mid-atlantic grain conference

children’s program

New this year! We’re excited to offer a hands-on children’s program during the Mid-Atlantic Grain Conference! Led by educator Vanessa Bolin, this program invites kids ages 6-12 to explore farming, food systems, and the cultural importance of grains through hands-on, age-appropriate activities.

Activities will include interactive games, traditional crafts, and guided learning activities focused on grains and agriculture. Children will have opportunities to learn, create, and play while their parents attend conference sessions.

If you are interested in the Children’s Program, please email hello@commongrainalliance.org

  • No. The kids’ activity area is a supervised program, not licensed childcare.

    Parents or guardians are not expected to stay with their child during activities, but must:

    • Attend the conference and remain on-site while their child is in the program

    • Check children in and out with staff

    • Be reachable by phone at all times

    This ensures children are supervised and safe, while parents can attend sessions or explore the conference nearby.

  • The kids’ activity area is designed for elementary-aged children (ages 6–12). Activities will be age-appropriate and adaptable for younger and older kids within that range.

  • A separate lunch will NOT be served within the Children’s program, and parents must pick up their kids for the lunch break.

    Children are welcome to eat lunch with their parents/guardians at the Conference lunch.

  • Activities are designed to be hands-on, educational, and fun, with a focus on grains, farming, and food systems. Programming will include:

    • Interactive games

    • Creative projects and Indigenous crafts

    • Guided learning experiences

    Specific activities may vary based on group size, ages, and available time.

  • Children will be supervised by designated staff and volunteers throughout the day. Activities will take place in a dedicated kids’ area, and staff will guide programming, transitions, and breaks.

    We aim to maintain a reasonable staff-to-child ratio and provide a safe, engaging environment.

  • Children should bring:

    • A labeled water bottle

    • Any snacks they may need during the day

    • Comfortable clothing suitable for active play and crafts

    Please note that light snacks will be provided. Children will join their parents for Conference lunch.

  • Yes! Each child must be registered separately, but siblings are welcome as long as they fall within the recommended age range.

  • We want the program to be welcoming and inclusive. Parents will have the opportunity during registration to share information about:

    • Allergies

    • Medical needs

    • Sensory considerations

    • Other accommodations

    We will do our best to support individual needs.

Frequently Asked

Questions

Hello!

Vanessa Bolin — Children’s Program Lead

Vanessa Bolin is an Indigenous farmer, artist, activist, and educator dedicated to community, food sovereignty, and environmental stewardship. She was formerly CGA’s Agricultural Leadership Development Initiative (ALDI) Program Manager and is the founder of the Eyes Wide Open Project, Richmond Indigenous Society, and Community Roots Garden.

Vanessa serves on the boards of the Oglala Lakota Cultural Economic Initiative (OLCERI) and Mutual Aid Disaster Relief National. She studied Paramedic Medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University and has traveled across the U.S. and internationally providing humanitarian aid and support.

Her work focuses on educating communities about food systems, environmental justice, and Indigenous knowledge. Vanessa believes it is everyone’s responsibility to defend the sacred earth and strives each day to make the world a better place for all.