Sunday Themes and Curriculum 

Special Message from our youth director, Adrienne Cherry:

CSL Olympia Youth & Family is supporting our youth and teens by providing ongoing parent-guided curriculum lessons, which will include mindfulness practices, video books, activities, family connecting games, and conversation. Teens have two CSL Teen Zoom meet-up opportunities hosted by San Jose CSL Teens every Sunday at 12 pm and a mid-week check-in every Wednesday at 5 pm. They also have a weekly check-in option with our own teen advisor.

2022 MONTHLY THEMES

Living Everyday Wonder: Youth will explore everyday wonder and find ways to use curiosity to combat challenges. They see how curiosity creates the basis for connection and love throughout the world and makes the ordinary extraordinary. They learn how they can interact with Spirit as a co-creative partner, and we teach our youth to believe in themselves and to trust their own intuition and wisdom, utilizing the innate curiosity that exists in our youth.

SPECIAL NOTE: CSL Olympia offers youth/teen classes. As you enter the building, go to the right and check your child(ren) in at the library just outside one of our youth classes. We can’t wait to welcome you here!

November 27: Welcome to Your Dream Home

Affirmation: I’m at home wherever I go.

Spiritual Lesson: Welcome to Your Dream Home

We come into this human experience as perfect, whole, complete beings…one with the Creator that brought us into being. Spiritual heroes are those who remember the truth of who they are and where they come from. When we recognize that truth, we can be at home wherever we may go and empower others to remember what it is to be at home and to be the heroes of their own journeys.

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

Music: I am My Own Hero – Fearless Soul – ages 8-12

Music: My Own Hero (lyric video) – City Wolf – ages 3-7

Music: My Own Superhero – Shawna Edwards – all ages

Book: Mindfulness Makes Me Stronger by Elizabeth Cole read aloud – ages 3-7

Creative Expression –   I am my own hero!  

Youth discuss their thoughts on Abraham Maslow’s qualities of a Hero. Transcending false limitations by being the best version of ourselves, facing challenges and removing their power over us, taking responsibility for thoughts, feelings, and actions, and finally behaving and relating to people, species and nature in an honoring way.

We make our own Hero Capes that show off the powers we have that are helping us to become our own hero.

Connecting: Welcome Home Conversations

In partnerships, we share one thing, real or made up, that our hero self is challenged with. Our partner speaks to our hero qualities, reminding us and affirming how our hero qualities will allow us to face our challenges and ultimately succeed.


November 20, 2022: Gratitude Begins at Home

Affirmation: “I am forgiving, loving, kind and gentle – I love myself just the way I am”

Spiritual Practice:  We partner up and take turns mirroring each other’s hand movements. We keep the movements fluid and in Harmony with each other as a reminder that it takes effort to create understanding, compassion, and harmony

Spiritual Lesson: Begin and End Your Day with a Grateful Heart

When we approach each day with a grateful heart, we open ourselves to the infinite possibilities available to us in Spirit.  We become the open channel to receive our good.  When we practice gratitude by counting our blessings or listing a few things we are grateful for before we go to sleep, we recognize the abundance of love that is present in our lives and, in so doing, create peace and harmony in our mind, body and spirit.

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

Youth listen to a variety of Positive Affirmations they can choose to say at home before bedtime.  

Creative Expression –   Thanksgiving Gratitude Craft

Youth select their favorite Gratitude Thanksgiving Craft to work on while we discuss ways we can show gratitude for ourselves and to be grateful for challenges.  

Connecting: Popcorn Gratitude Game

In a circle, we take turns naming a person/place/event/food/challenge they are grateful for and whoever in the group is also grateful for that person or their mom for example, they must get up and find another seat. The person left standing goes next until everyone has a turn.


November 13, 2022: Roots and Wings

Affirmation: My home brings out the best in me and others.

Spiritual Lesson: Roots and Wings

Having an Inner Peace within ourselves puts us in Harmony with God, our True Selves, and all the people, things, and experiences that surround us.

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

Youth listen to the song Don’t Hide Your Magic by Emily Arrow and sing along to Try Everything, by Shakira. They watch a young person perform a TedTalk.

Creative Expression –   My home is the center of my power

We create YOU circles, where home is at the center, representing where I feel powerful and free. I connect circles outward to my different communities that I belong to and match qualities I feel at home that I am also able to express in each of my communities. Youth answer the question: What can I do or change to feel more powerful in all my communities?

