In an era where young people are often described as the most “stressed” generation, RVN Wellness in Port Moody, BC, is acutely aware of the multifaceted challenges facing today’s youth. From the pressures of school and home life to societal issues like bullying, the impact of social media, addictive video games, and the aftermath of recent global events, our youth are in need of a supportive and nurturing environment. Our Tween and Teenager Yoga classes are specifically tailored to provide such a space, aiding young individuals in navigating these stressors with resilience and connection.
Teens today face an array of unprecedented challenges, and at RVN Wellness, we recognize the yoga mat as a crucial tool for coping when the world becomes overwhelming. Our Resilient Teens program is a forward-thinking initiative focused on building resilience for managing the real-life scenarios that teenagers encounter. Incorporating evidence-based practices, including yoga, breathwork, and meditation, this program is designed to promote mental wellness in an effective and accessible manner. These skills are essential in managing the complexities of modern adolescence, fostering empowerment, and enhancing overall well-being.
The RVN Wellness experience goes beyond mere physical activity; it is a journey towards self-awareness and emotional management, guided by an experienced counselor in youth mental health and play therapy. Our yoga classes provide a haven from the challenges of peer pressure, social media, and societal and academic pressures. We equip young individuals with tools to manage difficult emotions and stress, addressing concerns like anxiety, self-esteem, depression, anger, eating disorders, and self-harm. More than just yoga postures, our classes lay a foundation for mental wellness and self-understanding, critical in handling issues related to body image, peer relationships, and emotional fluctuations.
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 for Ages 9 to 13:
- Yoga-inspired play therapy group incorporating movement, games, art, and music.
- Focus on developing resilience, self-reliance, and coping strategies.
- Emphasis on connection – to self, peers, family, and the world.
- Kids receive a crystal each class.
Program Details for Ages 12 to 17:
- Engage in yoga practices to connect with intuition.
- Focus on developing resilience, self-reliance, and coping strategies.
- Emphasis on connection – to self, peers, family, and the world.
- Receive a crystal each class to build a personal crystal collection, understanding the healing properties of each gemstone.
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 & Self-esteem
Develop inner strength, focus, and positive self-image.
Community & Connection
Build meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging.
Safe Space
Thrive in a secure, supportive environment.
Emotional Intelligence
Learn techniques for managing emotions and stress effectively.
Holistic Yoga Benefits
Gain physical strength, mental clarity, and mindfulness.
Personalized Support
Receive tailored guidance for diverse challenges.
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 and youth mental health to RVN Wellness. As a Registered Social Worker and Yoga Instructor, she expertly crafts 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 young people 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
At RVN Wellness, our programs extend beyond physical activity; they are an exploration into emotional intelligence and mindfulness, guided by an experienced counselor in child mental health. Our after-school yoga programs in Port Moody provide a welcoming space away from the pressures of growing up, equipping children with tools for emotion management and stress relief. We focus on nurturing the whole child – body, mind, and spirit – aiding them in understanding their emotions, developing healthy relationships, and embracing 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.
In addition to our dedicated programs for kids and teens, RVN Wellness proudly offers the Resilient Families group, a distinctive family yoga experience in Port Moody, BC. This class is a wonderful opportunity for parents and children to practice yoga together, fostering deeper connections through shared activities. It’s not just about yoga poses; our classes incorporate breathwork and mindful activities, making each session a journey towards greater understanding and togetherness.
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