Youth Curriculum, 5-12-24
Announcements:
Ocean just completed his next-level teen advisor training this week, equipping him to support teens from all walks of life, helping them realize their power and feel loved. Support Ocean Laura as he attends a transformative week-long camp at Camp Cedar Ridge in Vernonia, Oregon. Your donation empowers teens through spiritual transformation, benefiting our local and nationwide community. Donate today on our website’s donation page! Use our website’s donation page at CSLOLYMPIA.ORG and select Youth & Family Fundraising.
Our next INSPIRE Life-Skills Workshop is May 26th at 5 p.m.! Teens ages 13-18 will explore “The Art of Budgeting & Financial Responsibility.” Learn crucial money management skills and craft your own financial plan. Walk away with actionable steps to boost your financial health by summer. Bring a friend and share the empowerment! Topics include budgeting, car ownership costs, compound interest, and the importance of credit scores. See you there!
Curriculum Overview:
Youth will explore personal values through engaging in activities and discussions, fostering purpose and integrity. They’ll envision embodying values like kindness and honesty through meditation, deepening understanding through active listening, and expressing gratitude for their mothers with heartfelt cards. This will culminate in reflection on the importance of values in their lives.
May Monthly Theme: Good to Great to Grand
Week 2 Value: The Value-Led Life – Mother’s Day!
Affirmation: I choose to act according to my values, making my life better and spreading goodness to others.
Spiritual Lesson:
Engaging in value-focused activities and discussions will help children gain a deeper understanding of their personal values and how to live authentically, fostering a sense of purpose, integrity, and fulfillment in their lives.
Meditation Practice: “Values Reflection” Meditation
Through guided visualization, youth explore personal values like kindness, honesty, and respect, envisioning themselves embodying these qualities in various situations. This process cultivates self-awareness, empathy, and a sense of purpose, fostering emotional intelligence and positive behavior.
Active Listening: Book/Music/Video
Book: “What Do You Stand For? For Kids: A Guide to Building Character” by Barbara A. Lewis—This interactive book presents different values, such as honesty, responsibility, and respect.
Book: “Each Kindness” by Jacqueline Woodson – Through beautiful illustrations and poignant storytelling, this book highlights the ripple effects of kindness and the importance of treating others with compassion.
Music: “Beautiful Day” by U2 – This optimistic and uplifting song celebrates the beauty of life and encourages listeners to appreciate the present moment.
Music: “True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper – This heartfelt ballad celebrates authenticity and encourages listeners to embrace their true selves.
Creative Expression: Values Treasure Hunt and Values Charades
Youths search for hidden cards or objects representing different values (e.g., kindness, honesty, courage). After finding each value, discuss what it means to them and how they can embody it in their daily lives.
Youth draw from different values written on paper from a hat. They take turns acting out the value without speaking while the rest of the group guesses. Afterward, discuss examples of how they can demonstrate each value in real life.
Connecting/Spiritual Practice: Values Reflections & Special Mother’s Day Values Gift
Youth gather in a circle to discuss their personal values and how they shape their lives, exploring ways to ensure alignment with these values and navigate conflicts with others. Reflecting on their mothers’ values, they select meaningful ones and craft gratitude cards as heartfelt expressions of appreciation for their moms or mother figures. Through this activity, youth deepen their understanding of values and strengthen bonds with their loved ones, infusing the spirit of Mother’s Day with gratitude and reflection.