Connecting: Mirroring

We partner up and take turns mirroring each other’s hand movements. We keep the movements fluid and in Harmony with each other as a reminder that it takes effort to create understanding, compassion, and harmony.


November 6: There’s No Place Like Home   

Affirmation: I am the hero of my journey

Spiritual Lesson: There’s No Place Like My Creative Home

Embracing and expressing health, wealth, creativity, and radiant love is our Spiritual Truth. Learning how to choose powerful, affirming emotions through our trials and errors will allow us to shine the light of love in the dark places.

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

Youth listen to the song Don’t Hide Your Magic by Emily Arrow and sing along to Try Everything, by Shakira. They watch a young person perform a TedTalk.

Creative Expression –   Welcome to my Jr. Ted Talk

Youths push past their discomfort zone and do a Jr. TedTalk, an insight they have discovered about themselves by doing something they love to do.

Connecting: Adorations

Youth review what they loved about their friend’s TedTalk, and then take turns adding to a made-up hero’s story.


October 30: Share It, Fair It, DO Take a Slice of My Pie   

Affirmation: I trust and live in the Infinite Flow of Abundant Good.

Spiritual Lesson: Share It, Fair It, DO Take a Slice of My Pie   

Abundance is infinite. I am abundance. I release my abundance.

Youth learn that it’s okay to release (or give) from their abundance because they are released from an infinite source. Like energy, it can never be lost. Abundance is infinite.

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

Youth learn an Abundance 5-step prayer and sing the Meditation Song: “I am Breathing.”

Creative Expression –   5th Sunday – Youth/Adult Service

Youth share with our CSL Olympia community what forms of wealth/gifts they have, what they share with others (how they demonstrate releasing/trusting), and how it comes back to them.

Connecting: Youth/Teen at the Pumpkin Patch

Youth and their families get some quality time together, enjoying the beauty of fall and sharing some fun at Hunter’s Farm after service.


October 23: Receiving is as Important as Giving   

Affirmation: “I am ready to receive everything I need for an amazing life.”  

Spiritual Lesson: Receiving is as Important as Giving   

Youth learn through a story about Moses in the desert that there is always enough of whatever we need. It is important to accept every gift and be grateful because receiving is as important as giving.

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

Youth learn an Abundance 5-step prayer and sing the Meditation Song: “I am Breathing.”

We read the story of Moses and the Pharaoh.

Creative Expression –   Hide and Seek my Goodness!

Youth play a game of Hide and Seek, where they search for their God quality. After an outdoor walking meditation, focusing on their god quality, they search for their matching quality labeled on a cookie.

Connecting: Accepting All Forms of Abundance    

Youth share a talent with the class and join in singing “I Send My Love,” using rhythm instruments.


October 16: Paying with Getting and Giving

Affirmation: The Universe is ready to give me whatever I want when I choose to say YES!

Spiritual Lesson: Playing with Getting and Giving   

Money can be fun, and that it is just a way to trade for things we need and want. Youth learn that you don’t get more by keeping what you have; you get more when you share.

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

Youth learn an Abundance 5-step prayer and sing the Meditation Song: “I am Breathing.”

We read the story “The Legend of the Big Dipper”

Creative Expression –   Show Me the Money!

Youth play a game called “Getting and Giving,” where we receive twice the money than we share, and learn that when we give, we don’t have less, we have more.

Connecting: Everything is Abundance    

Youth share a talent with the class and join in singing “I Send My Love,” using rhythm instruments.


October 9: Substance and Supply  

Affirmation: The Universe is ready to give me whatever I want when I choose to say YES!

Spiritual Lesson: Substance and Supply  

Youth learn that the secret to how they get more of the good things they want is being in the flow of appreciation and sharing what they have.

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

Youth learn an Abundance 5-step prayer and sing the Meditation Song: “I am Breathing.”

We read stories from the Islam religion about appreciating what you have and sharing freely what you have. Youth take turns holding up paper characters and props as they are mentioned in their story.

Creative Expression –   What say you? Yes!

Youth pick from a variety of costumes to put on and act out the role of that character. They are challenged with a surprise that may help them discover a new talent or way of expressing themselves. When they complete their challenge, they receive special recognition.

Connecting: Sharing = Opportunity   

Youth share a talent with the class and join in singing “I am so blessed,” using rhythm instruments.


