 4th - Sept 4th 2026 (5 weeks)

About the Program

Mindful Connections or “Connects” is an integrative, social-emotional skills summer program to support children that may be struggling with various social-emotional challenges, or who may benefit from additional support socially with peers.

Our program is facilitated by social workers and child and youth therapists who teach social-emotional learning concepts through fun and engaging social activities, experiments, and outings in the community!

The Connects program aims to boost overall mental wellness and foster positive relationships for children 6-8 and 9-12 years old. We are an inclusive program and Neurodivergent children with ADHD and/or Autism are welcome!

  • The program may qualify for insurance coverage under Registered Social work.

  • OAP Core Clinical Service Funding is accepted under mental health services.

Features:

  • Social-Emotional Learning curriculum taught through fun and engaging activities:

    • Art, Movement, Games, Experiments, and outings!

  • Daily park outings - weekly larger outings in the community.

  • Friendship skills integration in a low pressure environment.

  • Parents receive insights into concepts taught !

Goals and Skills Taught

Each day we teach a variety of activities in a fun and interactive way to promote social-emotional learning skills:

  • Self Awareness

  • Self Management

  • Relationship Skills and Friendship

  • Social Awareness

  • Responsible Decision Making

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Our program is for kids 6-8 or 9-12 that may struggle with social, emotional or learning challenges.

    Some of our participants may simply be struggling with the outlined goals of the program, while others may identify as neurodivergent and may have a diagnosis of Autism, ADHD, learning disability or other diagnosis.

    A formal diagnosis is not required and all children are welcome to enroll if the goals are a good fit for them!

  • All Participants must:

    • Be able to follow group instructions with minimal support.

    • Benefit from the goals outlined in the program (social-emotional learning).

    • Have the language skills to understand and participate in the content being taught.

    • Would benefit from a group environment with minimal support.

    • Stay with a group when out in the community.

    Indicators your child may require 1:1 Support:

    • They may require additional support to be successful in a group environment.

    • They have behavioural challenges that may result in large disruptions to the group and require a designated staff to re-integrate them into the group.

    • There may be a risk of minor behaviour such as aggression and/or property destruction when dysregulated towards peers and/or staff.

    Indicators we may not be a good fit:

    • If your child engages in safety risk behaviours in the community or is at risk of running away from the group.

    • If your child does not have the language capabilities to benefit from the content learned in the program.

    • If your child has significant meltdowns, aggression or other challenging behaviours that put peers or staff at risk of injury. Minor instances may be managed with 1:1 support.

  • Our staff specialize in working with Neurodivergent children (ASD/ADHD)! We take a holistic and person centered approach that is trauma-informed and neurodivergent affirming. We accommodate our learners and meet them where they are at to ensure they have the best experience and get the most out of their learning!

  • Parents are responsible for providing lunch and snacks for their child.

    During outings parents are also to provide any spending money or outing related costs.

  • Our Team consists of a Child & Youth Therapist, Registered Social Worker (RSW) and clinical supervisors.

    We have a maximum group size of 6-8 children depending on the level of need in each group.

    Ratios are typically 1:3 or 1:4.

    Each group will have 1 dedicated lead and 1 support staff, we often have a placement student or volunteer in the summer as well.

    If your child requires additional support we have options for 1:1 support to integrate your child into the group!

  • Camp Fee’s

    Weekly:

    Our typical 5 day week 9am-3pm is $875 per week

    Camp Pass:
    Our Camp pass allows more flexibility in attendance and may be used across 5 or more days across the summer (July and August).

    5 Day Camp pass (minimum class pass): $900

    Each additional day: $175

    1:1 Support

    We can offer 1:1 support to 1-2 children each week that require additional support, talk to us about our rates for 1:1 supports.

    First session is free when you enroll for the entire term (all 4 weeks of July or 5 weeks of August).

  • If your insurance benefits cover Registered Social Workers (RSWs) this program may be covered.

    We also Accept OAP core clinical service funding and are an approved OAP provider - we will provide you with receipts to upload to your Access OAP portal under mental health services from our RSWs.

Complete our pre-registration form below!