Children and Youth Programming

ecothera offers horticultural therapy and land-based learning programs designed to support mental health, life skills, environmental literacy, and hands-on curiosity for children and youth. Programs combine sensory-rich, experiential learning with nature-based activities that foster confidence, connection, and well-being.

All sessions are facilitated by a trained horticultural therapy practitioner and can be fully customized to meet curriculum goals, accessibility needs, and student interests.

Customizable Learning Themes 

Gardening & Food Literacy

  • Seed starting, watering routines, and harvesting
  • Edible gardens exploring food security and seasonal eating
  • Soil health and compost demonstrations

Botany and Nature Science

  • Plant anatomy and life cycles
  • Pollinator gardens, biodiversity lessons, and habitat restoration
  • Native plants and ecosystem education

Creative and Sensory Exploration

  • Pressed flower art, nature bracelets, leaf rubbings
  • Floral arranging and bouquet design
  • Texture, scent, and color-based activities for self-regulation

Mindfulness and Wellbeing Practices

  • Nature-based grounding and breathwork
  • Gratitude gardens and reflection prompts
  • Quiet, restorative connection time with the land

Leadership and Stewardship

  • Student-led garden jobs and care roles
  • Sustainability, composting, and resource cycles
  • Community service projects and seasonal initiatives

We partner with teachers, educational assistants, school leadership, alternative schools, homeschool networks, and community organizations.

Program Options

Classroom and Experiential Learning Programs

  • One-time workshops or multi-session series
  • Flexible student numbers with educator support
  • Curriculum-linked options (e.g., Science, Social Studies, Health & Wellbeing, Arts)
  • Activity sheets, take-home guides, and teacher resources

Small Group and Support Programs

  • Ideal for Learning Support, Mental Health Teams, and Resource Rooms
  • Gentle, low-stimulation sessions for students requiring quieter environments
  • Focus on regulation, confidence, and sensory engagement

Family & Community Engagement Events

  • After-school programs, parent-child workshops, and community garden days
  • Build belonging, connection, and home-school collaboration

Benefits for Students

  • Improved focus, participation, and executive functioning skills
  • Reduced stress and anxiety
  • Strengthened fine motor skills and self-regulation
  • Increased empathy, collaboration, and communication
  • Pride, purpose, and real-world accomplishment
  • Environmental awareness and responsibility

Program Enhancements

  • Educational Gardens

    Design and implementation of raised garden beds for school and youth community growing areas involves thoughtful planning, site preparation, and construction to ensure safety and long-term success. The process includes selecting appropriate materials, designing layouts that support group learning, and establishing planting plans that engage youth while promoting food literacy and environmental stewardship.

  • Habitat and Multi-Sensory Gardens

    Pollinator garden installations create engaging spaces that support biodiversity and invite immersive exploration.

  • Community Garden Events

    Event design for student-run market tables that showcase garden yields. These events support fundraising initiatives and strengthen food security awareness by connecting participants directly to locally grown produce and sustainable food systems. They also involve coordinating student participation in planning, harvesting, and sharing food, fostering leadership and confidence.

Contact us to explore options and develop a tailored program outline.