October 2: God’s Bounty  

Affirmation: I am always swimming in an Ocean of Infinite Abundance.

Spiritual Lesson: God’s Bounty  

How often do we go about our days not really looking at anything carefully? What was the sky like this morning? What did we see that made us smile? We discuss where things go when we have blindfolds on, and share how our anger or fear can be like having blindfolds on, preventing us from seeing the abundance that surrounds us.

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

Youth learn an Abundance 5-step prayer and sing the Meditation Song: “I am Breathing.” We read a story about a boy who was upset because he didn’t have a dad and learns how blessed he was surrounded by those who supported him.

Creative Expression –  Blindfolds Off!

Youth practice mindful seeing by playing a game of “Now You See It, Now You Don’t.” They learn to give up feelings that blind us from seeing the abundance of love.

Connecting: Thank you!  

Youth choose a way to express their gratitude to someone in their life who supports them.


September 25th — Living Everyday Wonder: Failing Forward

Affirmation: I persevere with the strength of the Spirit within me.

Spiritual Lesson: Failing Forward

Failure is an opportunity that shows up at just the right moment, calling us to use our talents in new and bigger ways.

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

Youth read Unstoppable Me by Wayne Dyer and watch videos of young people persevering after setbacks in order to reach their goals.

Creative Expression –  Fishing for the Gifts

Youth “fish” for the gifts that come with failure. Shifting any thoughts of loss to a feeling of confidence is knowing they are bravely practicing perseverance by trying new things and keeping their passion and dreams alive.

Connecting: I can do that!

Youth try a new fall creative activity that challenges their perseverance.


September 18th — Living Everyday Wonder: Living Your Dream

Affirmation: The dream of God is awake and alive in me!

Spiritual Lesson: Creating A Life That Matters

Choosing to live the dream held deep within our heart, mind, and soul is made possible by allowing wonder to be the light that guides us.

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

Youth listen to several movie trailers to get inspiration for describing an experience we anticipate to be amazing. They share one of their favorite books that they chose based on the book’s forward.

Creative Expression –  

Youth discover how living their own dream from within brings the dream to life in the present moment and learn to make every task a fun and creative prayer.

We get creative and paint a picture of one of our dreams and then connect all of our friend’s paintings together, making a beautiful story.

Connecting:

We take turns making up our own community story based on our dream paintings and take turns sharing that with our friends.


September 11th — Living Everyday Wonder: Creating A Life That Matters

Affirmation: The work of my soul is creating a life that matters

Spiritual Lesson: Creating A Life That Matters

When our lives speak for us, they speak words of purpose, intention, and wholeness. Our awareness settles on who we have been called to be in the world.

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

Youth listen to several movie trailers to get inspiration for describing an experience we anticipate to be amazing. They share one of their favorite books that they chose based on the book’s forward.

Creative Expression –  Is That You, Spirit?

Youth recall moments when their soul whispered “yes” and what it felt like to match their energy to their dream’s energy. Pretending to be movie trailer voice actors, we create a short trailer of a moment from our lives, describing a future adventure and what exciting thing might happen.

Connecting: Aaand, ACTION!  

Playing a game of inspiration-to-action, we find actions we can take that match our inspirations.


September 4th —  Living Everyday Wonder: Good Work!

Affirmation: The doing of good work in the world is a wonder to behold.

Spiritual Lesson: Good Work!

This week we will focus on the skill, the gift, and the talent that shows up in all of us. Understanding how our innate goodness can show up in everything we do can help us to create a magnificent life.

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

Youth listen to someone describing an experience for the first time with all the wonderment and inspiration of something really exciting. We discuss how appreciating something as if it were new to us is a way of expressing gratitude which requires a change of perspective at times.  

Creative Expression –  Youth Task Force – Earth

Youth learn how to express their unique talents by doing everyday things with a mindset of wonder. We examine the saying “How you do anything is how you do everything,” and name ways we can make something we do normally into something inspiring.

Connecting: I’m in AWE!

Youth have a little fun taking everyday objects and experiences, acting as though it was the first time seeing an object like a marble, or doing something like folding a blanket. We take turns expressing how amazing the experience is using as many positive descriptions as possible.


August 28th —  Nature: Naturally Divine

Affirmation: I am of the Divine Being; my true nature is Divine.

