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After a milestone year, Mindful Art Education (MAE), in collaboration with Easterseals South Florida and The Children’s Trust, brought back its signature Mindfulness Summer Camp in 2025 to help foster creativity, mindfulness, and inner strength.
The return of this standout program, which helps students connect with themselves and the world around them, underscores its deep resonance with families, educators and youth.
The Mindfulness Summer Camp serves children ages 5 to 22 and culminates in an exhibition and mindfulness celebration. This year’s event, “The Love Museum,” included a heartfelt performance on July 21 to celebrate the success of more than 100 camp attendees from diverse backgrounds.
“By offering tools like breathing techniques, visual meditation, and expressive art, we empower children to process their emotions, build confidence, and find peace within themselves,” said Alexandra Jeanty-Leclerc, founder of Mindful Art Education.
Mindfulness is essential for children and helps them develop emotional awareness and self-regulate for optimal well-being. Simple mindfulness techniques can reduce stress and help children feel calmer, enhancing their ability to relax, recharge at home, and concentrate in school. By promoting resilience and encouraging mindfulness practices, Jeanty-Leclerc prepares children for a lifetime of success.
“Overwhelming parent feedback has led to its return this year, marking it as Mindful Art Education’s cornerstone recurring program,” Jeanty-Leclerc said. “We are honored to continue developing the programs that directly impact the families we serve.”
Each camp attendee also received a copy of Mindful Chickens, a children’s book by Jeanty-Leclerc, which utilizes fun adventure and activities to teach mindfulness principles and promote environmental stewardship. In 2024, Jeanty-Leclerc gave children Mindful Pokie, a mindfulness book for parents and children.
Camp participants also worked on a craft project – decorating tote bags with positive affirmations, including “I am light” and “I feel outstanding.” The participants selected their own affirmations to reflect their inner transformation and channel their growth through art.
In addition, camp attendees practiced the affirmations of “I am, I feel, I see,” which helps individuals build self-awareness, express emotions clearly, develop a positive identity, stay grounded in the present moment, foster emotional regulation, and encourage reflection.
“This simple but powerful tool is crucial for emotional intelligence and mental clarity,” Jeanty-Leclerc said.
Over the past year and a half, MAE hosted impactful, one-time events that expanded its reach and solidified its role as a creative force for good:
• Sunsets on South Beach (2025): A sunset celebration during Swim Week at The Gates Hotel, featuring a silent disco, happy hour, and immersive art experience to unite the creative community in a fun and uplifting atmosphere.
• Safe in the 305 Community Block Party (2025): A vibrant event in partnership with Touching Miami With Love and Barry University Care Center. The celebration included live music, free food, kids’ activities, and wellness workshops promoting safety and joy in the heart of the city.
• Autism Awareness Month (2025): Mindful Art Education celebrated Autism Awareness Month, offering coding scholarships to students. The organization is seeking sponsors and donors to provide additional scholarships for next year’s celebration. Donations can be made directly on Mindful Art Education’s website at www.mindfularteducation.org/.
• Noche de Arte (2025): A live interview between Jeanty-Leclerc and artist Monica Isla explored Isla’s journey as an artist and how art has the power to heal.
• Autism Awareness Fundraiser at Villa Paula (2024): A powerful gathering in Little Haiti to raise awareness and advocate for neurodiverse inclusion through art, storytelling, and community-building.
These events left a lasting impression on participants and within the communities they served.
“It’s been rewarding to witness the impact of our work on children and families,” Jeanty-Leclerc said. “As we look beyond 2025, I hope to continue creating spaces where mindfulness, creativity, and community care come together. We want to empower the next generation to thrive, supported by the message of our community events.”
This summer’s camp also was at a partner location, the ARC Center Down South, where Jeanty-Leclerc offered mindfulness-based techniques twice a week. Jeanty-Leclerc is pursuing a master’s in Mental Health for Youth Counseling at Barry University and continues to volunteer with various organizations to bring mindfulness into schools and public spaces.
Mindful Art Education is currently seeking community partners to open a physical Mindfulness Center to support the community of Little Haiti. Potential partners are encouraged to contact Jeanty-Leclerc at 305-905-5435. Mindful Art Education also is seeking talented writers to help expand its services and continue uplifting the community through meaningful content and outreach.
To learn more or get involved, visit www.mindfularteducation.org or follow @mindfularteducation on Instagram.
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