Youth Curriculum, 2-2-25

Announcements:

Exciting News from CSL Teen Camp!

Our Teen Camp representative, Ocean Laura, recently returned from the CSL Winter Teen Camp at Camp Cedar Ridge in Vernonia, Oregon. As an advisor, he helped facilitate teens as they built lasting connections, deepened their spiritual understanding, and engaged in enriching experiences. Centers for Spiritual Living Teens is a dynamic group of youth ages 13 to 18 committed to fostering a thriving global community and leading the way as the future of the CSL movement. If you’re interested in learning how this experience can benefit your teen personally at CSL’s Summer Teen Camp, visit our website’s Youth Family Teen Program section to submit your contact information for a family consult. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of an inspiring and transformative experience that will last a lifetime.

Curriculum Overview:

Youth will explore the concept of interbeing—the understanding that all life is interconnected—and how mindfulness helps nurture this connection. Children will engage in activities like creating a yarn “web of interbeing,” practicing mindful breathing, and crafting nature collages to deepen their compassion and sense of responsibility toward themselves, others, and the world.

February Monthly Theme: Radical Interconnection
Week 1 Value: Emptiness – The Wonder of Interbeing  
Affirmation: “I am connected to everything around me, and my thoughts, words, and actions make the world a better place.”

Spiritual Lesson: 

Curriculum Lesson Summary:

In this lesson, children will learn about the interconnectedness of life by creating a yarn “web of interbeing,” pretending to be butterflies during mindful breathing, and crafting a collage using natural materials. These activities help them recognize their connection to others and the environment while exploring ways to bring kindness and care into their daily actions.

Mindfulness: Butterfly Breaths

Children will practice mindful breathing by pretending to be butterflies. They will slowly flap their arms as wings while breathing deeply and repeating affirmations such as, “Breathing in, I feel calm. Breathing out, I feel connected.” This practice helps them connect to their breath, fostering a sense of calm and presence in the moment.

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

• Book: “You Are Never Alone” by Elin Kelsey
• Music: “We Are All Connected” by Jack Johnson
• Book:  Oh, The Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss (younger class) 
• Music:  “The Tree in Me” by Corinna Luyken (younger class

Creative Expression: Web of Interbeing

Participants will sit in a circle and take turns passing a ball of yarn to each other while sharing something they appreciate about the world, such as trees, water, or friendships. As the yarn is passed, it creates a visual web connecting everyone in the circle. This activity demonstrates how every person and action is interconnected, forming a supportive network that sustains life.

Connecting: Nature Collage

Participants will create a collage that represents their connection to the natural world using natural materials like leaves, twigs, and flowers. As they assemble their artwork, they will reflect on how nature supports life and how they depend on and care for it. This creative activity encourages an appreciation for the environment and reinforces their role within the interconnected web of life.