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Mindfulness for kids, near you

Looking for mindfulness training in your city? Use our advanced search to create a discrete list, using the links below.

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The benefits of mindfulness for kids and teens

In a world that’s increasingly stressful and distracting for kids, mindfulness training is going to be an important coping mechanism and mental health aid. Research shows that increased time on social media has a negative effect on kids' mental health, and experts feel it definitely does more harm than good. Gaming is another prevalent aspect of contemporary childhood that comes under fire for negative impacts. Mindfulness training can offset these negative effects, giving kids and teens a means of taking control of their inner world and gain perspective. 

It’s also beneficial to expose them as early as possible. “It’s almost as though [it] was designed for kids,” says Andy Puddicombe of Headspace. “They just ‘get it’: there is this elasticity and freedom in their minds which allows them to be present in the moment and free from any external thoughts or pressures.” When you introduce them to mindfulness early,  they acquire a base they can build on lifelong, one that “helps nurture their mind development” and “make meditation simple and accessible,” says Puddicombe. 

Camps like those above offer kids space to explore mindfulness techniques on their own or with like-minded peers. They learn to own it. Camps may include activities like yoga or meditation, but mindfulness training can be incorporated into many other activities, anything from gaga ball to  swimming to other physical exercise. Dedicated mindfulness camps will also be augmented with related activities that develop creativity, resilience, independence and other traits. Camps will typically include discussion and learning about the health benefits and even the science behind mindfulness. This all comes together to give campers an intensely satisfying personal growth experience. 

What other kinds of camps teach mindfulness? 

Mindfulness camps like those above are just one way to boost your kids’ consciousness and mental wellbeing. Here are some other kinds of camps and kids’ programs available on our site that might further encourage personal growth related to this practice.

Meditation camp will offer guided meditation and teach a variety of techniques that manage stress and anger or develop patience, compassion, and other positive qualities. 

Yoga camps and classes for kids focus on this ancient discipline, teaching a variety of techniques bound to improve your child’s self-awareness, and control anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. 

Nature camp brings kids closer to the natural world. Mindfulness is often related to a closeness to nature, and many observers will note that natural settings are the best places to meditate. 

Overnight camp offers immersion in nature, an ideal setting for putting mindfulness into practice. For example, many have a no-cellphone policy just for starters, but there are many other health and personal growth benefits to this quintessential Canadian kids’ experience.  

Choosing the right mindfulness training camp

How do you choose the right mindfulness camp for children? Whether your child is in preschool, middle, or high school, the first thing to think about is your goals, then look closely at what’s available near you. Research programs available closely, from the list above, and reach out to directors and staff.

Some questions you might ask are:

• How do you teach mindfulness, and how do you measure the success of your program?
• How many different techniques does the camp teach, and is there one that matches your child’s needs (for example, anxiety management)?
• How much variety is there in their mindfulness training?

One of the best means of investigating a variety of camp options is to attend the Our Kids Camp Expo, held early every year in Toronto. Here, you can meet camps face-to-face and have all your questions answered.

Combine this with more advice in our guide: 

Sources and further reading

"Mindfulness for Kids." Mindful.org
"Mindfulness for Kids." Childrens.com
"Meditation for kids​." Headspace.com

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Mindfulness training camps are there?
There are 13 programs offering mindfulness training as an activity. Use the filters to narrow by age and program type, then click on matched programs to see daily activities, dates, rates and registration information.

What are the fees to attend Mindfulness training camps?
Fees for programs offering mindfulness training as an activity range from $130 to $3,570 per program (program types and lengths vary). Use the filters here to narrow programs by age and type.

Where can parents meet with Mindfulness training camps?
Meet with program directors and staff at the Our Kids Camp & Program Expo. The Expo is held annually in February, and is a fun and informative day for parents, kids, and teens. Find event details and free tickets here.