Youth Curriculum, 7-4-26
Announcements:
Today, Adrienne and our CSL Olympia teens are joining teens from Seattle and Tacoma CSLs for a special teen gathering and class at a park in Tacoma. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect, build new friendships, and get excited for CSL Summer Teen Camp next week!
After today’s service, Rev. David’s grandson, Theo, along with a few of our youth, will be heading out on the Sound with Susan for a fun afternoon on the water. Hashtag: We Are CSLO, Community, Possibility and Fun!
July Theme: Whole No Matter What
Week 1 Value: No Bad Parts
Affirmation: I embrace and honor all of who I am.
Curriculum Overview:
In Week 1, youth and teens discover that every part of who they are belongs. Sometimes we experience emotions like fear, frustration, sadness, worry, or shyness and believe we should hide or change them. This week, participants will learn that every feeling has a purpose and can become a helpful guide when we listen with curiosity and compassion instead of judgment. Youth practice naming emotions, recognizing strengths hidden within challenges, and developing greater self-compassion with a series of challenges and games. As they learn to honor every part of themselves, they’ll begin building confidence to embrace their authentic selves while extending that same acceptance to others.
Spiritual Lesson:
Every part of us belongs.
Science of Mind teaches that our true nature is whole, complete, and rooted in Spirit. While our emotions may change from moment to moment, they do not define who we are—they simply offer information that can help us grow. Rather than labeling emotions as “good” or “bad,” youth will discover that each feeling serves a purpose and deserves kindness and understanding.
Just as every puzzle piece is necessary to complete the picture, every experience helps shape the beautiful, unique person we are becoming. When we accept ourselves with compassion, we naturally become more accepting of others.
Spiritual Practice: Check-In With My Heart
Youth and teens will begin with a guided mindfulness exercise, placing a hand over their heart while slowly breathing. Using an “Emotion Wheel” or “Feelings Cards,” they’ll identify what they’re experiencing in the moment without trying to change it. After naming their feelings, they’ll silently repeat the affirmation, “I embrace and honor all of who I am.”
Participants will then share (if comfortable) one feeling they experienced during the week and one positive thing that feeling helped them learn or notice. Together they’ll discover that every emotion has wisdom to offer when we listen with compassion.
Active Listening: Book / Music / Video
Younger Children (Ages 4–7)
- Book: The Color Monster by Anna Llenas
A playful story that helps children recognize, understand, and organize their emotions. - Music: This Is Me (from The Greatest Showman)
An empowering song celebrating self-acceptance and embracing what makes us unique. - Video: The Rabbit Listened Read Aloud by Cori Doerrfeld
A gentle story demonstrating how all feelings deserve space and compassionate listening.
Children & Preteens (Ages 7–12)
- Book: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy (selected pages)
Offers simple yet powerful reflections about courage, kindness, vulnerability, and accepting ourselves. - Music: Unstoppable by Sia (clean version as appropriate)
Encourages confidence while recognizing our inner strength through every challenge. - Video: Inside Out – Emotions Explained (age-appropriate educational clip)
Introduces how every emotion plays an important role in helping us navigate life.
Teens (Ages 13–16)
- Reading: Selected excerpt from No Bad Parts by Dr. Richard Schwartz (adapted for teens)
Introduces the idea that every part of ourselves has positive intentions and deserves curiosity rather than judgment. - Music: Scars to Your Beautiful by Alessia Cara
Encourages authenticity, self-worth, and embracing ourselves exactly as we are. - Video: The Power of Vulnerability (selected age-appropriate excerpts from Brené Brown)
Explores how self-acceptance and vulnerability help us build meaningful connections with others.
Creative Expression Activity: Emotions Escape Quest
Youth and teens will work in teams to complete a series of interactive “emotion missions” where each station represents a different feeling such as Joy, Fear, Anger, Sadness, Courage, and Calm. Missions will include Emotion Charades, Feelings Freeze dance, Kindness Mirror, Courage Course, and Emotion Detective. Each completed station earns a puzzle piece that ultimately reveals the message:
“Every part of me belongs.”
The activity reminds participants that every emotion, strength, challenge, and experience helps create the complete picture of who they are. When we welcome every part of ourselves with compassion, we become more understanding and accepting of others.
Connecting: Wholehearted Circle
Youth will gather in a closing circle and complete the sentence:
“Today I discovered that one important part of me is…”
Group Response:
“I am whole, worthy, and wonderfully made.”