Facilitator’s Guide

How to Host a Group in Second Haven

Second Haven makes it possible to combine the conversation space of Discord with the immersive, creative world of Minecraft. This guide explains how to schedule, prepare, and facilitate a support group session whether you’re only in Discord or participating in both Discord and Minecraft.

1. Before the Group

Scheduling

  • Pick a date & time
    Check the current calendar of events and moderator availability.
  • Share your event information
    Ask Lisa Lindeman (Discord admin) or KK for help adding your event to our website calendar and the Events list in Discord. Through Discord, members can RSVP and get a reminder.
  • Select the format
    Will you be:
    • only on Discord (voice/video), while participants are in Minecraft, or
    • present in both spaces (leading in-game activities as well as voice discussion)?

Preparation

  • Choose the focus
    Examples: coping strategies, social connection, mindfulness, creative expression.
  • Choose Minecraft activities
    Plan for activities that support conversation and togetherness. See examples below.
  • Set expectations
    Explain to participants that Minecraft provides a relaxed backdrop. The group is about connection not competition. Unless you explicitly plan a competitive activity, remind participants why they’re there.

2. Setting Up

Discord

  • Voice or video channel
    Facilitators should join the Discord voice channel. Participants can join with or without video.
  • Text backup
    Keep a text channel open for people who can’t use voice.
  • Ground rules
    Begin with quick reminders about respectful sharing and listening.

Minecraft

  • Safe space
    Stay in the main world (not Hero’s Journey, unless you plan on fighting monsters).
  • Choose a meeting spot
    Examples: gathering hall, campfire circle, garden, or cafe
  • Moderation support
    Have a mod available to handle technical or griefing issues.
  • Screen sharing
    If desired, select a player or mod to share their screen for participants outside Minecraft.

3. Running the Group

Opening (5–10 min)

  • Welcome everyone. Explain the format.
  • Quick round of introductions (names, pronouns, one-word check-in).
  • Introduce moderators or expert players who can assist participants with Minecraft logistics. For example, if participants will be writing in a book (inside Minecraft), the moderator can help them open the book, write in the pages, “sign” it, and place the book down for posterity.

Main Activity (30–45 min)

Facilitator guides conversation while members can:

  • Build together (e.g., each person places a block to represent a feeling or idea)
  • Walk & talk (explore a forest, cave, or custom build while talking)
  • Creative sharing (participants show something they built since last session)
  • Mindful play (fishing together, tending a garden, watching a sunrise)

Discord voice carries the dialogue. Minecraft provides the shared setting.

Closing (5–10 min)

  • Consider how your closing reflection can include the Minecraft space. For example, participants can write in books or on signs and place them in the gathering area or in key locations.
  • Preview the next meeting time and topic. This serves as a reminder that Second Haven is a 24/7 resource. Participants can join any time, and future events will occur in this same space.
  • End with a grounding activity that utilizes Minecraft. For example, everyone could place a block or item (such as a flower) or put their book on a lectern (which allows any other player to view and read it).

4. After the Group

  • Follow-up
    Post a thank-you in Discord and invite feedback.
  • Notes
    Record key themes (not personal details) for continuity.
  • Check-ins
    Reach out privately if someone seemed distressed.

Tips for Facilitators

  • Keep it flexible
    Minecraft is a backdrop, not the focus. Silence is okay while building or walking.
  • Honor participation styles
    Some participants will be stronger in Discord chat. Others will feel more comfortable in Minecraft, just being present. Allow both.
  • Tech backup
    Have a co-facilitator/mod to handle game hiccups so you can focus on people.
  • Accessibility
    Encourage participants to join in whatever way works (Discord-only, Minecraft-only, or both).
  • Boundaries
    Consider what boundaries will be important with the combination of Minecraft presence and Discord voice or video participation. For example, are participants free to type in the Minecraft chat bar (possible side discussions) while Discord is being used?

Sample Activities

  • Build Your Safe Space
    Each participant adds blocks or design ideas to a shared sanctuary.
  • Memory Path
    Walk a trail with pre-built spots of interest. With each stop, pose a question or prompt further discussion.
  • Community Garden
    Set aside a large area of land with a quilt of individual plots. Each participant can claim a plot and plant flowers or build something small to represent something positive in their life, their personal journey, their style, or something related to your chosen topic.
  • Campfire Stories
    Gather at a fire pit build or cozy area and share stories or reflections.

Summary

  • Schedule with Discord Events.
  • Prepare both Discord (voice rules) and Minecraft (meeting spot).
  • Guide conversation while Minecraft provides immersion.
  • Close with reflection and follow up afterward.