Spiritual Lesson: Naturally Divine

When we take a deeper look at the nature of humankind, we can decide how our individual ways of thinking, feeling, and acting is serving us and the planet.

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

Youth go on a Nature Walk and listen to nature and journal what message they receive from it.

Creative Expression –  Youth Task Force – Earth

Youth experiment with a daily reading of What We Believe by Ernest Holmes to discover that their potential is determined by what they believe about themselves.

Connecting: I am Nature

During their nature walks, youth journal and take pictures of plants or animals that resemble them in some way and draw a picture comparison.


August 21st — Nature: The Furry, the Fuzzy, the Slimy, the Scaly and Everyone Else

Affirmation: I embrace all of Life, including the fuzzy, furry, and tiny.

Spiritual Lesson: The Furry, the Fuzzy, the Slimy, the Scaly and Everyone Else

Today we take time to notice the animals living in our area and consider the function of their societies and how we are living in harmony with them. Youth recall a special moment they remember about connecting to an animal or insect for the first time.

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

Youth watch videos “The Hidden Messages in Water” and “The Hidden Life of Trees,” and discuss what we know about planet Earth and what daily activities we can do to make a positive impact on the health of our planet.   

Creative Expression –  Youth Task Force – Earth

Youth use education as a foundation to inspire action to organize a wildlife day of service to help animals and have a lasting impact on the planet. We pick an insect or animal that we have a fear about and learn how beneficial it is to our ecosystem.

Connecting: My Nature Journal

During their nature walks, youth journal and take pictures of animals they haven’t seen before or notice something new about familiar ones.  


August 14th — Nature: The Water of Life

Affirmation: I am grateful for the waters of Life that sustain me.

Spiritual Lesson: The Water of Life

When we spiritually connect our practices holistically, we accept our responsibility to help sustain this life resource for all. Youth learn about Dr. Emoto’s work and make changes in their daily routine to conserve and bless the water they use.

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

Youth watch videos “The Hidden Messages in Water” and “The Hidden Life of Trees,” and discuss what we know about planet Earth and what daily activities we can do to make a positive impact on the health of our planet.   

Creative Expression –  Youth Task Force – Earth

Youth brainstorm ways to create a healthy, vibrant body and planet starting from the inside. On our nature walks, we reconnect with the natural world around us and take action on caring for our planet’s waters. We begin our month-long journey of supporting our planet by signing up for our Youth Task Force – Earth!

Connecting: My Nature Journal

During our nature walks, we try to notice something new that we haven’t noticed before and journal our observations and name one thing we can do to support that piece of nature.


August 7th — Nature: I am One with all of Life on planet Earth.

Affirmation: I am One with all of Life on planet Earth.

Spiritual Lesson: Earth Force, Report for Duty!

Exploring the wonder of nature as part of our daily lives brings to focus the gifts we consistently receive from our planet. Making many small contributions over time to help sustain Earth’s ecosystems can make a huge impact over time.

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

Youth watch a short video on The Hidden Life of Trees and discuss what we know about planet Earth and what daily activities we can do to make a positive impact on the health of our planet.   

Creative Expression –  Youth Task Force – Earth

Youth brainstorm ways to create a healthy, vibrant body and planet starting from the inside. On a nature walk, we reconnect with nature and do some clean-up. We begin our month-long journey of supporting our planet by signing up for our Youth Task Force – Earth!

Connecting: My Nature Journal

During our nature walks, we try to notice something new that we haven’t noticed before and journal our observations and name one thing we can do to support that piece of nature.


July 31st —  Relationships: The One and Only

Affirmation: I express my relationship with Spirit by the relationships I have with my communities.

Spiritual Lesson: The One and Only

Our relationship to our thoughts and our thoughts about the world are a direct reflection of our relationship with God.

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

Youth review the book, The Four Agreements and discuss how they can uplift their relationships with these principles in mind.

Creative Expression –  It’s Only Natural    

Youth brainstorm on outdoor spaces to beautify for next month’s outdoor service projects and finish their “You Community Map,” describing what actions they can take in the next week that will strengthen their relationships within their different communities.

Connecting: Creating My Perfect Society

We do a short meditation imagining our community circles all working for our happiness and extending out to our society. Youth draw what they feel a happy and healthy society looks like to them.


July 24th — Relationships: We Are Star Stuff

Affirmation: Where I am God is, where I go God is!

