Youth Curriculum, 11-16-25

Announcements:

Winter Teen Camp registration is open. Teens ages 13–18 are invited to join us from January 16 to 19, 2026, in Vernonia, Oregon, for an inspiring and joy-filled weekend of connection, self-discovery, and fun. Register by November 23 to save $50—the final registration deadline is December 15. Bring your registration forms to CSL for Rev. David to sign.

All youth are invited to bring their favorite holiday song to class this month — we’ll listen, enjoy, and vote on our top picks! If your child or teen plays an instrument and would like to perform at one of our holiday services, please let Adrienne know. We’ll also be learning and practicing an original holiday song written by our music director, Brent. We can’t wait to share the joy and spirit of music with our community!

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November Youth Curriculum

Monthly Theme: Rooted in Love — Seeing the Sacred in All Life
Week 2 Value: Opinion, Fact, or Truth?
Affirmation: I value the clarity that comes from distinguishing between Truth, facts, and opinions.

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Overview:
This week, youth are invited to engage in an honest self-inquiry as we explore how we form beliefs and what it means to remain open-minded. We’ll learn to tell the difference between opinion, fact, and Truth—not just with our minds, but with our hearts. Through mindful discussion and interactive sorting activities, youth will gain insight into how their perceptions shift with greater awareness and curiosity. Together, we’ll explore how to practice “staying open at the top,” welcoming new ideas without losing our grounding in spiritual Truth.

Integration of The Four Agreements:
We will use The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz as a framework for discernment and communication when faced with conflicting beliefs or perspectives:

1. Be Impeccable with Your Word – Speak truthfully and kindly, avoiding gossip or harm when opinions differ.
2. Don’t Take Anything Personally – Recognize that others’ beliefs are shaped by their own experiences and perceptions.
3. Don’t Make Assumptions – Ask questions and seek understanding before deciding what’s true.
4. Always Do Your Best – Stay open, curious, and compassionate—even when it’s uncomfortable to rethink or unlearn something.

Reflective Activity:
Youth will engage in a “Truth Sorting” exercise using real-world examples, categorizing statements as Opinion, Fact, or Spiritual Truth. We’ll then reflect on moments when our own beliefs have shifted with new awareness. Discussion will include how openness can strengthen our connection to Oneness, Wholeness, and integrity.

Music & Book Selections

Ages 4–7:

• Book: The Smartest Giant in Town by Julia Donaldson — a playful story about humility and kindness, showing that “being right” is less important than being true to your heart.
• Music: The Truth by Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could — encourages honesty and openness through joyful lyrics.

Ages 7–12:

• Book: The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz (selected passages) — direct integration of the week’s framework.
• Music: Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield — a reminder that our truths and beliefs are still unfolding as we stay open to new understanding.

Creative / Active Learning:
Youth will create a “My Living Truth Tree” poster.

• Roots: Spiritual qualities that ground us in Truth (e.g., honesty, integrity, acceptance).
• Trunk: Personal values and core beliefs that feel stable and strong.
• Leaves: Ideas or opinions that may change and fall away as we grow.
  This visual will connect to the lesson’s metaphor of growth through openness and the courage to rethink.

Science of Mind Connection:
Inspired by Ernest Holmes’ call to “remain open at the top,” youth will learn that spiritual maturity means being both anchored in Truth and receptive to growth. When facts shift or opinions differ, we return to the eternal principles of Oneness, Wholeness, and Love as our foundation.

Closing Practice:
Each youth will write a personal affirmation that reflects what they now hold as their Living Truth—a statement of alignment between their inner knowing and how they choose to express themselves in the world.