At Abbott House, healing begins with connection—to self, to others, and to the natural world. The Flower to Hive workshop series is giving children at Abbott House an opportunity to learn about bees, while nurturing emotional growth, curiosity, and resilience.
Hosted on the beautiful grounds of Lyndhurst, the hands-on beekeeping program invites kids to explore the world of pollinators. With guidance from beekeeper Dennis John (DJ) Haverkamp, children don protective suits, observe the hive, taste honey straight from the honeycomb, and even craft beeswax candles.
The installation of honeybee hives, a native pollinator garden, and immersive beekeeping workshops are all made possible thanks to the vision and generosity of Abbott House benefactor Emily Rockefeller.
Through these experiences, children begin to heal—finding peace in nature, pride in their learning, and joy in discovery.
Watch the Hive Come to Life
See the excitement as kids help install the beehive and learn about the bees’ role in our ecosystem.
Why This Matters:
At Abbott House, we understand that trauma can disrupt a child’s sense of safety, trust, and belonging. Our trauma-informed approach to caregiving centers on restoring those foundations—through relationships, routine, and meaningful experiences.
Flower to Hive is more than an educational program. It’s a healing journey.
- Watching bees work together teaches children about cooperation, interdependence, and trust—core elements of healthy relationships.
- Planting flowers nurtures patience, care, and a sense of responsibility—helping children reconnect with their ability to make a positive impact.
- Being outdoors in a calm, natural setting reduces stress, supports emotional regulation, and fosters resilience
Help Us Keep Growing
Abbott House believes every child deserves access to programs like this! Let’s raise our capacity to keep doing this kind of amazing work.
