Mini Mavericks: A Year of Play, Discovery, and Community
As we wrap up another year of Mini Mavericks, we are reflecting on all of the meaningful mornings spent playing, learning, and building community together. Designed for families with children ages 0-4, sessions create opportunities for young children and their parents and caregivers to connect through play-based experiences in a welcoming, engaging environment.
The goal of our Mini Mavericks program is to foster a strong sense of community among children and caregivers in our neighborhood and beyond. Through engaging, hands-on experiences, children are invited to explore fun, and sometimes messy, sensory and art materials that encourage creativity and curiosity. Each session also includes a literacy component, featuring two interactive read-alouds that thoughtfully connect to the materials and themes we are exploring.
“It is a true joy to watch children and their caregivers build meaningful relationships through the program, while also gaining a deeper understanding of all that goes on at St. James.”
- Sheila Amdur, STJ School Counselor and co-leader of Mini Mavericks
Each week begins with open play on our playground, where children are encouraged to investigate their world through movement, exploration, and social interaction. As an inquiry-based preschool program, we believe young children learn best through hands-on experiences and purposeful play.
After playground time, families gather in the library where new themed activities are thoughtfully prepared each week. These engaging invitations to play encourage creativity, curiosity, and collaboration while helping children build confidence and independence. We also emphasize process-focused art, where the focus is placed on exploration and self-expression rather than a finished product.
“Painting at Mini Mavericks is always my favorite project to see. Everyone appreciates a safe space for messy art and the children work so hard to create their very own masterpieces each week.”
- Alex Sprague, STJ parent and co-leader of Mini Mavericks
Each session also includes storytime, which has become a favorite part of our mornings together where children strengthen early literacy skills while also building social-emotional awareness.
A Meaningful Transition to Preschool
One of the most rewarding parts of Mini Mavericks has been watching many of our participants transition into St. James preschool. For children who later enroll in preschool, these sessions provide a familiar and comforting introduction to school life. By meeting future classmates, becoming comfortable with our school environment, and building relationships with our faculty, children are able to transition into preschool with greater confidence and ease.
“One thing that I love about our mornings together at Mini Mavericks is that we have so many children and caregivers that have become regulars. It is so much fun to welcome everyone back each week and see how everyone has become friends with each other. I also love getting to see all the Mini Mavericks families in the neighborhood and parks when I am out with my family.”
Alex Sprague, STJ parent and co-leader of Mini Mavericks
Because of the enthusiasm and connections formed through Mini Mavericks, we are especially excited to launch our new “Summer Play Before Pre-K” program for families entering the St. James Preschool program for the 2026–27 school year. This new opportunity was inspired directly by the sense of community and belonging that has grown through Mini Mavericks!
At St. James, building community is one of the most important parts of our early childhood philosophy. Our goal is to create a warm environment where every child feels secure, valued, and cared for. We are grateful to all of the families who joined us this year and helped make Mini Mavericks such a meaningful experience.
Join us Next Fall!
We are already looking forward to welcoming both returning and new families on Friday mornings starting in the fall
for more sessions filled with play, discovery, creativity, and connection! Stay tuned!
