In today’s rapidly evolving world, marked by unique challenges, RVN Wellness in Port Moody, BC, recognizes the complex landscape our children navigate. The Young Raven’s Program is our response to the multifaceted pressures faced by today’s youth – pressures stemming from school, home life, and broader societal influences such as bullying, the unrealistic expectations set by social media, and the addictive nature of video games. This program is not just a response to these challenges; it’s a proactive step towards nurturing resilience, independence, and joy in our young ones.
The Young Raven’s Program is a dynamic after-school initiative designed to provide a safe and nurturing space for them to unwind, release the anxieties and stressors of the day, and reconnect with their inner calm. Your child will engage in physical yoga practices while also learning vital life skills. These skills – techniques for resilience, emotional management, and mindfulness – are not confined to the yoga mat. Instead, they are tools that participants can carry with them into their everyday lives, equipping them to face the world with confidence and a grounded sense of self.
Ages: 4 to 8 years old
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:
- Focus on Lila (Divine Play), blending physical yoga with fun and interactive activities.
- Children learn to express themselves, explore creativity, and build physical strength.
- Each class includes a crystal, adding to their personal collection for understanding healing properties.
Note: This class is more yoga/play-based and cannot be covered under extended health plans.
RVN Wellness is a registered FNHA, CVAP and AFU provider. Programs may be covered by Jumpstart funding for those with financial barriers.
Our ethos, “Offering yoga to children and youth is about sharing our adult privilege and power,” reflects our commitment to empowering the next generation. We believe in the strength and potential of our young people, and through the Young Raven’s Program, we strive to unlock and nurture these qualities.
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 counselling 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 Families
Yoga Together
Adult+ Children Ages 8 to 13
Kids Camps
Full-day adventure camps during school breaks and Pro-D Days.
Resilient Teens
Yoga Inspired Group
Ages 9 to 17
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