MHCB, Stepping Stones to Mental Health is excited to be offering universal free to low-cost summer programming in Rocky View communities this summer. (Publisher's note: Some of the in-person programs aren't "local", however, they are worth the drive if you need something to do this summer!)
Children’s Programming
Kimochis (5 weeks)
"On the surface, we’re a family of cuddly critters and a big bowl of emotions. Underneath, we’re a proven system for helping kids grow and transform by dealing skillfully with their feelings.” Join us for a fun-filled exploration of emotions and communication! For ages 4-6.
- July 6-August 3, Tuesdays from 8:00-8:45 AM (Online)
- July 8-August 5, Thursdays from 8:00-8:45 AM (Online)
MindUP Kids Online (5 weeks)
For students entering grades 3-5. Learn about mindfulness and how it can calm your child's brain when worried and help them focus. We'll talk about the importance of kindness and gratitude and how these actions will build resilience, all through fun and engaging online activities!
- July 6-August 3, Tuesdays from 9:00-10:00 AM (Online)
- July 7-August 4, Wednesdays from 9:00-10:00 AM (Online)
Listen to Your Art: Creative Children (4 weeks)
A wellness program for children ages 8-12 which integrates mindfulness and art. The program aims to cultivate mindfulness skills, stress reduction, social and emotional learning, and self-compassion. ($5 cost for supplies, subsidy available)
Little Kids Summer Yoga (6 weeks)
A child-friendly series of yoga poses, mindful activities, and stories to facilitate the development of a mindfulness practice for children going into kindergarten through grade 3.
May the Forest Be With You (4 weeks)
A 4-week program where children will engage in nature-based mindfulness activities and games. Children will have the opportunity to learn more about the benefits nature has on our minds and bodies, all while having fun outdoors! ($5 cost for supplies, subsidy available)
- July 8-29, Thursdays from 1:00-2:30 PM (Cochrane Riverfront Park)
- August 5-26, Thursdays from 1:00-2:30 PM (Airdrie Chinook Winds Park)
Youth Programming
4th R for LGBTQ+ Youth (9 weeks)
A summer program for LGBTQ2S+ youth and allies ages 13-17. We will learn about positive mental health, experience engaging activities, and explore creative ways to deal with challenges. We will have weekly online meetups as well as socially distanced in-person events throughout the summer, following all AHS COVID-19 protocols.
Artistic Flow (6 weeks)
A mindful art and yoga program for youth ages 13-16. We will practice inclusive poses, breathing, and movement followed by a mindful art activity to reduce stress and increase resilience. All supplies will be provided, including a yoga mat. ($5 cost for supplies, subsidy available)
Creative Hearts: Expressive Arts Group for Youth ( 4 weeks)
Join MHCB, Stepping Stones to Mental Health and Blackbird Healing Arts Collective for a 4-week online expressive arts program open to youth ages 13-17. Themes focused on purpose, belonging and acceptance in a community.
Listen to Your Art: Talented Teens (4 weeks)
A wellness program for youth ages 13-16 which integrates mindfulness and art. The program aims to cultivate mindfulness skills, stress reduction, social and emotional learning, and self-compassion. ($5 cost for supplies, subsidy available)
Mindful Movement Yoga for Youth (Cochrane: 4 weeks, Airdrie: 6 weeks)
This program for ages 10-15 includes a series of simple yoga poses and guided reflections to facilitate and teach a mindfulness practice for adolescents. Yoga mat included. ($5 cost for supplies, subsidy available)
- July 7-28, Wednesdays from 2:00-3:00 PM (Cochrane Riverfront Park)
- July 20-August 24, Tuesdays from 1:00-2:00 PM (Airdrie Chinooks Winds Park)
- August 4-25, Wednesdays from 3:00-4:00 PM (Cochrane Riverfront Park)
Community Events
Family and Community Connection Programs: Hula Hoop Making
Join us at your community park for this mindful movement activity. First, we'll put our creativity to work to decorate our own unique hoop, and then put our movement skills to the test!
- Friday, July 9 from 1:00-4:00 PM (Crossfield Banta Park)
- Saturday, July 24 from 1:30-4:30 PM (Cochrane Riverfront Park)
- Monday, July 26 from 11:00AM-3:30 PM (Irricana Lion’s Park)
- Monday, August 9 from 11:00AM-3:30 PM (Beiseker Community School)
- Friday, August 13 from 2:00-4:00 PM (Airdrie Chinook Winds Park)
Mindful Readers
Join MHCB, Stepping Stones to Mental Health and the Cochrane Public Library online throughout the summer for a family-friendly story and art-based mindfulness activity. Pick up your supply kit at the Cochrane Public Library (405 Railway St. W, Cochrane) between July 14 and July 21, Monday-Thursday: 10 am-8 pm or Friday-Saturday: 10 am-6 pm.
- Friday, July 23 from 10:30-11:30 AM (Online)
- Story: The Huge Bag of Worries by Virgina Ironside
- Mindfulness Activity: Worry Worms
- Tuesday, August 10 from 4:00-5:00 PM (Online)
- Story: Find Your Calm by Gabbi Garcia
- Mindfulness Activity: DIY Calming Bottles
- Wednesday, August 25 from 6:00-7:00 PM (Online)
- Story: Alphabreaths: The ABC's of Mindful Breathing by Christopher Willard & Daniel Rechtschaffen
- Mindfulness Activity: Beaded Bubble Wands
About Stepping Stones to Mental Health:
A partnership between Alberta Health Services and Rocky View Schools, Stepping Stones to Mental Health is a mental health capacity building project that promotes positive mental health and wellness to students. This is accomplished by providing programming and activities to increase the awareness and promotion of mental health and wellness. We also collaborate and partner with organizations in the community to connect and engage students to their programs and activities.
