Build, Explore, Connect in a Fun Online Social Group
Through our online Social Group, participants learn how to collaborate, explore, build resources, and have fun being creative with a shared farm plot to unleash their social skills. In Stardew Valley, groups co‑manage a thriving homestead: they plant crops, share tools and money, coordinate daily tasks, and celebrate milestones together. By working in the same world toward common goals, participants practise turn‑taking, active communication, and problem‑solving in a friendly, low‑pressure environment. The “game” is our vehicle; the destination is genuine connection – new friendships, teamwork habits, and confidence in social situations.
About the program
What is the Stardew Valley Social Group?
The Stardew Valley Social Group is a 10-week program that uses the popular life-simulation game as a practical tool for building confidence and experiencing social growth. By joining a shared interest, participants enter a safe, structured environment where they can experience real-world scenarios without the pressure of high stakes.
Through guided sessions, participants learn to communicate clearly, compromise, collaborate and achieve shared goals while managing tasks such as farming, crafting and resource planning. These experiences help individuals practise teamwork, problem-solving and decision-making in ways that feel engaging and achievable. Every session is supported by experienced facilitators who ensure the environment remains positive, inclusive and focused on growth.
Why Stardew Valley?
Stardew Valley is more than a game. It is a dynamic, interactive environment that allows participants to practice essential life skills in a way that feels engaging and safe. Every activity within the game mirrors real-world challenges, giving individuals the chance to learn and grow without the pressure of high stakes.
Encourages planning and prioritising
Participants manage crops, resources and time, learning how to set goals, organise tasks and make decisions that impact outcomes.
Builds problem-solving and adaptability
Unexpected events such as changing seasons or resource shortages teach flexibility and resilience, encouraging creative solutions and quick thinking.
Promotes collaboration and communication
Working together to build and maintain a thriving farm requires clear communication, teamwork and compromise, helping participants strengthen interpersonal skills.
Supports social awareness and empathy
Interacting with in-game characters and peers fosters understanding, perspective-taking and positive social behaviours in a safe, moderated space.
What we’ll work on
All Minds at Play programs are social programs that focus on the following for our players:
Communication and Literacy Skills
Expanding vocabulary around social and emotional development, increasing literacy skills and language development through peer activities.
Verbal and non-verbal communication
Using language and text skills to express ideas and feelings.
Build Confidence
Supporting participant’s decision making, encouraging positive collaborative behaviours and actions, developed through peer activities.
Social Growth
Helping the participant make friends, greet others, and develop sharing and turn taking skills.
Collaboration
By working as a group to achieve a common goal.
Problem Solving
Sharing, taking turns in different roles and working together.
Conflict Resolution
Working through differences for a shared aim.
Emotional Development
Learning to understand and talk about emotions (their own and other people’s) and problem-solving skills.
Build Program Skills
By engaging in the program, we build the participant’s skills and confidence in the program’s steps, languages, routines and “behavioural norms” to use these skills in the community.
Group Information
Why Choose Us
Why Choose Us?
- Each group shares a co-op farm, working together to grow crops, collect produce, care for animals and their surrounding environment, and expand their homestead while building on life skills and gaining resources.
- 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.
- Most importantly, participants are welcomed into a space where they can be their authentic selves without fear of judgment or masking, fostering genuine connection and self-expression.