Youth Curriculum, 10-26-25

Announcements:

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

Teen Creative Expression Contest — Submissions Due October 31, 2025 – Encourage your teen to share their voice through art, writing, or photography! Selected works will be featured in Science of Mind Magazine and winners will receive $75 toward Winter Teen Camp.

Curriculum Overview

This week, youth explore the mystery and beauty of life and death, discovering that love and light never truly end. Inspired by the Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and Ernest Holmes’ teachings on the eternal nature of the soul, children and teens will reflect on how remembrance keeps our loved ones close and how the light of Spirit continues to shine beyond the body. Through story, music, art, and reflection, they’ll see that death is not an ending but a continuation of life in a new form. Each youth will help create a Community Ofrenda — a shared altar adorned with photos, drawings, flowers, and candles — to honor those who have transitioned and to celebrate the everlasting presence of love.

October Monthly Theme: The Ultimate Glow Up — Living in Light
Week 4 Value: Life and Death
Affirmation: “My eternal light is now.”

Spiritual Lesson:

Life and death are both sacred expressions of the one eternal Spirit. In every cycle of nature — the falling leaves, the setting sun, the resting seed — we see the Divine rhythm of transformation and renewal. Ernest Holmes reminds us that “the continuity of the individual stream of consciousness” never ends; the soul expands infinitely in love and awareness. Traditions like Día de los Muertos teach us that remembrance is a holy act — a way of affirming that love transcends time and space. When we honor those who have passed, we celebrate the truth that Spirit lives on through memory, connection, and the light that continues to glow within us all.

Mindfulness Practice: “Eternal Light Within”

Youth will experience a quiet, reflective moment focused on the eternal nature of Spirit. Sitting in a circle with soft instrumental music playing, each child or teen will hold a small, battery-powered candle. As they gaze at the light, they will be invited to think of someone or something they love deeply — perhaps a family member, pet, or even a memory. They’ll notice how love feels in their heart, warm and alive, just like the flame before them. In that stillness, youth sense that even when things change or loved ones are no longer physically near, love continues to shine as an inner light that never fades.

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

Younger Youth

• Book: The Day of the Dead / El Día de los Muertos by Bob Barner
• Music: “Remember Me” from Coco (Disney/Pixar soundtrack)

Older Youth

• Reading: Excerpt from The Science of Mind by Ernest Holmes, p. 385 — on the continuity of life and consciousness
• Music: “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth or “Light” by Sleeping at Last

Creative Expression – Community Ofrenda (Altar of Remembrance)/Glow Jars

Youth and teens will work together to create a Community Ofrenda, a beautiful altar to honor loved ones and ancestors. Using candles, paper flowers, photos, drawings, and written messages of love, they will decorate the altar with symbols of light and remembrance. Each participant can add something meaningful — a drawing, a note, or a small token — representing someone or something that has brought light into their life. The ofrenda becomes a shared expression of gratitude and unity, reminding everyone that love and Spirit are eternal. We will also complete our Glow Jars for a finishing touch to our alter.

Lessons in Action: Remembering the Light

Younger Youth:
Invite children to draw a picture of someone they love — a family member, friend, or pet — surrounded by light. Talk about happy memories and how remembering them keeps that love alive. Encourage them to place their drawings on the class altar as an act of celebration, not sadness.

Older Youth:
Teens will reflect on how they would like to be remembered. In small groups, they’ll discuss: “What do I want people to remember about me?” and “What kind of light do I want to leave behind?” Then they’ll write a short affirmation or message about their own eternal light to place on the Community Ofrenda.

Connecting/Spiritual Practice: Circle of Remembrance

Gather in a circle near the altar. Invite each youth to share one memory or message of love they’d like to offer to the light — for someone who has passed or simply for all beings. As a closing ritual, everyone holds hands or their candle lights while saying together: Gather in a circle near the altar. Invite each youth to share one memory or message of love they’d like to offer to the light — for someone who has passed or simply for all beings. As a closing ritual, everyone holds hands or their candle lights while saying together: “My eternal light is now.”