Soothing Sips

#SereneSouls #CommunityChamps

Welcome to Soothing Sips, a new group for 4th, 5th and 6th graders where self-care education meets social-emotional learning through the relaxing ritual of tea. Each week, we’ll come together to brew and enjoy a variety of teas, creating a serene space for connection and growth. Through engaging discussions and activities, we’ll explore different self-care practices and develop a personal self-care plan full of suggestions for when you need a little “Tea”LC. Join us at Soothing Sips to unwind, connect, and cultivate a deeper understanding of yourself and others in a peaceful, supportive environment.

Meeting each Monday from 3:45-4:45, we’ll cycle through different “Invites” and “Offers.” Each “Invite” will encourage participants to bring a themed item or topic to discuss as a group over a cup of tea, while each “Offer” will be a staff-led self-care activity to try out and enjoy.

Space is limited, so sign up ASAP to secure your spot!

Adulting 101

Building Life Skills That School Doesn’t Teach You

Welcome to Adulting 101, a dynamic high school group dedicated to equipping students with essential life skills and fostering resilience. Our mission is to prepare you for the challenges of adulthood through practical, hands-on learning experiences and a supportive social-emotional framework.

Fall Workshops:

• Session One: From Ramen to Gourmet- Cooking For The Clueless. November 18th 5:30-7:00

• Cooking doesn’t have to be intimidating! Learn how to prepare nutritious and delicious meals while developing some beginner culinary skills. We’ll go over the basics of how to shop for and prepare meals for a week, go over simple and usable culinary techniques, and end the session sharing a delicious meal.

• Session Two: Writing Your Way to Success- Professional and Personal Writing Workshop. December 9th 5:30-7:00

• The world of writing goes far beyond English Class! This workshop will dive deep into three different realms of writing. Using creative modalities and professional standards, you’ll learn the steps to master resumes, cover letters, and professional emails, setting you up for success in the job market and beyond.

Join us in Adulting 101 and take the first step towards a well-rounded, resilient future! You can sign up for one or both sessions.

DPYLC

Danny’s Place Youth Leadership Council

This council is for high school youth in 9th-12th grade. High schoolers will earn community service hours, and seniors will be eligible for the Mary Laurion Danny’s Place Youth Services Scholarship. This council meets every Tuesday from 3:15 to 4:30 PM, following our fall, winter, and spring session dates. 

We seek dedicated high school youth to apply to our youth leadership councils for the 2024-2025 academic school year. Selected students will serve on the council during our fall, winter, and spring sessions, concluding their duties by June 2025.

As a member of these councils, you will have a unique opportunity to support and inform the decision-making at Danny’s Place through your insight and feedback. Council members will also engage in community service projects that support Danny’s Place and the greater Acton-Boxborough community. All prospective council members must fill out an application, including those who served on a council last school year.

Applications for our councils will open on August 27, 2024, when registration for our fall programming opens. Keep a look out for more detailed information on this coming soon.  

Flare

#ImaginationInitiators #CommunityChamps

“Creative Flare, If You Dare…”

You were born to stand out—and here, you can!

Welcome to Flare, a fearless play space where you can unleash your unique creative flair! Building on the foundation of our Sparks program, Flare delves deeper into each participant’s imaginative potential by breathing life into their unique, untold stories. Join us as we embark on this enriching journey of identity-shaping, play-making, and community-building. 

Junior high is a time for exploration and self-discovery, and our program offers a nurturing space for kids to express themselves authentically. We believe every teen holds the creative impulse to externalize their rich inner worlds. Thus, we take a hands-on and interactive approach to meet each child where they are. Through various performance arts explorations, kids channel their creative gifts into meaningful points of connection as they take on the role of creative director in their unfolding life-story.

As we nurture participants’ creative flair, we also integrate social and emotional learning, helping kids navigate the complexities of adolescence with curiosity and compassion. This holistic approach prepares them not only for personal growth but also for contributing positively to their communities. The culmination of our journey will be a showcase where participants proudly show-off their creative offerings to family and friends. This event celebrates not only their final plays but also their growth as confident, creative change-makers. Join us as we strut our one-of-a-kind creative flair!

DnD (Group Fable)

Are you a 6th, 7th or 8th grader who likes fantasy with a dash of shenanigans? Then get ready to dive into a world of adventure! 

Danny’s Place is excited to offer Dungeons and Dragons: The Wild Beyond the Witchlight! Dungeons and Dragons (DnD) is a multi-player, tabletop game where players get a chance to roleplay as a fictional character of their own design.

