What’s in Our Bin?
If you’ve ever peeked into a Purple Carrots workshop or camp, you’ve probably noticed the bin. It’s not flashy. It doesn’t look magical at first glance. But make no mistake—this bin is the operational backbone of everything we do.
Think of it as our mobile headquarters. Our safety net. The quiet hero that allows facilitators to stay fully present with participants while delivering consistent, high-quality programming—anywhere, anytime.
Our tools are deeply integrated into our session planning and facilitation structure, and that’s part of what sets Purple Carrots apart. And, we want to share what the bin represents, and why it matters so much.
Why the Bin Matters
At Purple Carrots, we design experiences—not just activities. The bin supports that mission by ensuring:
- Consistency across programs – whether it’s a weekend workshop or a full-day camp
- Flexibility in the room – facilitators can pivot in real time based on the group’s needs
- Accessibility and inclusion – tools that support different learning styles and comfort levels
- Preparedness – no scrambling, no dead time, no chaos
In short: the bin allows creativity to thrive within structure.
Our Purple Approach
At the heart of everything we do is The Purple Approach—an organic, people-first facilitation style grounded in positive reinforcement.
Our Purple Team is trained to notice and respond to moments of difficulty as they naturally arise in session. Rather than shutting moments down or pushing past them, facilitators work with participants to navigate challenges, reinforcing desired behaviours and supporting growth in real time.
To support predictability, comfort, and smooth transitions throughout the program, we use:
- Visual schedules
- Visual and audible timers
- Clearly defined group agreements
- Designated break areas
When needed, sensory aids and communication binders are also available to support individual participant needs.
This approach allows participants to feel safe, seen, and supported—while still being challenged to grow.
Building Self-Awareness & Social Skills
We intentionally strengthen self-awareness and social development by:
- Naming feelings and emotions
- Supporting problem-solving (one-on-one or as a group)
- Using a cooperative approach to conflict resolution
- Modelling strong self-awareness and social skills as Big Carrot Facilitators
These practices are embedded into every session—not taught as a separate lesson, but lived and reinforced throughout the experience.
So… What Is in the Bin?
We’ll keep this high-level on purpose.
1. Foundation Tools
These are the essentials that help us establish focus, boundaries, and a shared language in the room. They support smooth transitions, group awareness, and emotional safety—especially important for younger participants or those new to drama-based programming.
2. Imagination Activators
Every bin includes open-ended materials designed to spark creativity without prescribing outcomes. These tools invite collaboration, storytelling, and play—while leaving room for participant voice and agency.
Nothing is single-use. Everything is intentional.
3. Regulation & Reset Supports
Big feelings happen. High energy happens. Our bin includes subtle, facilitator-led supports that help groups reset, refocus, or regulate without interrupting the flow of the session.
Parents often don’t see these tools in action—but they feel their impact.
4. Adaptability Pieces
We plan meticulously, but we never over-script. The bin allows facilitators to adjust for:
- Group size changes
- Energy shifts
- Accessibility needs
- Weather, space, or time constraints
This is where experience meets responsiveness.
5. Facilitator-Only Resources
Some items in the bin are strictly for our trained team. These support facilitation quality, alignment with Purple Carrots values, and real-time decision-making in the room.
We’ll leave it at that.
Health & Safety Bin Contents
While many elements of the bin support facilitation and programming, there is also a Health & Safety Bin that travels with us at all times. This ensures we are prepared to support participant well-being and respond quickly and responsibly.
Health & Safety Bin Contents include:
- Noise-cancelling headphones
- Fidget spinners
- Pop-its
- Snap bracelets
- Stretchy / bendy rope
- Sand timers
Health & Safety & Hygiene Supplies:
- Medical first aid kit
- Hand sanitizer
- Bandages (assorted sizes)
- Tissues
- Disposable gloves
- Elastics
- Instant cold compress
- Masks (reusable & disposable)
- Feminine hygiene products (assorted)
- Incident report forms
These items support regulation, comfort, dignity, and safety—without disrupting the flow of the program.
What the Bin Is Not
- It’s not random
- It’s not filler
- It’s not a craft box
Every item earns its place. If it doesn’t actively support connection, creativity, or confidence-building—it doesn’t go in.
The Bigger Picture
The bin is just one piece of a much larger ecosystem that includes:
- Intentional session design
- Trained, values-aligned facilitators
- Clear program structures
- A people-first philosophy
Together, these elements allow us to create spaces where participants feel safe to take risks, express themselves, and grow.
So next time you see the bin roll into the room, know this:
It’s not just what’s inside—it’s how it’s used.
And that’s where the real magic happens.
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Curious to learn more about how Purple Carrots designs its programs? Stay tuned for future blog posts where we pull back the curtain—just a little.
