Next up in our Arts + Culture Partners Spotlight series, we’re featuring Ivy Baker and the G.U.M. Squad Program (Growing Up Mindfully)! Rooted in the G.U.M Code—a set of eight core virtues like patience, kindness, and self-control—the program uses art projects, reflection circles, breathing exercises, and role-play to help kids make mindful choices that stick with them as they grow. Whether through in-school clubs, afterschool programs, author reads, or summer enrichment sessions, the G.U.M. Squad empowers students to grow strong from the inside out.
Tell us about your organization!
Ivy Baker is a trusted partner of schools, families and students, providing lessons, mindfulness practices and art projects that extend the learning of mindfulness and social emotional principles. Ms. Baker has been lending her support to schools in Baltimore County and Baltimore City since 2013.
The G.U.M Squad Program (Growing Up Mindfully) helps kids to manage emotions, make positive choices and grow strong character from the inside out.
Rooted in the G.U.M Code — a collection of 8 virtues like patience, kindness and self-control — kids engage in lessons, art projects and challenges that teach them to make mindful choices that will stick with them as they grow up.
Students explore mindfulness and emotional regulation through fun and engaging art projects, reflection circles, breathing exercises, and role-play. There are several formats which include and In-School Club, Afterschool Program, Author Read or Summer Enrichment Program.
Why should teachers and students be excited about your program?
Ms. Baker fosters an inclusive, emotionally safe environment that nurtures the developmental needs of each youth she works with. Her magnetic personality, warmth, and optimistic outlook are welcomed by both students and educators alike. With adept classroom management skills, she effortlessly establishes expectations, routines, and authentic connections.
Students really enjoy working toward Squad Goals and earning tokens and power-ups. It’s wonderful incentive and serves as a reminder that they have a goal they are working towards.
Is there a particular program you’d like us to highlight? What makes it special?
The G.U.M Squad Assembly is an interactive experience full of mindful movement, lessons and games based on the 8 virtues in the G.U.M Code.
Ms. Baker brings the G.U.M Code to life — teaching kids how to manage emotions, make positive choices and grow strong character from the inside out.
Assemblies are grade-specific (pairing close grades) and are based on the full G.U.M Squad Program, making The G.U.M Squad Assembly a perfect launchpad or companion to deeper school-wide SEL efforts.
G.U.M Squad Assemblies stick with students, stretching their mindfulness far beyond the school day.
Learn more about Ivy Baker and the G.U.M Squad Program on their website, and check them out on their Instagram page!