This DnD adventure begins in the world of FableFire, a land touched by the magic of the Feywild, land of the Faeries. The Feywild is a place ruled by emotions, whimsy, and wonder- but every domain has its dangers… 

Once every eight years, the fantastic Witchlight Carnival touches down on FableFire, bringing joy to one settlement after the next. Its owners know how to put on a good show, but there’s more to this magical extravaganza than meets the eye! 

The carnival is a gateway to a fantastic Feywild domain unlike anything else. Time has not been kind to this realm, however, and dark days lie ahead unless someone can thwart the dastardly schemes of the Hourglass Coven.

As a participant in this group, you will meet every week to collaboratively solve the mystery of the Witchlight Carnival and save the day. *NOTE* This campaign is planned to run through all 3 DP seasons (Fall, Winter and Spring). If you are *not* able to attend for all three seasons, please specify when signing up so we can plan accordingly.

Participants will be sorted into either Group Fable, (running every Tuesday from 3:45-5:15), or Group Fire (running every Thursday from 3:45-5:15). If there is a day of the week that works better for you, we ask that you inform us when signing up so we can try and accommodate participants’ schedules accordingly.

Once sorted into your group, each participant will attend a “Session Zero”, (a planning session included in the dates above), to design their character with support from our Dungeon Master, Renn. As part of the signup cost, each participant will receive a set of dice, a dice bag, and a notebook to keep track of their character. There will also be a few magical trinkets for participants to collect along the way!

So gather your carnival ticket and your nerves as we dive into the magic of the Witchlight Carnival! Adventuring spots are very limited, so sign up ASAP to join the quest!

Mosaic

#CommunityChamps

Calling all middle and high schoolers, grades 6-12! Dive into our new program, Mosaic, a supportive space where you can learn about yourself, your community, and the diverse experiences of those within the LGBTQ+ community while connecting with peers who share similar experiences! This program is designed to foster understanding, connection, community, and empowerment. 

We invite you to join us for engaging discussions, interactive activities, and opportunities to build meaningful friendships. Mosaic will meet weekly on Tuesdays from 5:45PM-6:45PM. 

Sparks (Grades 5 & 6)

#ImaginationInitiators #CommunityChamps

“Where Sparks Ignite; Where Sparks Take Flight”

Your child has a unique spark that shines from the inside-out, but finding spaces that truly nurture this inner-light can be challenging.

Sparks exists to fill that gap. This weekly program provides a joyful, play space where kids can freely explore their imaginations, without fear of judgment or criticism. Unlike traditional arts-based programs, Sparks does not dictate how creativity should be expressed. Instead, it encourages kids to experiment and express their imaginative inner worlds in their own way. Because, here, all forms of artistic expression find a home!

Sparks is a playful lab full of potential and possibilities for your child to embody and embrace what makes them shimmer. In the first phase of this three-part program sequence, we focus on helping kids understand and nurture their unique sparks through expressive arts explorations. Facilitators act as guides, following the group’s lead as each participant’s unique approach to creative expression and connection spontaneously emerges.

At Danny’s Place, we believe every child has something special to offer. Sparks also emphasizes building a strong community, culminating in a final showcase where friends and family celebrate each child's unique brilliance and journey of self-discovery.

Come see what all the fuss is about!

ThinkGive (Grades 3 & 4)

#Community Champs

Be the Spark

Be the Spark is a program designed to help participants unlock their potential for kindness and positive change. Participants learn how to become agents of goodwill by taking positive action steps that impact themselves and their community. They are guided through a series of interactive activities and discussions that emphasize the importance of empathy, compassion, and proactive behavior. By the end of the program, participants will experience the rewards of giving back and gain a lasting appreciation for the positive influence they can have on their world.  This program meets on Wednesdays from 1:45 to 3:00 PM. 

About ThinkGive: ThinkGive is a non-profit organization that runs a social-emotional learning program designed to inspire students to use kindness to engage with their world. Our curriculum empowers young people to become thinkers, upstanders, and changemakers while learning to build a strong sense of self, make meaningful connections, and lead with empathy and kindness. Learn more: https://www.thinkgiveproject.org

Penguin Club (Grades 3-5)

#EnergyExplorers #CommunityChamps

Penguin Club: Where Play Meets Emotional Growth.