Spiritual Lesson: We Are Star Stuff

When we are in harmony with, and in a respectful relationship with all of nature, we find a level of spiritual beauty we were previously oblivious to.

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

Youth read Grandmother’s Creation Story by Muskeke Iskwew and write a short poem that shares their wisdom about how we are all connected to nature and how to take care of mother earth.  

Creative Expression –  It’s Only Natural    

Youth discover how they relate to nature is how they relate to God and others. Youth go on a nature walk together and find unique similarities between themselves and the world around them. They brainstorm on outdoor spaces to beautify for next month’s outdoor service projects.

Connecting: Creating My Perfect Society

We do a short meditation imagining our community circles all working for our happiness and extending out to our society. Youth draw what they feel a happy and healthy society looks like to them.


July 17th —  Relationships: You and Me Create Society

Affirmation: I easily express and inspire love in my community.

Spiritual Lesson: You and Me Create Society

The agreements we make consciously and those we agree to by default are what affect and govern how we interact and relate to one another.

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

Youth read the book The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz and discuss what agreements they practice within their community, and define those beliefs that may be limiting healthy relationships.   

Creative Expression –  What I am Agreeing To?    

Youth finish labeling their “You Relationship Map” exploring relationships they have with each community they belong to. Youth learn about the Four Agreements and find areas in their relationships where they can create healthier communication and become empowered to support inclusivity.

Connecting: Creating My Perfect Society

We do a short meditation imagining our community circles all working for our happiness and extending out to our society. Youth draw what they feel a happy and healthy society looks like to them.


July 10th — Relationships: You and I are We

Affirmation: I demonstrate that the Universe is Love by expressing Self-Love

Spiritual Lesson: You and I are We

This week our focus is on the relationship we have with our friends, family, and our community. Each encounter we make is an opportunity to make connections, and build community.

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

We learn the song “I Love Myself So Much” by James Bevell and listen to the book “Little Engine That Could” by Watty Piper, read by Dolly Parton.

Creative Expression –  Defining My Relationships   

Youth finish labeling their “You Relationship Map” exploring relationships they have with each community they belong to. This week youth discover ways they can engage with the communities they would like to be more self-expressed and confident in.

Connecting:  

Youth plan out an event they can share with their CSL friends as a way to create strong connections with each other and their community.


July 3rd — Relationships: Me, Myself, and I

Affirmation: I demonstrate that the Universe is Love by expressing Self-Love

Spiritual Lesson: Me, Myself, and I

When we create a positive relationship with ourselves and practice body and mind self-care, we more easily treat others the way we want to be treated.

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

We learn the song “I Love Myself So Much” by James Bevell and listen to the book “Little Engine That Could” by Watty Piper, read by Dolly Parton.

Creative Expression –  Defining My Relationships   

Youth label a “You Relationship Map” with what kind of relationship they have with each area of their being, focusing on how they feel and express themselves in each community they belong to.

Connecting:  

We play a spiritual tool matchup game in order to treat each area that needs the attention of love. 


June 26th — Body: The One Body

Affirmation: Today I allow my body and mind to connect with nature, and I feel alive!

Spiritual Lesson: The One Body

The body is the biggest and most expressive antenna you have, and it is tuned straight to the Divine. Youth learn to listen to their body’s signals and discover their bodies are constantly communicating with them, guiding them to a higher power of strength and love.

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

Youth watch a lesson video about Chakras and learn what powers each chakra represents, what Truth to Uphold, and what Element it represents. We listen to Chakra healing music as we do Chakra Yoga Meditation.

Creative Expression –  Where My Power Is  

Youth have fun learning about their colorful chakras and go outside for a tree bath and bare-feet grounding during our class at the park.

Connecting: My Colorful Chakras  

We complete our final Chakra discovery of the Crown Chakra after reviewing the first six Chakras. We color our Chakra Body Map and create an affirmation for each Chakra and share our favorite crystals and stones representing the Chakras.  


June 19th — Body: The Body Remembers

Affirmation: I am mindful what I feed my body and mind. My body and mind is responsive and ready to manifest what they are told.  

Spiritual Lesson: The body Remembers

We have wonderfully creative bodies and responsive minds, as the two are always acting in a reciprocal dance with one another. Youth learn that their body is responding to everything they do with their minds and is a perfect example of the creative power of the mind.

