The Child Creativity Lab is making a needed impact in the education world, promoting principles that every child from any background should have access to. Children love playing with the recyclable materials and learning how they can create art and more with simple products. The Child Creativity Lab helps us ensure that the future generations can have a meaningful and creative impact in the world to solve growing problems with less resources.
I’ve been volunteering with the Child Creativity Lab for several years, and it’s been an incredible experience. The organization is exceptionally well-organized, with professional and supportive staff. The volunteer events are well run and maximize impact to ensure a meaningful experience.
Child Creativity Lab’s impact on the community is amazing. They foster creativity and critical thinking in children through hands-on STEAM activities, using recycled materials to promote sustainability. Seeing the kids get excited about science and engineering, as well as using their imagination to create something unique and wonderful is so rewarding.
In addition to the fantastic learning opportunities, the organization is committed to upcycling, ensuring tons of waste is diverted from the landfills and providing kids with accessibility to science and learning. You can use something you were going to toss in the trash to create something new and learn some things along the way. Magic!
Volunteering here has been rewarding, and I highly recommend getting involved with this fantastic organization.
We've been so blessed to find this gem in our area. My kids love choosing items to make things out of at the maker space. The staff is so kind, helpful, enthusiastic, and creative. We have also attended summer camps where the kids have the opportunity to invent things.
I’ve been volunteering at Child Creativity Lab for over a year now and have enjoyed coming in almost every week! It has been fun contributing to the projects that CCL has been working on, and it is rewarding to see their impact on the community. The volunteer tasks are simple but are crucial to helping the nonprofit run smoothly. The team has made me feel welcome and involved in their work, and I look forward to continue spreading their mission.
For many years I have found wonderful "loose parts", or what I call "open ended" recycled materials, at the Child Creativity Lab, that allow young children to explore and create their ideas, theories and understandings of the world. There are items for purchase and a shelf of free materials. Just this past week, I received a call from the Child Creativity Lab, letting me know there were many free materials available at this time. I filled my car with these free "loose parts", which have so many possibilities! I will share with teachers working with young children at a variety of ECE programs (Head Start and Family Child Care). These materials will also be used with adult learners who are taking child development courses at a community college! Along with the value of the materials that allow all ages to be creative, the reusing of these materials in new ways keeps them out of the landfill!
Child Creativity Lab (CCL) is a fantastic organization that I've been fortunate to get to know over the past months. Not only do they foster creativity and sustainability in young minds through their workshops, they also provide a great community benefit by upcycling materials and reusing items that would potentially go to a landfill or other waste streams. CCL inspires children to think critically, problem-solve, and express themselves artistically. This innovative approach not only benefits the environment but also equips children with valuable skills for the future. CCL's dedication to providing accessible and engaging programs makes it a valuable asset to the community.
I really enjoy volunteering at Child Creativity Lab in Santa Ana! The staff members are really committed to serving children in the local community. Initially I did volunteer work with coworkers and returned to do individual work because I like way the organization encourages kids to think creatively. CCL recycles and repurposes materials and creates kits that stretch kids' imaginations. I've seen wonderful creations from paper rolls, string, bread ties and plastic bottles. It's great to be part of an organization that encourages STEAM with kids and gets support from local businesses!
I have served on this board for 5 years and have watched it grow in number of children served and relevnce to the needs of children in our schools today. Each year we have served over 20,000 children in Orange County's elementary schools. The great majority of these children are from low income communities. We are able to reach that many children because of the support from our donors, the abundance of volunteers who assemble our STEAM Creativity kits and help our teachers in the classroom. We are also grateful to the many donations of reusable waste material we receive from companies and individuals that are needed for the creative tools used in children's experience with us. I am proud of my service on this board and the financial support I provide to support the programs of Child Creativity Lab.
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I took my granddaughter there for a camp week. She raved about it for months afterward. Then she starts all over in the spring continually asking if we have signed her up for camp again this summer. We did!!!
Wonderful organization! Their workshops and mission are great! The workshops serve both the students and different organizations work collectively on team building.
Child Creativity Lab inspires Southern California’s future thought-leaders, entrepreneurs, and problem solvers. I’m incredibly proud to be a Board Member at CCL and support the many STEAM based workshops and programs we do for kids throughout Orange County.
This charity has it all: a thorough and efficient management, a solid growth plan, a transparency approach with a sound use of funds ratio of 80% that goes to kids programs, but above all, the wonderful mission of helping children develop critical thinking and explore their creativity. I love the business model, the board is solid and of all the charities I could be involved with, it is the one I chose.
If you have kids, know any kids, or at some point were a kid, this is an organization you will want to checkout.
They provide STE"A"M education to low income elementary-age children - who will become tomorrow's leaders.
