JOY IN ACTION SCHOOLS

Joy in Action Schools is an initiative of the Joy Smith Foundation.

Through movement, wellness, connection and education, we want to help young people grow up healthy, confident, connected and safe.

When young people have healthy ways to care for themselves, strong relationships, a sense of belonging and people they can turn to when they need help, we help build stronger kids, stronger schools and stronger communities.

Every June, schools across Canada are invited to come together for a Joy in Action Walk/Run/Cycle.

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

There is no required distance and no need to be the fastest. Joy in Action is about getting active, having fun, connecting with others and doing something positive together.

And every student can participate for free.

YOUR SCHOOL. YOUR JOY IN ACTION.

One school. One community. Everyone moving together.

Every school can make its Joy in Action Walk/Run/Cycle work for its own students and setting.

Choose a day in June, choose a route and bring your school community together to walk, run, cycle or wheel.

Your event might be a walk around the school grounds, laps of a track, a longer run, a cycling route, or a combination of walking, running and cycling that works for your school.

Add music. Wear school colours. Make signs. Cheer each other on. Bring out the bubbles.

There is no timing and no required distance.

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.

[FOR SCHOOLS & EDUCATORS]

WELL KIDS ARE SAFER KIDS

Get the conversations going with Joy In Action Students.

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

Teachers can use the activities in the classroom alongside Joy in Action week, and students can explore the site on their own as well.

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

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!