Mind outside

Mind Outside is a free 7-week program geared towards youth who experience mild to moderate anxiety and/or depression. 

The program will involve a weekly outdoor adventure and a weekly mental wellness session. In the physical activity component, youth will learn first aid, outdoor safety, and other necessary skills for outdoor adventures. They will do activities such as hiking, kayaking, swimming, etc around the Kamloops area. In the group mental wellness session, the counsellor will lead the youth through mindfulness practices and teach them tools to cope with and manage mental health and wellness concerns.

Everyone feels worried or anxious at times and sometimes low mood or depression can get in the way of doing the things you want to do. The good news is we have learned that physical activity can improve mental health. Studies have shown that regular physical activity can be as effective as medication or cognitive therapy for improving mental health and effectively treating depression and anxiety. That’s why the Y offers Mind Outside.

Eligibility
• Ages 10-17
• Experiencing depression, low mood, anxiety, worry and/or stress
• No formal diagnosis is needed
• All fitness levels welcome

Benefits
• Opportunity to try a new physical activity every week
• Make new friends and have fun
• Mind Outside is FREE; YMCA membership is not required
• Participants receive a complimentary 12-week YMCA membership
• Learn how to manage mental health from experienced professionals in a safe environment

In Kamloops Mind Outside runs during the summer at John Tod Centre – call or email today to find out dates, times and register for an Information Session!

Please contact our Program Coordinator at 250-376-4771 ext.122 or mentalwellness@bc.ymca.ca for information on program dates.