Happy Vancouver Pride. We hope that everyone had the opportunity to get outside and enjoy this beautiful weather.
At Covenant House Vancouver (CHV), we understand the profound impact that meaningful activities can have on at-risk youth. These activities go beyond entertainment — they are transformative experiences that foster growth, healing, and hope. Here are some of the reasons why these activities are so important:
- They help build connections
- They promote healing and transformation
- They help empower youth to make choices that are important to them
- They help youth realize their potential
Youth at CHV come from diverse backgrounds and have experienced various forms of trauma, which can affect their ability to form healthy relationships and develop positive coping mechanisms. That’s why offering safe and engaging activities is incredibly important. These activities provide youth with a chance to let go of their burdens, feel safe, and pursue their interests.
Over the summer, our passionate team of youth workers and volunteer excursion leaders have curated a vibrant calendar of events tailored to the unique interests and needs of the youth in our Crisis Program. These initiatives represent more than just recreational outings—they are vital components of our holistic approach to care, and are designed to nourish the mind, body, and spirit of each young person under our care.
Here are some of the activities that Crisis Program youth have experienced recently:
- An excursion to the Vancouver Aquarium — not only is life under the sea mysterious and beautiful, but youth also learn about the impact that humans have on this aquatic life and the importance of nurturing this fragile ecosystem
- A visit to Granville Island — summer is a great time to visit because this vibrant community hosts live, outdoor entertainment and some amazing frozen treats. It’s a great chance for social interactions through shared experiences
- Creating henna tattoos — not only is this creative endeavour a chance for self-expression, but it’s a great time to learn about the history and cultural importance of this practice
- Celebrating World Refugee Day — it’s a chance for youth to learn more about and the challenges that others face and the importance of safe refuge. It’s also an opportunity for youth to build empathy and compassion for others, through artistic creations and by enjoying multicultural snacks
- Celebrating National Indigenous People Day — understanding the importance of this day while being immersed in a salmon cookout on the beach
- Puppy yoga — this is the warm fuzzies incarnate. Yoga is a great mind-body connection that has healing properties. Not only a great practice, but puppy yoga is a chance to experience selfless love and also about caring for another creature
- Making and playing with slime — along with art therapy, play therapy is a great form of expression where words are not needed. It can also be a visceral experience that is just great fun
- Enjoying a sunny day walk to get ice cream — a great time to build social connections and share experiences in an informal setting
- Practiced meditation — like yoga, meditation practice has many health benefits, such as reducing stress, enhancing attention, and building self-awareness
- Creating Pride key chains — a form of art therapy where a person can express themselves without words. Not only a great form of therapy, but it’s a chance to create something personal that you can use, it’s a chance to show allyship, and it’s a chance to share experiences in a group setting that is safe
At Covenant House Vancouver, we are committed to providing at-risk youth with a diverse range of meaningful activities that inspire, heal, and transform.