Youth Curriculum, 7-12-26

Announcements:

Calling all teens!

On July 28th, Adrienne will be representing CSL Olympia at the Interfaith Works Summer Camp, where we’ll join presenters from a variety of faith traditions to share how their teachings help create a better world. This year’s theme is “Many Paths, One World.”

We’re looking for teens who would like to help lead an afternoon timeslot with a fun lesson and activity based on our Science of Mind teachings for the camp youth. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with youth from different backgrounds, share what inspires you, and represent our CSL community in this outreach leadership role.

If you’re interested in participating or would like to learn more, please see Adrienne after service. We’d love to have you join us!

July Theme: Whole No Matter What
Week 2 Value: Who I Am Reflects How I Am
Affirmation: I honor the humanity and divinity in everyone I meet.

Curriculum Overview:

In Week 2, youth and teens explore the connection between authenticity and belonging. Sometimes we wear “masks” to fit in, avoid judgment, or meet others’ expectations. This week, participants will discover that when we embrace our true selves, we build stronger friendships, healthier relationships, and deeper connections with those around us.

Through partner games, storytelling, creative expression, and collaborative activities, youth and teens will celebrate the qualities that make each person unique. They’ll practice speaking encouraging words to themselves and others while learning that every person is both wonderfully human and inherently divine.

Spiritual Lesson:

Who we are on the inside shapes how we show up in the world.

Science of Mind teaches that every person is an individualized expression of Spirit. Each of us carries unique gifts, talents, and perspectives that enrich the world around us. When we try to be someone we’re not, we disconnect from our authentic nature. When we live from our true selves—with honesty, kindness, and compassion—we naturally inspire others to do the same.

Youth will learn that authenticity doesn’t mean being perfect; it means having the courage to be genuine. As we recognize both the humanity and divinity within ourselves, we become better able to honor it in everyone we meet.

Spiritual Practice: Mirror Affirmations & Seeing Spirit

Youth and teens will begin with a guided reflection while looking into a mirror or mirror card. They’ll silently repeat the affirmation, “I honor the humanity and divinity in everyone I meet,” followed by, “I honor the humanity and divinity in myself.”

Next, participants will pair up for a “Seeing Spirit” exercise. Partners will take turns sharing one unique strength they appreciate about themselves and one quality they notice in the other person. Together they’ll reflect on how recognizing the good in ourselves helps us see the good in others.

Active Listening: Book / Music / Video

Younger Children (Ages 4–7)

• Book: Be You! by Peter H. Reynolds
  A joyful reminder that every child is wonderfully unique
• Music: True Colors (Children’s Version)
  Celebrates letting our unique light shine
• Video: Be You! Read Aloud by Peter H. Reynolds
  Encourages children to embrace who they are with confidence

Children & Preteens (Ages 7–12)

• Book: Only One You by Linda Kranz
  Uses colorful fish to teach that every individual has unique gifts and an important place in the world.
• Music: Born This Way by Lady Gaga (age-appropriate version)
  A positive message about self-acceptance, respect, and celebrating our differences.
• Video: The Sneetches by Dr. Seuss (animated)
  Illustrates the importance of looking beyond appearances and valuing everyone equally.

Teens (Ages 13–16)

• Reading: Selected excerpt from The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
  Discusses identity, social comparison, and the influence of social media and naturally leads into conversations about wearing “masks.”
• Music: This Is Me from The Greatest Showman
  Encourages authenticity, self-worth, and embracing ourselves exactly as we are.
• Video: The Danger of a Single Story by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
  Powerful lesson about assumptions, identity, and honoring every person’s unique story.

Creative Expression Activity: Emotions Escape Quest

Youth and teens will rotate through interactive stations that celebrate individuality while encouraging empathy and connection. Examples of stations include Common Ground Quest, Story Swap and Human Knot Challenge. Each completed station earns a symbol that reveals the final message:

“When I am fully myself, I help others belong.”

The activity reinforces that authenticity creates connection. When we have the courage to be ourselves, we give others permission to do the same.

Connecting: Wholehearted Circle

Youth will gather in a closing circle and complete the sentence:

“One thing that makes me uniquely me is…”

Group Response:

“I celebrate who I am, and I celebrate who you are.”