Young Ravens - Yoga for Children & Play Therapy

About Our Young Ravens Program (Yoga for Kids)

In a world that can feel fast-paced and overwhelming for children, RVN Wellness in Port Moody, BC offers a thoughtful after-school retreat designed to help young ones slow down, feel supported, and reconnect with themselves. This program responds to the many pressures children face today, including school demands, home stress, bullying, social media expectations, and the pull of video games. Rather than simply reacting to these challenges, it creates space for resilience, independence, and joy to grow.

Through a blend of physical yoga, play-based learning, and gentle guidance, children are invited to release the tension of the day and return to a sense of inner calm. Along the way, they build practical life skills they can carry into everyday life, including resilience, emotional regulation, and mindfulness. These are not just class-time tools; they are foundations for confidence and grounded self-awareness.

Ages: 4 to 8 years old

When: Once a week (see schedule below), 45-minute sessions, with drop-off beginning 15 minutes before class.

Duration: Registration opens each season — Fall, Winter, Summer, and Spring.

Cost: Refer to registration page.

Instructor: A Registered Social Worker/Yoga Instructor.

Program Details:

• Focus on Lila (Divine Play), combining yoga with fun, interactive activities.
• Children are encouraged to express themselves, explore creativity, and build physical strength.
• Each class includes a crystal, which becomes part of their personal collection as they learn about healing properties.

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 also be covered by Jumpstart funding for families facing financial barriers.

Our approach reflects a simple belief: offering yoga to children and youth is about sharing adult privilege and power in a way that empowers the next generation. We honor each child’s strength, potential, and right to participate in a way that feels safe and comfortable.

Shaping a Brighter Future: Benefits for Your Child

• Resilience & Confidence: Build focus, self-esteem, and inner strength from an early age.
• Creative Play: Enjoy imaginative, joyful yoga experiences.
• Safe Space: Grow in a secure and nurturing environment.
• Community Building: Make friendships and feel a sense of belonging.
• Emotional & Social Skills: Develop tools for emotional and social well-being.
• Crystal Collection Journey: Add a special crystal to the collection each class.

Our Approach & Principles

1. Body Autonomy: Children are never pressured to do anything that does not feel good in their body. They are taught to safely say “no.”
2. Body Awareness: The program supports a strong sense of body awareness.
3. Social/Emotional Learning: Social and emotional learning is woven into every activity.
4. Inclusivity and Accessibility: The program is designed to be inclusive and accessible to all children.
5. Lila (Divine Play): Divine play is central to the experience, supporting joy and resilience.
6. Anti-Bullying Policy: A strict anti-bullying policy helps maintain a safe space for everyone.
7. Open to All Abilities: Children of all abilities are welcome, with no prior experience required.
8. Participation: Children are invited to show up as they are and engage in the way that feels right for them.

About Our Instructor: Dawn Slykhuis

Dawn Slykhuis is a yoga instructor and therapist with years of experience in child mental health. As a Registered Social Worker and Yoga Instructor, she creates play-based learning experiences that combine yoga, breathwork, and meditation with evidence-based practices for mental wellness and social-emotional learning. Her work includes supporting children with ADHD, neurodivergent children, and those on the autism spectrum. Dawn also offers one-on-one counselling for teens and kids, including support for anxiety, depression, trauma, and other challenges children may face. RVN Wellness welcomes all identities, races, abilities, and backgrounds in a nurturing environment that celebrates diversity and belonging.

Registration & More Information

• Registration: View RVN Wellness’ Kids and Family Yoga Classes below and click a class to register.
• Late Registrants: Prices will be prorated for the remainder of the term.
• Private Sessions: Private assessment/counselling is available for mental health or substance use concerns.
• Contact Us: Additional class times may be available for groups of 3 or more children.
• FAQ: For Frequently Asked Questions about kid programs, click here.

If the class you want is full, join the waitlist. If you can’t find a suitable time, send your preferred schedule. With at least 4 interested children, a new class can be arranged.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Resilient Girls (ages 7 to 11) 4:00 - 4:45 pm

Resilient Kids (ages 4-8) 5:00 - 5:45 pm

Resilient Tweens & Teens (asana focused) (ages 9-17) 6:00 - 6:45 pm

Resilient Kids Workshop Series (ages 5-10) 3:30 - 5:30 pm (select weeks)

Explore All Our After School Programs

RVN Wellness offers more than physical activity. These after-school programs open the door to emotional intelligence and mindfulness with guidance from an experienced counsellor in child mental health. Children are given a welcoming space away from the pressures of growing up, along with tools for emotion management and stress relief. The focus is on nurturing the whole child — body, mind, and spirit — so they can understand their feelings, build healthy relationships, and embrace who they are.

Join our RVN Wellness Community in Port Moody!

We are more than a yoga studio; we are a sanctuary for young minds and hearts, helping children move through life with calm, strength, and resilience. Families from Vancouver’s Lower Mainland are welcome, 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