Youth Curriculum, 11-9-25
Announcements:
Winter Teen Camp registration is now 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 23rd to save $50—the final registration deadline is December 15th.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
November Youth Curriculum
Monthly Theme: Rooted in Love — Seeing the Sacred in All Life
Week 2 Value: The Beneathness
Affirmation: “I trust the beneathness within me, where my strength and stability lie.”
Curriculum Overview
This week, youth explore “The Beneathness” — the hidden world of roots, soil, and unseen life that sustains all creation. Through mindfulness, creative expression, and time in nature, they’ll discover that what lies beneath the surface — in the Earth and within themselves — is sacred and full of life.
Drawing inspiration from Lyanda Lynn Haupt’s Rooted and Ernest Holmes’ teaching that “Life is all that there is,” youth will learn to honor the unseen parts of themselves: their feelings, memories, faith, and growth. By connecting with the living ground beneath their feet, they’ll begin to see that even what looks still or dark is alive with movement, change, and renewal.
Together, youth will practice barefoot meditation, create personal Root Maps, and reflect on how the “beneathness” of life — the layers we don’t always see — is what nourishes and strengthens everything above.
Spiritual Lesson
Just as the soil teems with roots, mycelium, and decomposers that quietly sustain the forest, there are deep and hidden parts of our own lives that nourish who we are becoming. These unseen layers — our challenges, memories, and inner wisdom — form the foundation for growth and transformation.
The Science of Mind teaches that Life is one continuous, creative process. Nothing is wasted; everything contributes to the wholeness of being. The “beneathness” reminds us that decay and renewal are not opposites but partners in the dance of life.
By trusting the beneathness within us, we come to see that all parts of our journey — even those that seem dark or uncertain — are sacred, purposeful, and alive with Divine intelligence.
Focus Statement: “Life grows from the unseen”
Affirmation Repeat: “I trust the beneathness within me, where my strength and stability lie.”
Mindfulness Practice: “Listening to the Living Earth”
Youth are invited to take a short barefoot meditation walk (outdoors if possible). As they walk slowly and silently, they are guided to notice the sensations under their feet — the warmth or coolness, the texture of the Earth, the feel of the grass or soil.
As they breathe, they imagine that each step connects them with the living network beneath: the roots, soil, and tiny creatures working together in harmony.
In stillness, they repeat softly:
“Even when I can’t see it, life is moving and growing beneath me.”
They pause to sense the quiet energy that supports all life — including their own.
Active Listening: Book / Music
Younger Youth
Book: Because of an Acorn by Lola M. Schaefer
Music: “The Earth Moves Through My Feet” by Betsy Rose
Older Youth
Reading: Excerpt from Rooted: Life at the Crossroads of Science, Nature, and Spirit by Lyanda Lynn Haupt (pp. 50–51)
Music: “Roots and Wings” by Rising Appalachia
Creative Expression: Root Maps
Youth will create personal Root Maps to explore the unseen supports that give them strength and nourishment.
Each participant will draw themselves as a tree:
- Above ground: Their visible qualities — what others see (smiles, creativity, kindness, humor).
- Below ground: Their roots — the unseen parts that sustain them (family, faith, lessons from challenges, emotions, courage, love).
Older youth may include symbols, quotes, or layers of soil showing their personal growth journey.
When complete, the group will display their Root Maps together — a reminder that every life grows from a living network of support, both seen and unseen.
Lessons in Action: Trusting the Unseen
Younger Youth
Take a short nature walk or soil exploration. Look for roots, worms, or leaves breaking down on the ground. Discuss:
- “What helps plants grow strong?”
- “What helps you grow strong inside?”
Then, color or decorate “Roots of Me” drawings — adding words or pictures that show what helps them feel loved and supported.
Older Youth
Reflect on the following questions:
- “What parts of me are growing beneath the surface?”
- “What old things (like fallen leaves) might I let go of to make room for new growth?”
Create Inner Ecosystem Maps showing what nourishes them from within — including lessons from The Four Agreements: - Be Impeccable with Your Word → Speak truth from strong roots.
- Don’t Take Anything Personally → Stay grounded like a tree in the wind.
- Don’t Make Assumptions → Look beneath the surface for understanding.
- Always Do Your Best → Keep growing, even when unseen.
Connecting: Circle of Beneathness
Gather in a circle. Invite each youth to share one thing they discovered about their “roots” today.
Closing Reflection:
“Just like the trees and the soil, we have living energy beneath us — love, memory, and faith that never stop growing.”
Group Affirmation: “I trust the beneathness within me, where my strength and stability lie.”