JOY IN ACTION SCHOOLS

A day of action. A conversation about wellness. A step toward safer kids.

Joy in Action Schools is a free initiative of the Joy Smith Foundation built around a simple idea:

Well kids are safer kids.

Every June, schools across Canada are invited to bring students together for a Joy in Action Walk/Run/Cycle — a fun, inclusive day of movement, connection and positive action.

Walk. Run. Cycle. Wheel. Move your way.

There is no required distance, no timing and no need to be the fastest. The goal is to get moving, have fun and do something positive together.

But Joy in Action is about more than the event itself.

Schools can use Joy in Action week to start conversations about physical health, mental wellness, healthy relationships, belonging, boundaries and personal and online safety.

Through Joy in Action Students, young people can explore activities, challenges and trusted Canadian resources on their own or in the classroom. Parents and caregivers also have access to practical information and resources to help continue those conversations at home.

When young people have healthy ways to care for themselves, strong relationships, confidence in their boundaries, a sense of belonging and people they can turn to when they need help, they are better equipped to navigate difficult or unsafe situations.

That’s what we mean when we say: well kids are safer kids.

And every student and school can participate for free.

FOR SCHOOLS AND EDUCATORS

Bring Joy in Action to life at your school.

Find simple planning tools, ready-to-use materials and classroom resources to support your Joy in Action Walk/Run/Cycle and continue conversations about physical health, mental wellness, relationships, belonging and staying safe.

You’ll also find ways to use Joy in Action Students with your class before, during and after your event.

Get moving. Have fun. Do it together.

Schools and educators can find everything they need to plan their event, including downloadable materials, activities and resources to use in the classroom and on their own.

[FOR SCHOOLS & EDUCATORS]

WELL KIDS ARE SAFER KIDS

The Walk/Run/Cycle gets students moving. Joy in Action Students helps take the conversation further.

Students can explore simple activities, challenges and trusted Canadian resources across four areas of well-being:

MOVE — Physical activity and healthy habits
FEEL — Mental health, emotions and self-care
CONNECT — Friendship, belonging and healthy relationships
STAY SAFE — Boundaries, online safety and getting help

The goal is to start conversations, build practical skills and connect young people with credible resources that can help.

Because young people who are healthy, connected, confident, supported and able to ask for help are better equipped to stay safe.

[EXPLORE JOY IN ACTION STUDENTS]

FOR PARENTS & CAREGIVERS

Kids need adults in their corner.

Find practical information and trusted resources to help support your child’s physical wellness, mental health, confidence, relationships, online safety and personal safety.

You’ll also find resources from the Joy Smith Foundation to help families understand online risks, recognize warning signs and have important conversations with young people.

[FOR PARENTS & CAREGIVERS]

LOOK WHO’S TAKING JOY IN ACTION!

See the movement grow.

Schools across Canada are bringing students together, getting kids moving and building stronger, more connected school communities.

Visit our School Hero Board to see the schools and communities taking part.

Schools Participating • Students Moving • Communities Connected

[SEE OUR JOY IN ACTION SCHOOLS]

KEEP THE JOY GOING

Your school event can be just the beginning.

When the school year ends, students and families can keep moving by joining an official Joy in Action community event or participating virtually from anywhere in Canada.

Walk together. Run together. Cycle together. Invite friends and family to join in.

There are lots of ways to keep the Joy going.

[KEEP THE JOY GOING]

THERE IS JOY IN TAKING ACTION!