Since 2018, the Peace & Kindness Carnival has been a cornerstone of Mindful Littles’ family programming—an annual celebration where play, mindfulness, art, and service come together to nurture children’s emotional wellness and strengthen family bonds.
Wellness in Action Through Play, Art & Service
Rooted in the belief that compassion and mindfulness are skills children can learn, the Carnival creates a joyful space where families experience mental health in action—through games, creativity, and service.
At our interactive feel-good, do-good stations:
- Kids practice breath work while playing ring toss or spinning the animal breath wheel
- Write kindness notes to foster connection and gratitude notes to express thanks for others
- Express big feelings through art and crafts
These playful yet purposeful activities offer hands-on ways for young children to engage in emotional learning and service, while giving parents the opportunity to model kindness and calm alongside them. By working side by side—drawing, breathing, reflecting, giving—families strengthen their own connections, while making a meaningful difference in the community
We use play and creativity not just to entertain, but to help kids calm their minds, express emotions, and connect with others. When families do this together, it becomes a lasting practice.”
Teens Leading the Way
Our Service Peer Leadership Program empowers local teens to help lead the Carnival. They plan and run mindfulness and service stations, serve as role models for younger kids, and practice compassion-centered leadership in real time. In the process, they grow their own emotional intelligence and leadership capacity—skills that serve them far beyond the event.
Scaling a Model for Community Resilience
Through partnerships with Orinda Parks & Recreation, the Carnival has grown into a highly visible community event, appearing alongside Concert in the Park and the Orinda Day of Action. These collaborations expand access to mindfulness-based service and reinforce a simple but powerful truth: when communities prioritize emotional well-being, everyone benefits.
Why It Matters
The Peace & Kindness Carnival is more than a community event—it’s a launchpad for emotional wellness and resilience:
- Playful, art-based approach to teaching self-regulation and empathy
- Meaningful opportunity for families to connect through service
- Real-world platform for teen leadership and growth
- Scalable model for community-based mental health education
Your Support Brings This to Life
Help us expand this impactful program to more schools and communities—bringing joyful, mindful, service-based wellness to children and families when they need it most. Contact us to learn more about our school-based family engagement programs.
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