Youth Curriculum, 12-29-24

Curriculum Overview:

Youth learn that spiritual growth is an ongoing process of expansion, where we must be willing to go beyond our current limitations to experience the abundance of life fully. They will engage in hands-on creativity and reflection, walking away with a deeper understanding of how growth requires stepping beyond comfort zones and embracing new possibilities.

December Monthly Theme: Sticking the Landing

Week 5 Value: Expanding at the Top 

Affirmation: I create exciting new ways to experience and express Spirit. I say YES! to Life.

Spiritual Lesson: 

Youth will create art that literally expands to symbolize their own personal and spiritual growth. They will engage in hands-on creativity and reflection, reinforcing the idea of being “open at the top” and expanding into the new experiences that Life offers.

Mindfulness: Grounding Exercise

Youth will be led through deep breathing exercises to connect them to the present moment. They will repeat the affirmation while listening to “Om Mani Padme Hum.”

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

Story: “Cascade Mountain”

Music: “Om Mani Padme Hum” (Instrumental)

Music:  “Rise Up” by Andra Day (Instrumental Version)

Music: “The Water Is Wide” (Instrumental)

Creative Expression: “Expanding Art: The Balloon or Umbrella of Growth”

This creative activity allows children to physically engage with the concept of expansion by creating art that literally grows or unfolds. It helps them understand the idea of expanding at the top in a tangible way. Youth experience the concept of expanding at the top in a fun and interactive way while connecting to the larger ideas of personal and spiritual growth.

Connecting: Reflection and Song 

Youth will be invited to close with a round of sharing, where each child shares one way they plan to “expand at the top” in their life or something new they learned today. They will repeat the affirmation again together: “I create exciting new ways to experience and express Spirit. I say YES! to Life,” and listen to inspirational music.