Join us at Penguin Club, an exciting activities and games group dedicated to fostering social emotional learning in a fun, supportive environment. Here, participants engage in interactive games and activities designed to develop their emotional intelligence, build empathy, and enhance their social skills. Through playful exploration and guided group discussions, Penguin Club helps kids understand their emotions, and become confident, compassionate individuals. 

Serving kids in 3rd through 5th grade, Penguin Club is the root of our Club Continuum. Beginning in 3rd grade, your child can grow through the offerings on this track, starting with Penguin Club, transitioning to our Connect Club (6th-8th grade), and ending with our Danny’s Club (high school). It is our hope that each participant on the Club Continuum will develop the confidence and skill set to be able to connect their individuality and imagination to the social world around them. 

Penguin Club will run each Wednesday from 2:00-3:00, and also features monthly field trips to the Acton Discovery Museum. Spots are limited so sign up ASAP to reserve your place!

Sparks (Grades 4-6)

#ImaginationInitiators #CommunityChamps

Where Sparks Ignite; Where Sparks Take Flight”

Your child has a unique spark that shines from the inside-out, but finding spaces that truly nurture this inner-light can be challenging.

Sparks exists to fill that gap. This weekly program provides a joyful, play space where kids can freely explore their imaginations, without fear of judgment or criticism. Unlike traditional arts-based programs, Sparks does not dictate how creativity should be expressed. Instead, it encourages kids to experiment and express their imaginative inner worlds in their own way. Because, here, all forms of artistic expression find a home!

Sparks is a playful lab full of potential and possibilities for your child to embody and embrace what makes them shimmer. In the first phase of this three-part program sequence, we focus on helping kids understand and nurture their unique sparks through expressive arts explorations. Facilitators act as guides, following the group’s lead as each participant’s unique approach to creative expression and connection spontaneously emerges.

At Danny’s Place, we believe every child has something special to offer. Sparks also emphasizes building a strong community, culminating in a final showcase where friends and family celebrate each child's unique brilliance and journey of self-discovery.

Come see what all the fuss is about!

ThinkGive (Grades 5 & 6)

#CommunityChamps

Brightening Days

Brightening Days empowers participants to use empathy with an increased focus on bravery to create positive change in their lives and the lives of others. Hands-on activities and group discussions anchor their growth as they work together to spread more kindness into the world. By the end of the program, these young leaders will build their self-confidence as they discover their ability to become change makers through thoughtful and courageous actions, fostering a deeper sense of connection and community. This program meets Wednesdays from 3:30 to 4:45 PM.

About ThinkGive: ThinkGive is a non-profit organization that runs a social-emotional learning program designed to inspire students to use kindness to engage with their world. Our curriculum empowers young people to become thinkers, upstanders, and changemakers while learning to build a strong sense of self, make meaningful connections, and lead with empathy and kindness. Learn more: https://www.thinkgiveproject.org

Connect Club (Grades 6-8)

#CommunityChamps

Deepening Connection Through Exploration!

Welcome to Connect Club, the ultimate hangout for kids in 6th, 7th and 8th grade! At Connect Club, we blend fun and friendship with awesome games and activities designed to help you connect with others and grow. Join us for exciting group games, creative projects, and opportunities to make new friends. With a focus on social-emotional learning, you'll build skills in empathy, teamwork, and communication—all while having a blast. Come be a part of Connect Club, where every meeting is a chance to play, learn, and grow together!

Connect Club is the next stage of our Club Continuum, building on the skills developed in Penguin Club. Though prior participation in Penguin Club is not required, Connect Club is designed to be an intentional space serving as a transition for kids leaving elementary school. Connect Club uses different media sources to help kids name their emotions, dig deep into what their purpose is, and utilize their individuality to connect with others.

Financial Literacy

Presented by: Northern Bank

Having a strong foundation of financial literacy can help support all kinds of life goals, such as saving for education or retirements, using debt responsibly, and running a business.  Understanding how to be financially responsible equips people with ability to make informed decisions, leading to greater monetary stability, less stress and a higher quality of life. 

Financial literacy empowers you to take control of your finances and navigate the challenges and opportunities that arise. By providing these crucial tools to young people, they start this process early in life which inevitably leads to more financially healthy adults.  This program will help make this come to life!

Topics to be covered:

• Spending and Budgeting

• Career and Job Opportunities

• Savings and Borrowing

• Percentage Rate vs. Percentage Yield

• Credit

• Paycheck Management

• Checking and Expenses

Study Stars

Presented by: Open Door Education

We're excited to offer a relaxed, supportive environment for junior high and high schoolers in grades 7-10 to do their homework. We believe in the power of community and collective learning - a place where students can feel at home while they explore the world of knowledge.