I have been volunteering with CCL for about 6 months now, putting in around 70 hours with them and it has been a rewarding experience for me. To give children the opportunity to explore the incredible field of what STEAM programs can offer and hope to inspire them is an amazing endeavor and one that CCL truly believes to nurture. Everyone that I've worked with are passionate people who have a clear vision and go above and beyond to make those goals happen, it has been an experience that I am happy to be proud of.
This is a very creative charity using recycled items to create STEAM projects with children.
Erika Lopez and Bree are exceptional at running the front end and coordinating volunteers.
First of all i want to tell about the staff who are working there.. each and every person out there are very much dedicated to their task and i can see the efforts they add everytime to make the place such a great place...
I could never imagine before visiting the lab that we could turn as simple as a discarded bottel caps, wires, keys, easter-egg-shell , nuts,bolts can be turned into such a creative models (have added an ttachment of one such model).
Amount of efforts they add inorder to collect, clean and organize the stuff is simply marvellous. Specially these products are dedicated to children, makes it more special.. I can also see the efforts they add in teaching kids how to create STEM models, thats really not an easy work to do.
I look at things in my own home now through the CCL mindset! I have my whole family analyzing the bits and bobs we would just be throwing away - but now we donate them to CCL. They always update their list of accepted material donations, so I'm able to check what they need before I drop off my donations. I love knowing how much weight I've diverted from landfills! Bonus is I know something awesome will be made by a future engineer-in-training!
CCL has really stepped up its game post COVID times. Now they primarily do Makerspace-on-wheels and build STEAM kits to distribute throughout communities in OC. I love that I can help bring children STEAM by simply collecting materials from my own home.
I take donations to the Child Creativity Lab about every two months. When I'm there, I walk around to see what's new and what projects are being worked on. I'm always amazed at the ingenuity of the projects! The staff is friendly and helpful. They all appear to love working there! Who wouldn't! They are helping children discover themselves and their individual talents. The kids are always happy and excited to be there. When asked about their projects, they cheerfully explain what they are making and what different purposes the projects can be used for. The Child Creativity Lab is a wonderful benefit to the community!
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I've been bringing recycled goods to the Child Creativity Lab for about 9 months. Each time I go there to drop off a new supply, I'm amazed at what they are doing here. Everyone is very friendly and always thank me for what I bring. I've tried to narrow down what they want so I don't bring things they can't use. They are great about telling me which things I bring they really like. I never thought I'd be cleaning things I'd normally put in the trash, but for this Lab and for the Kids, I spend hours cleaning up plastic jars, used keurig cups, any number of things. I brought my husband with me to see what they do, telling him it would have been great for him when he was young! He loved it there and is now on board with me. We work together to find things around the house that we'd normally throw away. It's given us both a new perspective on "trash!" The staff there is awesome and they have sent me pictures to show me how the kids use my "trash" to create things. The creativity there is beyond belief! I hope to be working with them for many years to come. Once I have more time, I hope to be more active there. This place is a little oasis of fun, creativity, and education that all kids should get to experience! I'm so impressed by everything they do!
Below is a picture of some of the containers I bring to them. They used the large water bottles to make the backpacks shown in the second picture. The bottles were cut in half, a zipper was placed around the two pieces to allow access, shoulder straps were applied and the backpacks were spray painted. Then the kids got to decorate their backpacks using the various odds and ends that people donate to the lab. I was amazed at how creative the kids were in their designs! The Child Creativity Lab is an AWESOME place! Lisa Lawrence
One of the best overall non-for-profits that I have seen! Highly focused on the kids and has made a big impact in the community.
I very much appreciate The Child Creativity Lab in that they are an outspoken proponent for "outside the box" creative thinking. They play a big part in the cure for boredom, which allows children the space in which to create freely, apart from the constraints of heavily guided activities. Their willingness to be an "open source" support for the community puts them ahead of the pack. Thank you.
Great experience!! It was amazing to be there and see how kids enjoyed all the activities! Really good organization from de staff that works there... Hope to go again sometime and continue to help!
Peter and his team provide an amazing opportunity for children (and adults) to unleash and explore their creative capacity. The Child Creativity Lab serves the community with their inspiring workshop that is filled with donated/recycled supplies. Using those supplies, there are no "instructions" to follow. Only imagination is required. I attended a Robot Building Workshop and was given a basket of random objects. By using my own imagination and design I created my "Warrior Robot". Never in my life would I describe myself as an artistic person. But this experience really made me realize we all possess creative thinking skills. I applaud The Child Creativity Lab's vision of empowering children to embrace their creativity.
