Adventures to Dreams Enrichment
How it Began
Adventures to Dreams Enrichment (AtDE) is a passion project that I began in 2015. Working as an educator in Los Angeles at the time, a student expressed that he was not able to play outside on the weekends. I knew I had to do something, and I’d have to do it using my own savings. AtDE wholeheartedly believes in positively shaping youth to be well-rounded and prepared for their futures through fun kids camps and enrichment programs. We inspire children to dream BIG!
Busy hands = Busy Minds!
Dream Big
In 2016 I came up with the concept of a gardening enrichment program that included hands-on STEAM activities. By 2018 my program had grown to 25 children! My savings was exhausted, and I was faced with the decision of closing AtDE. Through hard work and determination, the generosity of an anonymous donor, and a grant from the Whole Kids Foundation/Garden Grant Program, I was able to continue operations. In 2019 I dreamed BIG and deployed a strategy to meet the needs of our growing program.
My goal was to revitalize a local park in Long Beach. I wanted to develop a safe, functional green space for AtDE youth and the surrounding community. The space I envisioned had multiple gardening plots, an outdoor kitchen, a play area, an exercise area, restrooms, a storage area, and a small office. A space that would allow our program to engage more youth, volunteers, and employ students from local colleges.
In February of 2020, my plans manifested into reality when I formed a partnership with the City of Long Beach Parks and Recreation. AtDE was granted 10,000 sq ft. of land in downtown Long Beach to build a youth garden and hands-on activity center! Of course, the garden development was delayed due to COVID-19. With tremendous community support through donations and volunteer hours, we are now ready to kick off our second year at our new location!
Youth Enrichment
Adventures to Dreams Enrichment is a vital resource for the children, families, and communities it serves. We’re an organization dedicated to providing fun, hands-on education and mentorship to youth. Our year-round enrichment program teaches Gardening, Sustainability, STEM, Art, and Culinary Skills to Long Beach children ages 4-14. We are planting positive seeds and nourishing young minds here in Long Beach. Our adventure kids plant seeds, nourish the plants and harvest, and parents take them home to eat!
New Camp
We have added a great Literacy Learning Camp for ages 4-5 years. Children will learn through music, art, iPad, and STEM through the kids camps. Enrollment is currently open for our March 1st – June 30th program. Kids will be learning letters and numbers through Music Mondays, Phonics & Printing Wednesdays, and Fun with Art Fridays.
The ratio of kids per educator is beyond any parent or caregiver’s wildest dreams! Groups will have just 2 educators and 8 kiddos! All participants and educators wear masks and do not share educational materials. The program is currently CDC/COVID – 19 approved. We were cleared by the Long Beach Health Department, and our team is operating following safety protocols and guidelines necessary to stay in compliance.
I am Ms. Sheila G.
Founder / Program Director
