Growing Mindfully

Wellness and movement skills for youth through mindfulness and fun activity.

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Growing Mindfully

Program Description

At the Y, we believe everyone deserves spaces that nurture their well-being, build confidence and strengthen their sense of belonging. Growing Mindfully brings this commitment to life by combining movement, mindfulness and connection in a supportive group setting.

8 weeks
Free
Small Group Program
Y Membership Required: No
Growing Mindfully
Program overview

Growing Mindfully is a free physical and mental wellness program for youth ages 8 to 12. The program helps children stay active while learning healthy coping strategies to support emotional well-being.

Each session includes a mental wellness component where participants explore tools for handling difficult emotions and a physical activity component that encourages movement in a fun and supportive environment.

The YMCA Growing Mindfully program has been successfully delivered in Kamloops since 2019.

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Thanks to the support of the YMCA BC Foundation in 2024, the Growing Mindfully expansion across BC began. Ever since that time, the Kamloops Y has been overseeing Growing Mindfully in other areas across BC including Prince George, Coquitlam and Chilliwack.

Program benefits
  • Physical Wellness
    • Try a new physical activity each week
    • Build confidence in movement in a fun, supportive setting
  • Mindfulness & Emotional Skills
    • Practice a new mindfulness activity every session
    • Learn tools and strategies to manage stress and difficult emotions
    • Gain guidance from trained mental wellness facilitators
  • Connection & Social Well-Being
    • Make new friends and strengthen social confidence
    • Explore wellness in a safe, encouraging peer environment
  • Program Perks
    • Free to participate; no YMCA membership required
    • Participants receive a complimentary YMCA membership (subject to location)
Program eligibility
  • Youth ages 8 to 12
  • No formal diagnosis required
  • All fitness levels welcome
Program schedule
  • Length: 8 Weeks  
  • Mode: In-person
  • Location: Coquitlam, Chilliwack, Prince George and Kamloops
  • Phone (for all locations): 250-367-4771 ext. 115
  • Schedule: Sessions run 1x per week
  • Email us at mentalwellness@bc.ymca.ca (please include contact information and birth date) for session dates and registration information
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Growing Mindfully
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Our youth support and development programs are offered in the regions listed below. Select a region below to learn more and receive next steps.

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Kamloops Programs

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Program FAQs

Find answers to common questions about our program below.

What is included in a Growing Mindfully session?

Each session includes a physical activity component and a mindfulness or mental wellness activity, allowing youth to explore movement, coping tools, and social connection in a guided environment.

Does my child need a diagnosis to participate?

No. The program is open to all youth ages 8 to 12, regardless of fitness level or mental health diagnosis.

Is there a cost to join?

No. This program is fully free, and participants also receive a complimentary YMCA membership for the duration of the program.

How do I register?

Submit an inquiry form above, or contact our Mental Wellness team at mentalwellness@bc.ymca.ca (please include contact information and birth date).

When you join the YMCA you join more than a gym. You join a community.