Bee Kind Garden
Evan had been in foster care for more than two years, moving between homes and separated from his siblings. He was often described as quiet and shy. As summer approached, he had no camp plans and no structured activities. Like many children in dependency, he faced a long season without routine or connection.
Evan was invited to attend Bee Kind Garden, a summer mentorship program designed for children navigating instability. He was paired with a consistent mentor who took time to notice what interested him. Evan loved bugs. He studied them closely and asked thoughtful questions. His mentor leaned in, exploring alongside him and encouraging that curiosity instead of overlooking it.
By the end of the summer, Evan was confidently identifying insects and proudly sharing what he had learned. His mentor gave him a book about bugs so he could keep learning long after camp ended. Now when Evan talks about Bee Kind Garden, he lights up. He asks if he can return during school breaks. His CASA says the one-on-one attention helped him come out of his shell in ways they had not seen before.
Evan’s First Day
When a child enters dependency, it means a court has determined they cannot safely remain at home due to abuse, neglect, substance exposure, or other serious safety concerns. In Spokane County, approximately 1,700 children enter dependency each year. Many will spend 18 to 24 months navigating court hearings, new homes, and disrupted routines.
More than 50% of children in care experience significant emotional or behavioral challenges. Many have been separated from siblings. Many have experienced repeated instability. Consistency becomes rare.
Summer can be especially difficult. Without school structure, many children in care face long months without routine, enrichment, or positive peer connection. Caregivers may not have the financial resources or flexibility to enroll them in camps or activities. What can feel like a break for other children often becomes a season of isolation.
Research consistently shows that one stable, caring adult can significantly improve outcomes for children who have experienced trauma. Consistent mentorship builds confidence, strengthens emotional regulation, and reinforces a child’s sense of identity.
Why We Do This
What we Do
Bee Kind Garden exists to provide consistency for children in foster care who have experienced instability and trauma. Over the course of six weeks, children receive approximately 30 hours of structured mentorship and enrichment in a safe, supportive environment. They are seen. They are encouraged. They are given space to explore interests and build confidence.
A licensed therapist is on site at all times to support both children and volunteers. The presence of a therapist ensures that behavioral challenges, emotional responses, and trauma related needs can be addressed in real time within a safe and supportive environment. Bee Kind Garden is intentionally designed as a therapeutic space, not a traditional summer camp.
The program meets twice a week for two hours at a time. Each child is paired with a consistent volunteer mentor who shows up week after week. Through hands on learning, time in nature, creative activities, and guided exploration, children build relationships and develop new skills in a calm, supportive setting.
Bee Kind Garden is intentionally small and relationship focused. This is not a large camp experience. It is designed to foster meaningful connections between mentors and children. Volunteers receive training before the session begins, ensuring they are prepared to support youth who have experienced trauma.
For many children in care, it may be the first time in a long while that an adult shows up consistently, listens closely, and encourages their interests without expectation or judgment.
Bee Kind Garden is not just time on a calendar.
It is a steady presence.
It is encouragement.
It is a reminder to every child that they matter and that they belong.
How We Do It
Bee Kind Garden is powered by volunteers and supported by community donations. Each child is matched with a trained volunteer mentor who commits to showing up consistently throughout the six week session. That commitment, approximately 30 hours per child, creates the stability that makes this program effective.
Volunteers complete training prior to the start of the program to ensure they are prepared to work with youth who have experienced trauma. The focus is not on fixing a child. It is on building trust, encouraging curiosity, and providing a safe, steady presence.
The program is funded through private donations and sponsorships. Contributions support supplies, activities, materials, training resources, and program coordination to ensure each child receives a meaningful and safe experience.
Because Bee Kind Garden is intentionally small and relationship focused, capacity is limited. Financial support allows us to serve more children, provide transportation assistance when needed, and ensure mentors have the tools and resources to succeed.
How You Can Help
Sponsor a child’s full six-week session
Provide financial support for program supplies and materials
Volunteer as a mentor
Support transportation needs for participating children
Partner as a corporate sponsor to expand capacity
For children navigating instability, consistent mentorship changes outcomes. With your help, more children like Evan can experience a summer that builds confidence rather than deepens isolation.