Recess Guardians

Recess Guardians is a charitable organization based in Canada, established in 2008. Its mission is to empower youth through active play and leadership development, aiming to reduce bullying, enhance inclusion, and promote healthy lifestyles in schools. Founded by Mike McDonald, the organization has grown significantly, impacting around 400,000 students across over 700 schools nationwide.

Recess Guardians offers various programs tailored to meet the needs of schools. These include in-school programming that integrates seamlessly into school schedules, a virtual leadership program for remote access, and the Active8 programming package, which provides activity planning and equipment for both schools and families during the summer. The organization focuses on building leadership skills and fostering positive life skills through unstructured play, with reported outcomes showing increased confidence, cooperation, and social inclusion among students. Recess Guardians serves educational institutions across all provinces and territories in Canada and is exploring expansion into U.S. and international markets.