Youth Curriculum, 7-27-25

Announcements: 

CSL Olympia Teens

Our CSL Olympia teens are back from their first week-long teen camp! Join us on the 5th Sunday, August 31st, as they share heartfelt reflections from their journey. Their voices will beautifully enrich that week’s message on Love and remind us of the power of community, connection, and growth. Let’s join together in celebrating their return and the growth they’ve experienced.

Let’s show up as a community in love and support — you won’t want to miss it!

Curriculum Overview – Week 4
This week, CSL Youth are invited to Go Deep—beneath the surface of thoughts and reactions—to discover their inner ballast, the spiritual grounding that helps them stay centered in all waters of life. Drawing from the mysteries of the deep ocean, youth reflect on their emotions, habits, and inner guidance through sensory experiences, journaling, movement, and meaningful conversation.

July Monthly Theme: Deep Waters, Deeper Wisdom:
Embodying Spiritual Intelligence and Authentic Boundaries
Week 3 Value: Ground — Go Deep
Affirmation: “I am grounded in Spirit and guided from within.”

Spiritual Lesson:
Just as deep-sea fish have swim bladders to help them maintain balance under pressure, we each carry an inner source of spiritual ballast—our divine center. This week, youth explore what keeps them steady when emotions or habits arise. Through Science of Mind principles, we guide youth to become curious observers of their inner world, recognizing that their depth is a source of strength, peace, and connection.

Mindfulness: “Inner Depth Drop”
Youth close their eyes and visualize gently sinking into calm, deep ocean waters. With each breath, they imagine connecting to their inner grounding force. They silently repeat: “I am steady. I am safe. I am Spirit.” This meditation cultivates presence and deep self-trust.

Focus: “I stay balanced by going inward.” Repeat affirmation: “I am grounded in Spirit and guided from within.”

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

• Book (for older youth): “I Am Every Good Thing” by Derrick Barnes—speaks directly to self-worth, inner grounding, and identity.
• Music (older youth): “Peace” by O.A.R.– A soulful reminder to stay grounded in what matters most.
• Book (younger class): The Deep Deep Puddle by Mary Jessie Parker – Exploring surprise, depth, and how we respond to unexpected moments.
• Music (younger class): “Like a Tree” by Sara Pirtle – A song about being grounded, rooted, and open to the world

Creative Expression: “Ballast Box Collage”
Youth create mini “ballast boxes” using decorated containers or folded paper. Inside, they add drawings, words, or symbols representing what grounds them—love, faith, family, breath, nature, music, etc. These personalized creations are reminders of their inner steadiness.

Lessons in Action: “Ocean Depth Walk”
In this sensory-based movement activity, youth walk slowly along a guided path representing deeper and deeper ocean layers. With each step, they pause to feel their feet, check in with emotions, and name something that grounds them. The experience emphasizes slowing down, sensing, and becoming inwardly aware.

Connecting: “Deep Talk, Deep Listening”
Youth gather in quiet reflection to share: “One thing I notice about myself when I go deeper…” or “Something that helps me feel steady is…” As they listen and speak from the heart, we affirm together: “I am grounded in Spirit and guided from within.”