Youth Curriculum, 8-25-24

Announcements: 

Join us Saturday, September 7th, from 1 to 3:30 p.m., for the Youth & Family Parent Workshop: “Growing Together: Nurturing Spiritual Growth in Children and Families.” Dive into strategies for deepening family connections, fostering your child’s spiritual development, and creating a spiritually enriched home. Enjoy snacks, childcare, and the chance to connect with like-minded families. Let’s learn, share, and grow together!

Curriculum Overview:

Students will explore the idea of acceptance by learning to embrace their inherent worth without seeking validation from others. Through thought-provoking scenarios, a meaningful story about self-acceptance, and an inclusive obstacle course, they will walk away understanding that true self-worth comes from within and that authenticity and inclusivity are key to living a fulfilled and connected life.”

August Monthly Theme: Unstatus Quo
Week 4 Value: Acceptance of Self and Others
Affirmation: I accept myself and others fully, knowing that we are all worthy, unique, and perfectly whole, just as we are.

Spiritual Lesson: 

This spiritual lesson teaches that our inherent worth comes from our divine nature, not from the approval of others. Students will engage in activities like identifying triggers of shame, sharing their stories in a safe space, and navigating an inclusive obstacle course to reinforce the importance of authenticity and self-acceptance.

Spiritual Practice: Embracing Worthiness and Authenticity Meditation

Youth participate in a short guided meditation where they will visualize how their light comes from within and shines brightly. Others enter their space with their light, noticing the difference and that they shine just as brightly.

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

Story: “The Worthy Puppy”

Book: “You Are Awesome: Find Your Confidence and Dare to be Brilliant at (Almost) Anything” by Matthew Syed

Music: “I am Light” by India Arie.

Music: “I Love Myself So Much” by Agape

Creative Expression: Worthy Crowns and Mirror Affirmations      

Younger children make “worthiness crowns” and have a “crowning ceremony,” highlighting what makes each of us special and unique.

Older youth do “Mirror Affirmations” to teach them the power of positive affirmation and self-acceptance.

Connecting: The Approval-Free Zone Obstacle Course

Youth help design and create an obstacle course that is accessible to all students, including those with visible and invisible disabilities. As the youth move through the course, they will stop at stations to face scenarios that will require them to choose between the “Approval Path” and the “Authenticity Path.” Expanding an obstacle course designed for different abilities teaches youth to appreciate the diverse strengths and challenges of others, encouraging empathy and understanding in their daily lives.