OUR MISSION

Our mission is to promote joy, well-being, and self-confidence in hospitalized children and teens through the wonders of nature and science

VALUES STATEMENT

Wonder Connection’s values guide the way that we serve our community.

Compassion

We exercise compassion by designing adaptable experiences that aim to meet kids, teens, and families' unique needs. We lead and learn by listening to those we serve.

Discovery

Everyone should have the opportunity to experience the wonders of nature and science. By encouraging children and teenagers to explore, experiment, and create, we foster their curiosity and let them design their own learning pathways. 

Empowerment

Our work is collaborative and person-centered. We aim to empower the children and teens we work with by giving them choices and encouraging them to be creative (in contrast to their hospitalization).  We follow their lead and provide resources to help kids and teens develop a sense of self-efficacy and pride. 

Joy

A hospital stay shouldn’t deprive a child of the joy of being a kid. We create experiences for kids and teens that are interactive, engaging, and fun. We love what we do and are grateful to do it; we aren’t afraid to let that show. 

Racial Justice

 We are working towards racial and social justice in our organizational culture and the programming we provide.  We acknowledge that striving for racial justice and equity at Wonder Connection and in the systems and structures in which we participate will be difficult and uncomfortable and that change and disruption will be part of the process.  We are committed to this work and to creating safe spaces for conversation, reflection, and change.

Wonder Connection programming provides patients with joy, increases patients’ science knowledge, and acts as an inspiration for their futures. The natural science activities are patient-centered and focus on empowering patients by giving them the opportunity to make choices and be creative.