What Yoga Camp Means

What Yoga Camp Means
by Janine Bibeau

Teaching Yoga Camp is quite possibly the most fun and fulfilling part of my job as a yoga teacher. In just one week, I am able to watch children grow. In those 15 hours with me they are able to laugh, relax, challenge themselves, learn, express themselves as an artist, connect with nature, gain self confidence, practice mindfulness, make connections with other children and the world around them, and most importantly be themselves.

Creating a safe environment that allows children to feel free is important to me. Although they are still young, this world can feel very heavy to them and be quite stressful. When they arrive at camp, I want them to be able to let a little air out of their tires, to feel comfortable and open to learning new things. It is my goal to introduce tools and show children how to use them, so that when they are not at camp they are able to use their breath to calm and regroup, direct their focus, feel empathy and spread kindness, to be their best self!

The classes that I design for each morning of camp are fun and geared towards the playful child, but we also practice breathing exercises, build strength and confidence, improve flexibility of the mind and body, and deeply relax. 

I am so excited to announce that camp will be held at our home in Barrington this year. We live  in a nature setting and have goats, chickens, a turkey, a large garden area, and a pit style greenhouse on our tiny farm. A typical 3 hour day at camp begins with a welcome and 45 minute yoga class incorporating props and music. Yoga class will most likely be held inside, but the rest of our morning will be spent exploring nature, wild crafting, and playing games outside if the weather permits.  Our activities will revolve around the nature and farm environment that yoga camp is held on.  One of my goals is to allow children time to connect with the elements of nature and our animals. Studies show that being around animals and nature lowers blood pressure and creates a true sense of calm. Two of our goats are former Yoga With Goats babies. Although they are full grown now, they are still small, super friendly, and love attention from people. Our eldest goat, Leisl, is also very loving and loves to have her head rubbed.

We also have many wild animals that live on or around our property.  We witness the wonders of nature daily here, whether it be a great blue heron hunting for tadpoles in the pond, the family of deer, a baby porcupine and her mother climbing the tree, turtles laying their eggs, or  song birds.  I am so excited to share!

Campers will bring home nature crafts, but also yoga tools to use and share. Many of my campers return each summer and have done so since I began teaching Yoga Camp at ChildLight Yoga 9 years ago. Prior to yoga camp, I taught nature camps from my home and at the Seacoast Science Center. My camps do sell out, and I have a limited number of spots to ensure that the group is small and comfortable. I always have one other counselor teaching with me. This year we will be able to take 9 children for camp!

Yoga has changed my life and I am proud to share it with people of all ages. I taught elementary school for 12 years, so creating and hosting a meaningful and fun camp for your children is truly a highlight of my job!

So, what does Yoga Camp mean?
It means... PEACE, LOVE, COMPASSION, TRUST, STRENGTH, FLEXIBILITY, ENCOURAGEMENT, FALLING AND TRYING AGAIN, LAUGHTER, SILENCE, FEELING THE PEACEFULNESS OF NATURE, MINDFULNESS, MUSIC, CREATING WITH YOUR HANDS, BOTH MOVING AND BRINGING STILLNESS YOUR BODY, MEDITATION, SMILES, ANIMALS, HEALTH, CONTENTMENT, FRIENDSHIP, and so much more!

July 15th-19th
Monday - Friday
9:00-12:00
$170
Ages 5.5-10
Please email or call Janine for registration information.
[email protected] or 603.817.8380

 Welcome to our tiny farm! It is conveniently located in Barrington, just 2 minutes from the Lee traffic circle.

*This blog is not financially  driven, however I do receive a small kickback from the advertisement links on my site when you then purchase from that site.