Youth Curriculum, 5-11-25
Announcements:
We’re excited to share that three teens from CSL Olympia are attending their first Teen Camp — the most we’ve ever had representing our community! To help with camp and travel expenses, please visit our website donations page and select “Give to Youth & Family” from the pull-down menu — thank you for supporting this life-changing experience and making a difference to the future of CSL and the world.
Would you like to contribute your time, talents, or resources to help co-create and support the new CSL garden being started by our youth? Reach out to our Youth Director Adrienne Cherry and let her know how you’d like to be part of this growing vision!
Curriculum Overview:
Youth learn to understand the importance of setting healthy boundaries with love, kindness, and clarity. Through music, storytelling, mindfulness, creative play, and a heartfelt Mother’s Day activity, they explore how honoring boundaries supports both self-respect and the loving relationships we cherish—especially those with the mothers and caregivers who model this balance every day.
May Monthly Theme: Empowering the Voice Within
Week 2 Value: Boundary Keepers: Nurturing Healthy Connections
Affirmation: “I set healthy boundaries with love and respect, fostering strong and supportive relationships.”
Spiritual Lesson:
This lesson, guides children in understanding boundaries as a loving practice that protects well-being and strengthens relationships. Through stories, meditation, reflection, movement, and the creation of Mother’s Day cards and flowers, they celebrated the caregivers in their lives who teach them that honoring your own needs is a powerful form of love.
Mindfulness: “Sacred Space Breath”
Youth close their eyes and place a hand on their heart while breathing in to imagine creating a sacred bubble around them. They breathe out and imagine the bubble filled with love and light, protecting their feelings, thoughts, and space.
Active Listening: Book/Music/Video
- Book: “Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You” by Sonia Sotomayor
- Music: “Real” by Jason Mraz (feat. Renee Stahl)
- Book: “Listening with My Heart” by Gabi Garcia (younger class)
- Music: “Use Your Words” by Sara Lovell (younger class)
Creative Expression: “Boundary Mapping”
Youth receive a body outline and draws circles or lines to represent where they feel their emotional and physical boundaries lie (e.g., who gets hugs, who they trust to share secrets, when they need alone time). Prompts help them reflect on what feels safe, what feels “too much,” and what they wish others understood.
Lessons in Action: Yes, No, Maybe” Circle Game
Students move around the room and stop when a prompt is read (e.g., “Do you like hugs when you’re sad?”). They move to one of three signs—YES, NO, MAYBE—and explain why, if they wish.
Connecting: Mother’s Day Activity: “Heartfelt Boundaries & Blossoms Card”
Students create a handmade card with the phrase, “I feel safe and loved when…” followed by their own words. Inside, they draw a flower whose petals list ways their mom or caregiver respects their space and shows love.