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

Youth watch a lesson video about Chakras and learn what powers each chakra represents, what Truth to Uphold, and what Element it represents.  

Creative Expression –  Where My Power Is  

We learn to do body scan meditation and create a YOU map to find which of our communities we can feel more powerful in with attention and healing.

Connecting: My Colorful Chakras  

After working with our Throat and Third Eye Chakras, we color our Chakra Body Map and create an affirmation for each Chakra.


June 5th — Body: Welcome To The Temple

Affirmation: My body is the house of the Divine on Earth.

Spiritual Lesson: Welcome To The Temple

We are spiritual beings having a human experience through our bodies. All bodies are inherently good, deserving of love and respect. Youth learn how their body is a tool for spiritual connection and understanding.

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

Youth watch a lesson video about Chakras and learn what powers each chakra represents, what Truth to Uphold, and what Element it represents.  

Creative Expression –  Reflecting My Truth  

Youth do mirror work affirming that our bodies are beautiful tools to manifest our dreams and demonstrate what we like about our body’s abilities.

Connecting: My Colorful Chakras  

After working with our Root and Sacral Chakra, we color our Chakra Body Map


May 29, 2022 Emotions: Low Tide or High Tide

Special Note: During the 5th Sunday youth/adult service this week, the youth will talk about what spiritual tools and principles they use to handle “big emotions,” and how that helps them change their perspective, feelings, and thoughts so they can take positive actions.


May 22, 2022 — Emotions: The Eye of the Storm

Affirmation: I can find peace and calm at the center of a storm.

Spiritual Lesson: The Eye of the Storm

We can help calm the turbulence in a metaphorical
anger storm by focusing on the “eye” of the storm, where there is peace and calm.

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

Youth watch several videos demonstrating how movie characters use different spiritual tools to uplift themselves as a reminder that we have the power inside to change our perspective.

Creative Expression –  My natural storms

Youth replicate nature’s storms with sand and water, watching how everything returns to calmness. We practice sending our storms out to sea while imagining our happy place being surrounded by things that calm us.

Connecting: Me as the Ocean

We imagine ourselves as the ocean creating, sustaining, and responding to life, accepting our turbulence and calmness as our tools. Youth share drawings of them as the Ocean.


May 15, 2022 — Emotions: If You’re Happy and You Know It

Affirmation: I’m happy to be alive, living a joyful life.

Spiritual Lesson: If You’re Happy and You Know It

This fun children’s song in principle is an affirmation, declaration, and mental equivalent to living a happy and healthy life and showing it out loud.

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

Youth watch several videos demonstrating how movie characters use different spiritual tools to uplift themselves as a reminder that we have the power inside to change our perspective.

Creative Expression –  My Blessings Box

We learn that happiness is an inside job, share things that bring us complete joy, and make a blessing box as a reminder that happiness is through gratitude.

Connecting: If You’re Happy and You Know It – game!

Youth take turns coming up with an ending to the song, If You’re Happy and You Know it, and the rest of the class repeats what they do when they know they are happy. We have fun making up silly things to do.


May 8, 2022 — Emotions: The Fear Factor

Affirmation: I face my fears through courage, strength, and faith.

Spiritual Lesson: The Fear Factor

Let’s stretch, grow, and expand using our spiritual power tools and support. But first, we need to identify, acknowledge, and face our fears. Youth learn the right times to utilize a fight or flight response and lean into their superpower of faith to stamp out fear.

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

Youth learn about their “lizard brain” and the “flight or fight” reaction from the book, The Mindful Teen, The Art of Stress: Handling Difficult Emotions. We listen to a guided meditation as a spiritual tool for calming and organizing our emotions and discuss how this practice made us feel and have a change of perspective.

Creative Expression –  Don’t Just Do Something, Sit There!

We think of our worst fears and play a game of Is it True? And we dispel our fears with knowledge, faith, and love. Our feelings and emotion are effects caused by underlying beliefs. We learn that we can work on the cause by asking if our story of fear is true or not. By sitting in our divine truth, we can overcome our false fears and live in our power.

Connecting: Instead of fighting the Waves, Learn to Surf! 

Youth learn the SOBER (stop, observe, breathe, embrace, respond) mindfulness practice to handle difficult emotions. Then we imagine being a tree in the wind, realizing that our core is strong and our strong roots are embedded in love.


May 1, 2022 — Emotions: What’s on Your Spice Rack?