I brought my Girl Scout troop here to do the STEM Maker Challenge and we had such a blast! The girls learned how to work together and about physics all while having a good time! The staff is the best and work well with the children. I would recommend this to all Girl Scout / Boy Scout troops as an outing.
Great mission, team, and experience...
Our team had so much fun creating robots! It was like being a kid again ;D
Child Creativity is an amazing organization, full of super creative, dedicated, and awesome individuals. I've worked with Peter for almost 2 years now, ever since my employer began a relationship of donating and volunteering with the org. I served on their Annual Wine Tasting Event's steering committee this year and it was such a great experience, working with the team of staff and volunteers. Each person really devoted themselves to making the event a success. I was happy to participate in the fundraising event for such an inspirational and important organization. The programs they offer are truly indispensable for kids to grow in their exploration of their own creativity. I've experienced the workshops CCL has done at schools and at their workshops, and I've also taken some of their STEM Builder kits home to my nephew -- in every instance, the kids are enthralled with the experience, and it never ends at just fun - it always teaches them about how creativity can solve real world problems. They also offer great experiences for companies - our team was able to come into the workshop for a wine and bots event, where we created our own robots and donated them to a local charity. Overall, I'm a huge fan of CCL and everything they do - great people, great work, and great experiences.
CCL has continually exceeded expectations and proven to be a valuable member of the community. The head of the organization can be a case study in non-profit entrepreneurship while the organization itself has demonstrated increasing success with exposing children to the non-linear thinking necessary in an increasingly complex world. If combinatory play is the foundation of innovative thought, CCL is the substrate where that thinking takes place. Thanks to all in the organization and even more thanks to the parents and children who make it all worthwhile.
This is a unique, efficient and very hands-on organization with excellent leadership, serving a much needed void in our educational system. Child Creativity Lab fosters creative thinking, STEM skills and teamwork with its students.
The Child Creativity Lab is a wonderful place for my kids to come and have a couple of hours to let their imaginations run free. The staff is amazing. So encouraging and providing just the right amount of direction to the kids. I love this place and have gone there for some adult time spent relaxing and crafting.
Not only have I taken my own children to the Child Creativity Lab, but I have been able to utilize many of their resources in my K-6 STEM lessons. Wonderful people to work with!!
Child creativity lab is a great organization that helps kids from all backgrounds learn critical skills for their future. The staff is awesome and dedicated to creating great experiences for the children.
The Child Creativity Lab is amazing! My grandson did not want to leave!
He treasures the gold robot that he made "by himself"!
The Lab provides an opportunity for children and adults to respect and value diversity!
I attended a workshop at Child Creativity Lab with other preschool teachers and it inspired us to provide more reusable items in our classrooms to allow our students opportunities to create and use their imagination. I also revisited the lab with my 2 year old and my 6 year old and allowed my own kids to freely explore the items. My 2 year old loved the makeshift wind tunnel and seeing the items move with the air. Thanks for providing some wonderful learning opportunities for us all!
This place is amazing!!! It is one of my daughter's favorite place. It has helped her to become more creative. The staffs are so helpful and kind too!
I have volunteered a few times with the Child Creativity Lab. What they are doing is simply amazing. I invite everybody to live the experience and know more about this non profit organization. I encourage CCL to continue doing what your are doing and giving volunteers the opportunity to support your cause: help children to develop their creativity and problem solving skills. We need more organization like this one.
I can't say enough about this place. Whether your kids are interested in STEM or simple arts and crafts, you never run out of things to do. The staff is amazing, and they can help you on an individual level or for holding very affordable private events.
I volunteered at the Child Creativity Lab, and I can honestly say it was a life changing experience. As soon as I walked in the doors I felt an immediate instinct telling me it was an amazing place. I wish I had a place like this when I was young, and I can’t begin to explain what a gift it is to work with the children there through the amazing program.
I can feel the creativity as soon as I walk into the depot. Its wonderful to have a place that stimulates children to imagine, create and produce. I am happy to commit to such a noble cause and work in a place that is making a difference in the way of thinking. I feel thankful and blessed!
We've participated in two events there and we love that place. They have so many pieces of things(buttons, metal pieces, boxes, small parts). Stuff you may normally throw out when decluttering but here the kids use it for creating their masterpieces. It really gets them to use their brains and build whatever they can imagine. They should have adult classes too, my sister and I helped my son w his robot and found ourselves really wanting to build something as well. Lol.
Once you walk in, you want to stay and play. You want to see, feel, explore all the materials on site, and if your imagination is not already in full gear, you can look up at the walls to see some inspiration from other reuse artists.
The Lab is open, airy, organized, modern and just overall esthetically pleasing. The work area is laid out well and provides good room to spread out and create, or engage in group activities.
Peter and his staff are wonderful, helpful and will make your experience worthy of the drive and time.
