Minds At Play - Minecraft Social Program

At Minds at Play, we understand the challenges that can come with engaging children, youth, and adults with disabilities. That’s why we’ve created interest-based social groups—because we believe that real growth happens when participants are engaged in something they genuinely enjoy.

What We Offer

Our Minecraft Social Group uses Minecraft Java Edition in Survival Mode, offering a fun, structured, and supportive digital environment where participants can build, explore, and collaborate.

We use our private Minds at Play Discord server for communication, allowing participants to talk and interact in real time—making the experience feel as close to face-to-face as possible.

Designed for ages 9 and up, this 10-week program helps participants develop confidence and strengthen a wide range of social and communication skills.

How It Works

• Each group is assigned their own city to design and grow together.
• Participants stay with the same group for the full term, building strong friendships and a sense of community.
• A dedicated Games Master (mentor) guides the group, encouraging teamwork, creativity, and positive social interaction.

Skills We Focus On

• Collaboration – Building and shaping their group’s city together, learning to share ideas and work as a team.
• Joint Problem-Solving, Sharing, and Turn-Taking – Taking on different roles and responsibilities while brainstorming and constructing as a group.
• Maintaining Attention – Staying engaged and focused on group goals and creative tasks within their city.
• Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication – Expressing ideas, giving feedback, and planning builds through both spoken and written communication.
• Creativity – Designing unique structures and features within their city, using imagination and innovation.
• Social Growth – Making friends and connecting with like-minded peers in a fun, supportive environment where everyone contributes.
• Conflict Resolution – Navigating differences in ideas or approaches with guidance from the mentor to reach shared decisions.
• Emotional Development –Through shared group experiences, participants are encouraged to reflect on how the session went—especially if something didn’t go as expected. With gentle guidance, they explore different ways to respond, talk about their feelings, and support one another in building resilience and understanding.
• Communication and Literacy Skills – Expanding vocabulary and language skills through collaborative storytelling, planning, and peer interaction.