Affirmation: I am blessed and grateful for my emotions and feelings.

Spiritual Lesson: What’s on Your Spice Rack?

Emotions are like a spice rack we spin to find one that is the focus of the moment. Youth learn that emotions are beneficial and have lessons to offer as they strive to achieve a balanced life.

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

Youth watch a clip from the movie, Inside Out which explores the emotions of joy, anger, sadness, fear, and disgust. We talk about the possible impact of having one emotion that is prevalent over all other emotions could have on someone.  

Creative Expression –  Welcoming our emotions

We play focus games that train our minds to greet emotions with curiosity and play with choosing emotions by changing perspectives. We discuss how to face big emotions and match some of our spiritual practices that can help provide important support for processing through the experience.  

Connecting: Emotional Balancing Act  

Youth take turns reacting to extreme made-up scenarios and then imagine staying in that emotional state even when the situation changes. We recognize that being in harmony is going with the flow of energy, allowing emotions to come and go, and remembering their inner strength and love is what keeps them stable and at peace.  


April 24, 2022 — Creativity: BOLDLY GO…

Affirmation: “I courageously step into Life with all that I am!” Dr. Christian Sorensen

Spiritual Lesson: BOLDLY GO…

This final week, we get rid of language or thoughts that hold us back. This releases our mental blocks and gets us ready to bring our creative selves into the open. We practice being vulnerable and comfortable being our truest selves.

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

Youth continue their nature Yoga practice and try new poses that may seem impossible. We read the book, The Rhino Suit by Colter Jackson about a girl feeling the weight of injustices, who builds a rhino suit for safety. She realizes the “suit” prevents her from experiencing the beauty of the world too and decides to take a risk…

Creative Expression –  Thinking Outside The Box

Youth practice flipping sentences from “NO” to “YES”. Examples: “don’t run in the halls” becomes “remember to walk mindfully in the halls.” Youth makes an origami not-so-box-box to put their gift in as a reminder to “think outside the box.”

Connecting: I am a Spiritual Superhero

Youth create their own adventure story as a superhero unafraid of the world and using their superpowers of love, expression, creativity, and wonder as they describe their “a day in the life” as a spiritual superhero!


April 17, 2022 — Creativity: Reveal, Release, Rise (repeat)

Affirmation: “I courageously step into Life with all that I am!” Dr. Christian Sorensen

Spiritual Lesson: Reveal, Release, Rise (repeat)

There is a “higher place” in consciousness where we can envision and create. This is a gift to ourselves and allows us to create lives full of joy and love. Just as the caterpillar cocoons itself and dreams a new reality of becoming a butterfly, we too get to reveal our greatness, release our cocoons of self-doubt and old perspectives, and rise to meet our creative spirit on its next journey.

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

Youth watch a video about Ostara and the celebrations and stories around the time of the spring equinox while coloring their Easter Egg mandala.

Creative Expression –  Revealing my nature “bunny mask”

Youth explore nature and pick up a variety of spring objects from outside to decorate their bunny mask as a symbol of their new creative spirit.

Connecting:

Youth practice this week’s theme of “Reveal, Release, Rise Up!” by Releasing clothes, shoes, blankets, personal care items, and food to be donated by our teens to local shelters.


April 10, 2022 — Creativity: Dance with the Donkey

Affirmation: I am an open, dazzling representative of inspiration and peace.

Spiritual Lesson: Dance with the Donkey

Ready…5-6-7-8! Waltz with a wombat? Jitterbug with a jaguar? How about dancing with a donkey? Try it, you’ll like it!

Youth experience the symbol of the donkey as their shadow or the part of us that says “no.” We learn to dance with our donkeys and step in our light, knowing that safety, peace, and love is always there to welcome our spirit’s “YES.”

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

Different celebrations are important to religions all over the world. This week, Christians celebrate Palm Sunday. Through this celebration, we can honor the infinite creative presence by learning how to dance along our own paths through life. Youth watch a video about Jesus’ ride into Jerusalem and discuss how we can celebrate our own journey.

Creative Expression –  Creating My Own Tradition  

Youth explore Christian traditions that go along with Holy Week, join in a practice of Palm Sunday and make up a tradition that celebrates their own journey.

Connecting:

Youth take turns demonstrating or describing their new tradition of celebrating their journey using the journey maps we created last week.    


