Beaches Resorts, renowned for its family-friendly environment, has partnered with the global nonprofit Sesame Workshop to introduce new programming that encourages family bonding under the Caribbean sun.
The latest addition, Sesame Street Sunrise Yoga, is now available exclusively at all three Beaches Resorts locations. This initiative aims to foster mindful connections during Mental Health Awareness Month in May and continues year-round.
“We know that family vacations are a cherished time for memory making – an opportunity to disconnect from everyday routines to prioritize togetherness, discovery, new cultures, and experiences – with some studies even showing how vacations lead to closer family relationships,” said Heather Effs, Corporate Manager of Entertainment Operations for Sandals Resorts International, parent company of Beaches Resorts.
“Together with Sesame Workshop, we are proud to introduce a fun and emotionally nurturing experience for kids and parents to discover together, inspiring memories and mindfulness alike.”
Start Your Day with a Stretch
Sesame Street Sunrise Yoga brings the benefits of yoga to children, led by popular Sesame Street characters like Elmo, Cookie Monster, Bert, and Abby Cadabby. Families can book sessions through the resorts’ Sesame Street Kids Camps or online as an add-on.
The 40-minute classes focus on playful movement, mindfulness, and family fun. Each session includes a custom kids-sized Sesame Street yoga mat for continued practice at home. Classes are held twice weekly, with schedules varying across the three locations: Beaches Turks and Caicos, Beaches Negril, and Beaches Ocho Rios. Additionally, participants receive a 5×7 photo as a keepsake.
Expanding Imagination through Play
“Sesame Workshop is committed to the emotional well-being of young children and families, building on a long history of support in this critical area,” said Jennifer Ahearn, SVP, Global Strategic Partnerships and Themed Entertainment, Sesame Workshop.
“Yoga is a playful way to help children practice mindfulness, and we’re proud to offer this new experience at Beaches Resorts, where we’re kicking off 20 years of partnership together.”
The Sesame Street Sunrise Yoga program adds to the diverse activities offered by Beaches Resorts and Sesame Workshop through their Caribbean Adventures with Sesame Street. Families can enjoy storytelling with Elmo, baking with Cookie Monster, dancing with Zoe, crafting with Julia, puppet-making with Bert and Ernie, and magic with Abby Cadabby.
“These programs not only build on our shared core values and commitment to families around the world; they also lead to cherished moments of togetherness that foster traditions. It’s incredibly fulfilling to create opportunities for families to connect over new experiences in the Caribbean with valuable takeaways to enjoy thereafter,” adds Effs.
Community Engagement and Family Values
The long-standing partnership between Beaches Resorts and Sesame Workshop extends beyond the resorts. They bring Sesame Street characters, resources, and educational tools to local families in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos.
In celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month, Beaches’ philanthropic arm, the Sandals Foundation, and Sesame Workshop will co-host workshops at the Ministry of Education Early Childhood Commission’s Annual Professional Development Institute in Kingston, Jamaica. Scheduled for May 20-24, 2024, the event will focus on the theme “A Place to Belong: A Child’s Right to Quality Early Childhood Education.”
The workshops will share best practices for creating environments where children feel accepted both in the classroom and at home. Attendees will receive a booklet curated by the Sandals Foundation and Sesame Workshop, covering topics such as emotional awareness, social connection, and compassionate mindsets. This resource will provide tips and methods to support children in overcoming emotional challenges.
By integrating playful, mindful activities into vacations and community programs, Beaches Resorts and Sesame Workshop continue to promote family connections and mental health awareness, enriching lives both on vacation and beyond.
“Deep-rooted family values are the very core of the Beaches Resorts brand, with education as a founding pillar of the Sandals Foundation since its inception 15 years ago,” said Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation.
“Together with Sesame Workshop, we’re working to create spaces where compassion and connection are at the forefront, and it all begins with meaningful actions and conversations that foster mindfulness and awareness.”
