MAXyouth
We work in close collaboration with our local schools, nurseries, families and more, providing a range of children and young people-led playing and learning opportunities.
We provide a wide range of activities, including:
Our main focus is to create a safe and nurturing environment where young people can explore, express their creativity, and play freely. Our Community Garden is the perfect setting for young people (and teachers) to learn and grow (along with the plants), gain new skills, make friends, and most importantly, have a great deal of fun in the process.
We work in partnership with scientists, artists and creative organisations across Dundee to bring in new ideas and experiences. We are part of the RSA led Playful Green Planet project, exploring imagination and play to connect children in our neighbourhood with nature and we have developed with our children and community a Berry Trail to help discover green spaces and activities in our area.
We are also an active member of Dundee Youth Forum and the new Dundee Play Forum - over 100 from our community planned, prepared and took part in the Hilltown Play Parade.
Youth Council
Our most recent exciting addition to our MAX YOUTH is our Maxwell Youth Council (MYC). Their aims and activities are led and decided by the young people and recently have been focused on their Youth Journalist project:
• Raising awareness on issues related to climate change, sustainability
• Getting more young people outdoors
• Give young people opportunities they wouldn’t normally get without the council
• Create more opportunities for young people to participate and have their say in The Maxwell and wider community.
Schools and Nursery Groups
We currently work with our four local primary schools and three nurseries, providing each group with their own garden plot and holding gardening groups throughout the year. These groups allow local children to learn about
food production and get hands-on experience of fruit and vegetable growing. Gardening sessions also teach children about wildlife and biodiversity through creative activities and observation.
After School Club
We currently run 2 after school clubs on a Tuesday and Wednesday. The groups are children aged 5 - 11 years old from our 4 local primary schools. The children decide each week the activities they would like us to facilitate.
From den-making to gardening and playing games in the Garden the young people experience a range of activities outdoors. In less favourable weather we have our rainbow pavilion which is a cosy summerhouse where the young people relax and have snacks.
To join the waiting list please contact us.
Youth Cook Group
Our Youth Cook Group runs every Thursday for young people aged 12 - 16.
The young people learn many skills in this group including preparing and cooking dishes. They learn how to work safely and hygienically, safe use of kitchen equipment such as knife skills, working safety around the stove and oven and working safely within the group. The young people are encouraged develop their own recipes and
ideas using produce from the garden.
To join please contact us.
Garden and Holiday Club
Our Garden Club runs over the Spring, Summer and October holidays, Monday - Thursday 10-3pm for children who attend our 4 local primary schools. The club focuses on free-play, providing children with opportunities and freedom to come up with their own ideas in our award winning community Garden - from gardening, harvesting and cooking produce, arts and crafts and visits to our local park.
To join please check out the call out we do on our Facebook about 2-3 weeks prior and contact us.
Teacher training
We have recently started to provide tailored training sessions for nursery and primary school teachers.
The aim is to build confidence and resources for outdoor learning, to identify the opportunities and minimise the barriers educators encounter whilst working in green spaces like our community garden.
From feedback, we know these sessions are also important for educators to be able to share and coordinate their work, inspiring each other and provide a fun and interesting opportunity in a unique natural setting with plenty of treats and laughs.
Please get in touch for more details.
Toddler & family gardening
Our Toddler Gardening and Making Sessions run throughout the year on Fridays 11-12pm for any children as soon as they can walk! Toddlers are introduced to sensory, outdoor play in a way that is child-led and supports their development - encouraging love for all living beings, learning basic gardening skills, foraging and harvesting, cooking and sharing snacks, arts and crafts and improving our local park and supporting our community and local green spaces.
In January 2026 a new Garden Bookbug weekly session will be starting - every Thursday at 11:30 at the Rainbow Pavilion.
To join please get in touch.
