Yogi Bears was created to empower children with its focus on yoga and contemplative practices, has the potential to greatly contribute to social-emotional development and overall wellness. By teaching children and individuals how to manage their emotions, build resilience, and practice self-care and other care, the program can have a positive impact on their mental and emotional well-being. These skills are essential for navigating the challenges of life and building healthy relationships. By incorporating reflective-based approaches, the program can help individuals develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their emotions, leading to greater self-awareness and improved emotional regulation. Overall, the Yogi Bears program has the potential to make a meaningful difference in the social-emotional development and overall wellness of its participants.

We started as a community outreach program focused on providing on-site yoga services for children. Using the program as a behavioral intervention is a creative and effective approach. By combining the expertise of occupational therapists, human services professionals, and MBA graduates, Yogi Bears brings a holistic approach to support the children's well-being. Occupational therapists provide specialized knowledge on the benefits of yoga for physical and mental health, while the human services professionals offer insights on behavioral interventions. The MBA graduates contribute their business acumen to help scale and sustain its impact in the community. Overall, this collaboration is a powerful way to address the needs of children and promote their well-being through yoga. 

Yogi Bears' program teaches children how to string poses together, help them develop a deep understanding of the coordination between muscles, bones, joints, and nerves. This body awareness is invaluable and can benefit them in various aspects of life. 

Incorporating conversations and exercises around the benefits of yoga for building strength we find is a great way to educate children about the positive impact it can have on their physical well-being. By incorporating games, sequences, body awareness, and coordination exercises, Yogi Bears creates a fun and engaging environment for children to learn and grow. 

The emphasis on improving physical balance and the sense of accomplishment that comes with it is wonderful. Yoga teaches children important life skills such as perseverance, patience, and working towards goals. When children master a pose, it boosts their confidence and self-esteem, fostering a sense of achievement. 

Moreover, the inclusive nature of yoga is a major reason for its success. By promoting inclusive practice as a group, regardless of individual ability, Yogi Bears creates an environment where children feel supported and encouraged to be the best versions of themselves. 

Overall, Yogi Bears’ is not only beneficial for children's physical health but also promotes important values and life skills.