Empowering the Next Generation Through Yoga & Mindfulness
RVN Wellness, located on St. John’s Street in Port Moody, BC, offers innovative and engaging after-school programs and school break camps in the Tri-Cities. Each of the children’s and teen yoga classes, kids’ camps, and specialized play therapy groups are designed and led by Dawn Slykhuis, a Registered Social Worker and Yoga Instructor with over 20 years of experience working in youth mental health.
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by children today, our programs offer a sanctuary from the pressures of home life, academics, and social media. Fun, yoga-inspired, and evidence-based play therapy activities are integrated to foster resilience, independence, and self-confidence. Classes start as young as 4 years old and cater to school-age children, tweens, and teenagers.
Our Young Ravens (Kids Yoga) and Resilient Kids Classes blend physical yoga with play therapy, fostering emotional intelligence, resilience, and creativity in a fun, interactive environment. In a world where children encounter challenges from bullying to the fast pace of the digital world, these programs provide a nurturing space for them to learn coping strategies, express themselves, and build physical strength.
The Resilient Teens & Tweens Programs extend these benefits to older children, focusing on self-reliance and a strong connection to self, peers, and the world. These sessions are vital for navigating the complexities of adolescence, offering tools for managing emotions, stress, and the unique challenges of this age group.
In addition to our weekly programs, RVN Wellness also offers adventure-based School Break and Pro-D Day Camps aligned with the SD43 calendar. These camps, popular among children aged 5 to 11, provide full-day experiences during summer, winter, and spring breaks. Emphasizing movement, mindfulness, and social awareness, these camps are not just fun; they are a journey into self-discovery and confidence-building. The camps take advantage of our beautiful location near Rocky Point Park and give children a chance to connect with nature and participate in planning their adventures, from Belcarra Park to Lynn Canyon.
Our Resilient Families Program offers a unique opportunity for parents and children to bond over yoga and shared experiences, enhancing family relationships and providing a collective approach to the challenges faced by young people today.
Note: Resilient Programs may be eligible for coverage under extended health plans with RSW (Registered Social Worker) benefits.
RVN Wellness is a registered FNHA, CVAP and AFU provider. Programs may be covered by Jumpstart funding for those with financial barriers.
Explore Our Kids & Teens Programs
Young Ravens
Lila Divine Play Children's Yoga
Ages 4 to 8
Resilient Kids
Yoga Inspired Group
Ages 4 to 10
Resilient Teens
Yoga Inspired Group
Ages 9 to 17
Resilient Families
Yoga Together
Adult+ Children Ages 8 to 13
Kids Camps
Full-day adventure camps during school breaks and SD43 Pro-D Days.
Our Approach & Principles
1. Body Autonomy: We emphasize the importance of body autonomy. No child is forced to participate in any activity that doesn’t feel good in their body. We teach children to safely say “no.”
2. Body Awareness: Our programs focus on developing a keen sense of body awareness.
3. Social/Emotional Learning: We incorporate social and emotional learning in all activities.
4. Inclusivity and Accessibility: We ensure that our programs are inclusive and accessible to all children.
5. Lila (Divine Play): Lila, or divine play, is a key element in our approach, fostering resilience and joy.
6. Anti-Bullying Policy: We maintain a strict anti-bullying policy to ensure a safe and nurturing environment for all participants.
7. Open to All Abilities: Children of all abilities are welcome. There is no requirement for prior experience in any of our camps.
8. Participation: Children are invited to come as they are and participate in a way that feels comfortable to them.
Shaping a Brighter Future: Benefits for Your Child
Resilience & Confidence
Foster resilience, focus, and self-esteem from a young age.
Creative Play
Enjoy imaginative and fun-filled yoga sessions.
Safe Space
Experience growth in a secure, nurturing setting.
Community Building
Forge lasting friendships and a sense of community.
Emotional & Social Skills
Learn valuable skills for emotional and social well-being.
Crystal Collection Journey
Each class adds a special crystal to their personal collection.
About Our Instructor: Dawn Slykhuis
Dawn Slykhuis, a yoga instructor and therapist, brings years of experience in child mental health to RVN Wellness. As a Registered Social Worker and Yoga Instructor, she expertly crafts play-based learning programs that blend yoga, breathwork, and meditation with evidence-based practices for mental wellness and social-emotional learning (SEL). Her expertise extends to working with a diverse range of needs, including supporting individuals with ADHD, neurodivergent children, and those on the autism spectrum. Dawn also offers personalized one-on-one therapy for teens and kids, providing counselling for anxiety, depression, trauma, and a variety of challenges that children may encounter. At RVN Wellness, we welcome everyone, embracing all identities, races, abilities, and backgrounds in a nurturing environment that celebrates diversity and encourages a sense of belonging and acceptance for every individual.
Registration & More Information
View RVN Wellness’ Kids and Family Yoga Classes below. Click on a class to register.
Prices will be prorated for the remainder of the term.
Consider private assessment/counselling for mental health or substance use concerns (see our counselling page).
If you have specific needs or questions, please contact dawn@rvnwellness.com. Additional class times may be available for groups of 3 or more children.
For our Frequently Asked Questions about our kid programs, click here.
If the class you want is full, join our waitlist. Can’t find a suitable time? Just email Dawn@RVNWellness.com your preferred schedule. With at least 4 interested children, we’ll happily set up a new class. Together, we can make sure your child doesn’t miss out on our enriching yoga experience!
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
(ages 4 to 8) 4:00 pm - 4:45 pm (1 adult + 1 child ages 8-13, email for additional children) 5:00 pm - 5:15 pm | ||||||
Join our RVN Wellness Community in Port Moody!
We’re not just a yoga studio; we’re a sanctuary for young minds and hearts, empowering them to navigate life’s complexities with strength, calm, and resilience. Our doors are open to families across Vancouver’s Lower Mainland, including the Tri-cities (Port Moody, Coquitlam, and Port Coquitlam), Balcarra, Anmore, Burnaby, and New Westminster.
“If every 8 year old in the world is taught meditation, we will eliminate violence from the world within one generation.”
– Dalai Lama