Beaches® Resorts, renowned for its family-friendly all-inclusive vacations in the Caribbean, has joined forces once again with their long-time partner, Sesame Workshop, the non-profit organization behind Sesame Street. This exciting collaboration brings a brand new program to the table: Sesame Street Sunrise Yoga.
This innovative program is designed to promote family connection and well-being while offering a unique and playful introduction to yoga for children. Launched in celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month (May), Sesame Street Sunrise Yoga is now available at all three Beaches Resorts locations in the Caribbean, offering families a chance to bond and practice mindfulness in a beautiful tropical setting.
Family Bonding Through Movement and Mindfulness
“We understand that family vacations are cherished times for creating lasting memories,” says Heather Effs, Corporate Manager of Entertainment Operations for Sandals Resorts International, the parent company of Beaches Resorts. “Vacations provide an opportunity to disconnect from routines and reconnect with loved ones, fostering stronger family bonds through shared experiences and new discoveries.”
Effs emphasizes the importance of prioritizing mental well-being during family vacations. Studies have shown that vacations can significantly improve family relationships, and Beaches Resorts is proud to offer a program that combines physical activity with emotional well-being in a fun and interactive way.
Waking Up with the Sun: A Playful Introduction to Yoga
Sesame Street Sunrise Yoga is a 40-minute program available at all Beaches Resorts locations in Turks & Caicos and Jamaica. This introductory yoga class, designed specifically for children, features some of their favorite Sesame Street characters as hosts. Elmo, Cookie Monster, Bert, and Abby Cadabby take turns leading the mindful movement exercises, making yoga fun and engaging for young participants.
The program is bookable through the resorts’ Sesame Street Kids Camps or online as an add-on. It’s designed to be a fun and inclusive experience for the entire family. Parents and children can participate together, following along with each stretch, pose, and mindful breath.
As a special keepsake, participants receive a custom-sized Sesame Street yoga mat to continue practicing yoga at home. Classes are held twice a week with varying schedules at each of the three Beaches Resorts: Beaches Turks and Caicos, Beaches Negril, and Beaches Ocho Rios. A 5×7 photo is also included as a memento of the experience.
Promoting Well-being Together
Sesame Workshop shares the commitment to promoting emotional well-being for young children and families. “Yoga offers a playful way for children to learn mindfulness practices,” says Jennifer Ahearn, SVP, Global Strategic Partnerships and Themed Entertainment at Sesame Workshop. “We’re thrilled to offer this new experience at Beaches Resorts, especially as it coincides with the 20th anniversary of our ongoing partnership with them.”
Sesame Street Sunrise Yoga is just one of the many ways Beaches Resorts and Sesame Workshop collaborate to spark imaginations and create lasting memories for families. Through their program, “Caribbean Adventures with Sesame Street,” families can enjoy a variety of special activities, such as story time with Elmo, baking with Cookie Monster, dancing with Zoe, crafting with Julia, making puppets with Bert and Ernie, and even experiencing a touch of magic with Abby Cadabby.
“These programs not only reflect our shared values and dedication to families,” says Effs, “but they also create cherished moments of togetherness that foster traditions. We are passionate about providing families with opportunities to connect through new experiences in the Caribbean, offering valuable takeaways that can be enjoyed long after the vacation ends.”
Beyond the Beach: Family Values in the Community
The partnership between Beaches Resorts and Sesame Workshop extends beyond the resort walls. They work together to bring Sesame Street characters, educational tools, and valuable resources to local families in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos.
In conjunction with Mental Health Awareness Month, Beaches’ philanthropic arm, the Sandals Foundation, has partnered with Sesame Workshop to co-host special sessions at the annual Professional Development Institute Workshop hosted by the Ministry of Education Early Childhood Commission in Kingston, Jamaica. This event, focused on the theme “A Place to Belong: A Child’s Right to Quality Early Childhood Education,” will be attended by over 2,000 educators and parents from both public and private schools.
Taking place in May 2024, the workshop aims to share best practices for creating inclusive and nurturing learning environments where children can feel accepted and supported. As a takeaway resource, the Sandals Foundation and Sesame Workshop will present a booklet that covers topics such as emotional awareness, social connection, and fostering a compassionate mindset. The booklet will offer practical tips, examples, and methods for educators and parents to better understand and support the emotional challenges that children may face.