April 3,02022 — Creativity: Say Yes to the YES!

Affirmation: I know myself as Spirit knows me: creative, unique, wonderful!

Spiritual Lesson: Say Yes to the YES!

As we learn how to discover ourselves, we also learn how to move past our doubts about our abilities or imagination. We are always connected to the Universe and we can always tap into that source.

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

Youth watch a clip from the movie Frozen when Anna wanted to play with her sister. We discuss times when we chose to play or not and how much we can grow from simply saying “yes” to life.

Creative Expression –  Yes to Success  

Youth draw a map of their successes, thinking back to when they chose to say yes to an experience that led to success in an area of their life. We follow our map of success and discover some thoughts and perspectives that were keys to our success.

Connecting: Youth share some of their fun talents/party tricks and appreciate how each of us is uniquely gifted. We invite others to say yes and try on each other’s talents to see how it feels. We discuss how sometimes saying yes takes us not only out of our comfort zone but leads us to other new opportunities and fun experiences.


March 27, 2022 — Play: So Happy Together

Affirmation: I am having fun in my community

Spiritual Lesson: So Happy Together

We have explored how joy and rest is important for our daily lives, but we need to think about how it also helps us build and maintain relationships. It is important to be our true happy selves so we can attract those who will uplift that best version of us.

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

Youth watch a clip from the movie Frozen when Anna wanted to play with her sister. We discuss times when we chose to play or not and how much we can grow from simply saying “yes” to life.

Creative Expression –   My Happy Community

Youth pretend they are in charge of planning out a working community, where everyone is thriving, having everything they need to survive, and sharing their talents to help grow the community. They design the community so that everyone has a role to play, and where their talents and self-expression add to the enjoyment and inspires other communities to do the same.  

Connecting: Play Time!

Each week this month youth prepare something they love to do and share it as an activity for class. We create an Adventure Day together and set a date to explore something fun. We have a silly face contest.


March 20, 2022 — Play: Resting refreshes my Spirit

Affirmation: Resting refreshes my Spirit

Spiritual Lesson: Rx: Laughter

We are always searching for ways to improve and heal ourselves and look at all aspects of our lives. An important facet we often overlook is joy. Remembering to bring humor and joy into our lives will help us enjoy this journey.

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

Youth virtually travel the globe to experience how different cultures set aside time in their daily lives to rest and we discuss how we can incorporate resting as our meditation throughout the day. We answer questions about what benefits we think we will experience after one week of setting our daily resting time.

Creative Expression –   My Happy Place

Youth design their ideal room/fun rest space and discuss things that make them feel rejuvenated in their daily lives.

Connecting: Play Time!

Each week this month youth prepare something they love to do and share it as an activity for class. We create an Adventure Day together and set a date to explore something fun. We have a silly face contest.


March 13, 2022 — Play: A Spoonful of Humor IS the Medicine

Affirmation: Laughter reveals my Wholeness.

Spiritual Lesson: Rx: Laughter

We are always searching for ways to improve and heal ourselves and look at all aspects of our lives. An important facet we often overlook is joy. Remembering to bring humor and joy into our lives will help us enjoy this journey.

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

We watch young comedians on AGT.

Creative Expression –   Laughter Buddy

Youth think of things that make them laugh and try to move through the week focusing on those things. They create a small funny stuffed animal friend to remind them of this principle.

Connecting: Play Time!

Youth prepare something they love to do and share it as an activity for class. We create an Adventure Day together and set a date to explore something fun. We have a silly face contest.


March 6, 2022 — Play: Playing Twister with God

Affirmation: I am having fun with the Divine.

Spiritual Lesson: Playing Twister with God

As we journey to deepen our connection with ourselves and God, it’s easy to forget to leave room for play and having fun with the version of ourselves we have created. Hard work is important, but it is also important to balance it out with time for pure delight.

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

We listen to a Tedx video about the importance of Playfulness. We discuss how playfulness can be our Superpower and then watch a video: The Universe Is Basically Playful.  

Creative Expression –   Wisdom Collage

Youth create a collage of different realizations they have come to that have led to enjoyable experiences later on and discuss what might currently be holding them back.

Connecting: Play Time!

Youth prepare something they love to do and share it as an activity for class. We create an Adventure Day together and set a date to explore something fun.

We share our favorite jokes and try not to laugh along with a laugh track.


Click here to view past youth curriculum