Youth Curriculum, 7-13-25
Local Youth Camp: InterfaithWorks Youth Faith Explorations Summer Camp still has openings for grades 2-6 for July 21st – 25th. See registration details on the flyers in the fellowship hall or the youth classroom. Adrienne is honored to be offering our CSL Youth education activities at this camp!
Curriculum Overview:
This week, we dive into the boldness of being fully ourselves — with the shark as our spiritual guide. Sharks never stop moving, and neither does Spirit within us! Youth will explore how to trust their instincts, celebrate their unique qualities, and stay grounded in truth while navigating life’s waters.
July Monthly Theme: Deep Waters, Deeper Wisdom: Embodying Spiritual Intelligence and Authentic Boundaries
Week 2 Value: Breathe — It’s Shark Week!
Affirmation: “I am whole, I am powerful, I am enough.”
Spiritual Lesson:
This week, youth are invited to celebrate the boldness of being fully themselves. Like sharks — strong, instinctive, and always in motion — we explore what it means to move through life with purpose, clarity, and trust in our inner knowing. Drawing from Ernest Holmes’ teachings, we deepen our connection to Spirit by embodying God-qualities and affirming our resilience and divine uniqueness.
Mindfulness: “Shark-Sense Stillness”
Youth practice a breath-based meditation where they center into their own energy field, like a shark gliding through open water. With each breath, they attune to their instincts and the quiet confidence of their inner wisdom.
Focus: “I trust my instincts and move forward with courage.”
Repeat affirmation: “I am guided by Spirit within me.”
- Active Listening: Book/Music/Video
- Book: Undrowned: Black Feminist Lessons from Marine Mammals (select shark reflections adapted for youth)
- Music: “Unstoppable” by Sia (older youth)
- Book: The Shark Who Learned a Lesson by Gilat Itzhaki (younger class)
- Music: “Power in Me” by Rebecca Lawrence (younger class)
Creative Expression: “Bold Quality Bands”
Youth choose a God-quality they feel called to embody (like Love, Courage, Peace, or Wisdom) and decorate bold wristbands or headbands with that quality as a reminder of who they are becoming. These wearable affirmations will inspire their movement and play throughout the day.
Lessons in Action: “Shark Tag: Be Your Boldest Self” Game
In this dynamic outdoor activity, youth move and speak in alignment with their chosen God-quality while evading the “doubt sharks.” Through play, they learn how to stay grounded in truth, even when challenges arise. This joyful game brings spiritual embodiment to life in a way that’s accessible and unforgettable.
Connecting: “Deep Dive Share” Circle
We close with a reflection circle, inviting each youth to share how they expressed their God-quality and how it felt to stay true to their spiritual identity in motion. We breathe together, affirming the power of being fully ourselves, and end with the group affirmation:
“I am whole, I am powerful, I am enough.”