Child creativity lab is not only a great nonprofit organization but it's also a great environment that is run by amazing people who are tirelessly dedicating their time to help children. Volunteering there was absolutely incredible and not only taught me how to use hot glue gun really fast with children surrounding you, but also how to encourage and help others. When I first started I didn't realize how much fun i would have working with the kids and how they would impact me the way they did. This non profit organization is by far the best one I've volunteered for and absolutely deserves to be recognized. Thank you.
I was a social media intern for CCL a couple years ago and absolutely loved my experience with this nonprofit. This nonprofit is truly on a mission to nurture the creative mindset of our children while enhancing divergent thinking, critical problem solving, and the ability to innovate. With the help of social media, I was able to further share CCL's message to followers all over Orange County and increased their online presence by using my own creativity with posts on various social channels. I've never seen a nonprofit that continues to stay committed to a local community of children by constantly reaching out through school programs, library workshops, farmers markets, etc. The STEM-based workshops are purposeful, fun, engaging, and really make a difference in raising the potential for personal development in children of today's world. I'm more than happy to have spent a semester interning with this nonprofit and encourage everyone I know to get involved/donate to such a unique and impactful organization.
The Child Creativity Lab is a true gem of Orange County. The Depot for Creative Reuse has an amazing energy that is felt immediately upon walking through the doors. The CCL offers a variety of programs (held in The Depot and also out in the community) that nurture imagination, new ways of thinking, and problem solving. In the makerspace, check out the wide variety of very affordable upcycled materials (donated by local businesses) that can be used for various projects—so many possibilities; you will be inspired! I found out that you can even host a birthday party here! Peter and his team are so helpful, thoughtful, and great with kids. My family loves this place, and I’m excited to see how they will continue to grow and do even more great things.
They provided a great opportunity at our local library for our kids. The unique learning experience with the materials and kits was captivating. I would strongly recommend.
Love this place. The reusable materials are my favorite finds--stationary, arts, and crafts supplies. Great for teachers, artists and everyone alike.
There's also a creative makers space in the back and we had our kids' birthday parties there. So fun for them and the adults too.
Endless possibilities at this creative reuse depot!
I have been teaching workshops though the Child Creativity Lab and it has been very rewarding working with Peter and the other instructors. It is an excellent program as it encourages children to think in ways that are divergent and in turn help them with real world problem solving. The children also have a great time working on the projects and with fellow classmates.
With a variety of materials to choose from; it's creativity galore for all ages. Make it an outing or an event to bring out your inner inventor/scientist/developer self.
STEM classes are offered at our public school and our kids love learning science with Child Creativity Lab. The classes fill up fast and we usually have people on the waiting list. The fun projects they offer allow for kids of all ages to find fun in learning. Peter is so patient and kind with all the volunteers and students it is a pleasure to work with him and his staff.
My kids and I love love love the activities and programs offered! The artist-educators are warm, engaging and awesome! Kids and I can't wait to attend more events.
The Child Creativity Lab is truly an amazing place and resource. My kids have learned so much about how to use resources wisely while having fun at the same time. Plus they have had the chance to see how they can be creative with reusable supplies. My kids were so impressed with CCL that they begged to have their birthday party there. And I was so impressed with Peter and the CCL that I hired them to do art at the summer camp were I work for 4 weeks and received tons of compliments from parents regarding the projects the kids brought home. CCL and Peter are truly gifts to the Orange County area!!!
The Child Creativity Lab is an organization that educates and inspires. Walking into the space, you might see a group of educators learning and collaborating. You might see children celebrating a birthday party. Or you might see a van loading up hundreds of loose parts to bring to a local elementary a school. If creativity and innovation are important to you, the Child Creativity Lab is your place!
We added Child Creativity Lab to our after school program & the kids loved it. Children were always engaged and the curriculum allowed for creative thought & solutions all throughout the course. The recycling of materials allowed for even more freedom in artistic expression because the guilt of wasting product wasn't burdensome. The company was also organized & a delight to work with, added bonus!
I've had the pleasure to provide my time to the Children's Creative Lab on several occasions and it was a blessing. Their program taught me as much as it did the children about the value in STEAM education. I do not find much value in the education children learn in traditional schooling as I was raised through; however, the interactive non-textbook STEAM program the Children's Creative Lab provides is that of something I will follow to educate my children one day, likely through homeschooling. The current education system is developed for only to types of intelligence and there are nine different types of intelligence, of which we're currently aware. Children with those two types of intelligence thrive while other children blessed with the other intelligences fall apart due to feelings of inadequacy, develop "psychiatric conditions" and ultimately are labeled inferior, at best. The Children's Creative Lab is providing a next level education to the leaders of tomorrow. God bless this organization!