Here's what makes Partnership  unique:

1. Relaxed Study Space: Leave the stress of school behind and settle into our comfortable, quiet study areas. It's like your living room but with less distraction and more focus.

2. Open Door Education Support: We've partnered with Open Door Education to ensure that help is always at hand if you need it.

3. Inclusive Community: At Danny's Place, everyone is welcome. We foster an environment that values diversity, inclusivity, and mutual respect.

4. Weekly  Schedule: Every Thursday from 3 pm to 5 pm come and do your homework.

Come join us at Danny's Place, where homework doesn't feel like work, and learning comes naturally!

DnD (Group Fire)

#StructureStars #CommunityChamps

Are you a 6th, 7th or 8th grader who likes fantasy with a dash of shenanigans? Then get ready to dive into a world of adventure! 

Danny’s Place is excited to offer Dungeons and Dragons: The Wild Beyond the Witchlight! Dungeons and Dragons (DnD) is a multi-player, tabletop game where players get a chance to roleplay as a fictional character of their own design.

This DnD adventure begins in the world of FableFire, a land touched by the magic of the Feywild, land of the Faeries. The Feywild is a place ruled by emotions, whimsy, and wonder- but every domain has its dangers… 

Once every eight years, the fantastic Witchlight Carnival touches down on FableFire, bringing joy to one settlement after the next. Its owners know how to put on a good show, but there’s more to this magical extravaganza than meets the eye! 

The carnival is a gateway to a fantastic Feywild domain unlike anything else. Time has not been kind to this realm, however, and dark days lie ahead unless someone can thwart the dastardly schemes of the Hourglass Coven.

As a participant in this group, you will meet every week to collaboratively solve the mystery of the Witchlight Carnival and save the day. *NOTE* This campaign is planned to run through all 3 DP seasons (Fall, Winter and Spring). If you are *not* able to attend for all three seasons, please specify when signing up so we can plan accordingly.

Participants will be sorted into either Group Fable, (running every Tuesday from 3:45-5:15), or Group Fire (running every Thursday from 3:45-5:15). If there is a day of the week that works better for you, we ask that you inform us when signing up so we can try and accommodate participants’ schedules accordingly.

Once sorted into your group, each participant will attend a “Session Zero”, (a planning session included in the dates above), to design their character with support from our Dungeon Master, Renn. As part of the signup cost, each participant will receive a set of dice, a dice bag, and a notebook to keep track of their character. There will also be a few magical trinkets for participants to collect along the way!

So gather your carnival ticket and your nerves as we dive into the magic of the Witchlight Carnival! Adventuring spots are limited, so sign up ASAP to join the quest!

Danny’s Club

#CommunityChamps #StructureStars

Are You Game?

Welcome to Danny’s Club, the perfect spot for high schoolers to unwind and connect! At Danny’s Club, we host weekly games and fun activities that bring everyone together. Our focus on social-emotional learning helps you build strong relationships, improve communication, and develop resiliency—all while having a great time. Featuring a different board, card, or tabletop game each week, Danny’s Club is your go-to place for connection, growth, and fun!

Danny’s Club is our final stage in our Club Continuum. Though previous involvement in Penguin Club or Connect Club is not required, Danny’s Club utilizes and further strengthens the skills built over time. Designed as a “counter-space” to the often toxically competitive nature of school, we center emotional wellness and community at the heart of our programming. Danny’s Club is a place to learn new things and challenge yourself in a supportive environment.

This group is inspired by Danny McCarthy and everything he loved- friends, fun, and finding yourself. He wasn’t someone who took things too seriously, and would often say “I may not have A’s, but I have a life.” Danny’s Club is a place to discover who you are outside of school, and find the life you want to live.

Danny’s Club will meet each Thursday from 5:45-6:45. Space is limited! 

WNSN

The What’s Next Starts Now series offers high school students the opportunity to explore different aspects of planning for their future, from putting together a resume, to learning fundamental interview skills, and to exploring what options are available for college or outside of a traditional college-bound pathway.

By focusing on individualized exploration methods, and a customized approach, students will have the opportunity to think about what plan for college prep best fits them. Additionally, all programs emphasize the importance of balance, wellness, and self-care to make the process of college exploration more fun.

Movie Night (Seasonal)

Stay tunned on Social Media for details!