RVN Wellness in Port Moody, BC, recognizes the unique challenges faced by today’s children. In an era that demands so much from them, our Resilient Kids Program is specifically designed to provide support and growth. This program addresses the pressures young children confront – from school, home life, and societal influences such as bullying, social media, and the digital world’s fast pace. Our goal is to build independence, resilience, and a lasting sense of joy in a fun, creative, and play-based setting.
Expanding on the successful Young Ravens Yoga program, we have created a play therapy, yoga-inspired group, giving young people an opportunity to build resilience through intentional, evidence-based activities. These sessions, led by a Registered Social Worker and Yoga Instructor, are crafted to encourage resilience in children. By incorporating movement, games, art, and music, we provide a dynamic environment for children to develop self-reliance and effective strategies for managing intense emotions.
Our program is structured around weekly sessions, fostering a consistent and nurturing environment for children. This regular engagement allows them to form meaningful and safe friendships and progressively build upon their skills. Such continuity is crucial for children’s emotional well-being, helping them feel connected and actively involved in the program. For older children, check out our Resilient Tween & Teen Programs.
In addition to our offerings for kids, we also host Resilient Families, a yoga-inspired play therapy group (see schedule below on this page), where parents and children can come together to explore the benefits of yoga and shared experiences. This aspect of our program enhances family bonds and provides a collective approach to addressing the challenges faced by young people today.
Ages: See our schedule for the various Resilient Kids classes available. Classes are available for ages 4 to 17 years old, all gender identities welcome. We also host a Resilient Girls class.
When: Once a week (see schedule below), 45-minute sessions, drop-off begins 15 minutes before the class starts
Duration: Registration opens for each season – Fall / Winter / Summer / Spring
Cost: Refer to registration page
Instructor: A Registered Social Worker/Yoga Instructor
Program Details:
- A blend of movement, games, art, and music in a play therapy format.
- Focuses on building resilience, self-reliance, and coping strategies for managing emotions.
- Encourages connection – with self, peers, and family.
Note: 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.
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.
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.
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 (12-17) 6:00 - 7:00 pm | ||||||
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.
Explore All Our After School Programs
Our programs at RVN Wellness go beyond physical activity; they are an adventure into the world of emotional intelligence and mindfulness by an experienced counsellor in child mental health. Our after-school programs for children offer a welcoming space away from the pressures of growing up, providing tools for emotion management and stress relief. We focus on nurturing the whole child – their body, mind, and spirit – helping them to understand their emotions, develop healthy relationships, and embrace their unique selves.
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.
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