This workshop, for youth ages 9–14, combines an engaging and interactive “Be You” session led by Jessie-Lynn MacDonald with a “Live Your Spirit!” creative play session led by Joanne T. Lauzon.
MORNING | “Be You”—Embracing Resilience: Thriving the Tween + Teen Years
When children are young, parents take on most of the responsibility for their well-being. However, as they reach adolescence—otherwise known as the tween and teenage years—they are more likely to be in situations without a parent to guide them. It can be wonderful, exhilarating and also scary and intimidating… in some cases daunting.
This is also a time when children and youth search for solutions, seek validation, a sense of worth, security, and understanding from external sources—whether it be media, social media, friends, dangerous behaviours, etc.
This fun and interactive workshop is aimed at those 9–14 years old, and is about introducing them to their own innate well-being and resilience, to uncover confidence and self-esteem, to encourage and empower them to explore who they are, their passions, and embrace this as they navigate this chapter of their lives.
Through discussion and engaging hands-on activities participants will learn about:
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The benefits of avoiding time travel: worrying about the future or holding onto the past keep us stuck in what if. It’s a place where we get caught up in anxious, stressed and fearful thoughts. Focusing on what is keeps us in the present moment and often alleviates the thought storm. It keeps us moving forward;
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Stress, worry, anxiety, fear, lack of self-confidence, peer pressure, etc: why they exist and what we can do about it;
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Social media (Instagram, Tumblr, ASKfm, Snapchat, etc): why likes/dislikes and comments are not a true reflection of you;
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Uncover your superpower: you are never broken and never lacking. Each of us has a built-in superpower when we engage and trust in ourselves life becomes easier. We trust our intuition to guide us rather than looking to others for the answer; and
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Self-leadership: how you show up in this world determines how your life will unfold. Learning to be an owner of your choices, your actions, and your reactions is a game changer.
About Be You: “The youth component of the Be You Campaign is about embracing who you are. You are as perfect and whole as anyone else. Love, acceptance, and validation can’t be found in others, friends, social media likes, circumstances, etc. They are never found outside of yourself. If you look for them outside of yourself the solutions will be temporary. The only place you will find them is within. Resilience, well-being, love and hope are always with you. Never broken, never lacking.”
—Jessie-Lynn MacDonald, jessielynnmacdonald.com
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AFTERNOON | “Live Your Spirit!”—Joyful Living through Creative Play
Hooray, hooray, it’s time to play! Creative Play, that is! We all know children love to play and create. And we know that time spent immersed in our own creative energy works to nourish our truest sense of self. When given the freedom of time and space, and the comfort in the awareness that there are no mistakes in art, creative play can be healing, rewarding, and great fun! Our afternoon together will include time exploring lettering, illustration, watercolours, and creative writing. Any or all of these techniques will be used to design and embellish pages in personal art journals to take home.
We will spend time discussing our creative spirits (hello, self-talk), moving our bodies (get those creative juices flowing), and expanding our creative experiences.
EARLY BIRD PRICING of $89 until midnight September 21st.
$119 + HST per child | Suitable for girls + boys, ages 9 to 14
10am–3pm | Lunch and materials included. Please notify us at time of registration of any dietary restrictions.
Limit of 30 participants who are imaginative, mindful, inspired, and willing to learn in a cooperative environment.
Minimum of 15 required to proceed.
Advance payment required to hold your child’s spot. Refunds are not available unless the event is cancelled by the organizers. Your spot may be transferred to another participant at no additional charge.
