Youth Curriculum, 7-29-26

Announcements:

There are fun opportunities for families to connect, grow, and make lasting memories together this summer!

• July 27–31: Interfaith Works Youth Summer Camp – Explore the theme Many Paths, One World through games, creativity, and friendships.
• August 9: FREE New Thought Family Day at Camp Cedar Ridge – Join families from Centers for Spiritual Living, Unity, Agape, Divine Science, and Unitarian Universalist communities for a day of adventure and connection.
• August 23 (after Sunday service): CSL Olympia Community Picnic – Bring the whole family for food, fun, and fellowship.
• September 19: Our 2nd Annual Harvest Festival – Enjoy live music, family activities, community vendors, Habitat for Humanity’s pop-up store, and more!

If you’d like more information about any of these events, please see Adrienne. We’d love to have your family join us!

July Theme: Whole No Matter What
Week 4 Value: A World That Values All of Who We Are
Affirmation: I create bridges wherever I go.

Curriculum Overview:

In our final week, youth and teens bring the month’s learning to life by becoming bridge-builders. They will discover that creating a world where everyone belongs doesn’t begin with big changes—it begins with everyday choices to listen, include, encourage, and connect.

Through collaborative challenges, meaningful conversations, and hands-on experiences, participants will practice empathy, curiosity, and cooperation while learning that bridges are built one kind interaction at a time. They’ll leave inspired to create spaces where others feel welcomed, valued, and seen.

Spiritual Lesson:

Love builds bridges where fear builds walls.

Science of Mind teaches that there is one Life expressing through all people. While our experiences and perspectives may differ, our shared humanity connects us. When we approach others with curiosity instead of assumptions, and compassion instead of judgment, we strengthen our communities and reveal the unity that has always existed.

Youth and teens will explore how listening, welcoming new ideas, and including others are powerful spiritual practices that help build a world that works for everyone.

Spiritual Practice: Curiosity Walk

Participants will pair up with someone they don’t know well and take a short walk outdoors. Along the way, they’ll ask one another thoughtful questions such as:

• What is something you enjoy that most people don’t know about?
• What is something you’re proud of?
• What helps you feel like you belong?
• What is one dream you have for the future?

After returning, participants will reflect on how curiosity helps replace assumptions with understanding and creates stronger connections.

Participants will pair up with someone they don’t know well and take a short walk outdoors. Along the way, they’ll ask one another

Active Listening: Book / Music /Video

Younger Children (Ages 4–7)

• Book: Lubna and Pebble by Wendy Meddour
  A touching story about friendship, compassion, and helping others feel safe and welcome.
• Music: We’re Going to Be Friends by The White Stripes
  A gentle song celebrating friendship, kindness, and new connections.
• Video: Strictly No Elephants Read Aloud by Lisa Mantchev
  A heartwarming story showing that everyone deserves to be included.

Children & Preteens (Ages 7–12)

• Book: The Sandwich Swap by Queen Rania Al Abdullah
  A story about two friends who overcome assumptions by learning about one another’s differences.
• Music: Brand New Day by Sting (from The Emperor’s New Groove)
  An upbeat reminder that every day offers a new opportunity to grow, connect, and begin again.
• Video: Pixar’s Piper (Animated Short)
  A beautiful story about courage, learning through encouragement, and growing with the support of others.

Teens (Ages 13–16)

• Reading: Selected excerpt from How to Know a Person by David Brooks
  Explores the powerful skill of truly seeing, listening to, and understanding another person.
• Music: People Help the People by Birdy
  A reflective song about compassion, empathy, and choosing connection.
• Video: The Empathy Experiment (SoulPancake)
  A compelling social experiment demonstrating how listening to another person’s story changes the way we see them.

Creative Expression Activities: Bridge Builders Challenge

Working in teams, youth and teens will complete a series of cooperative challenges where success depends on communication, empathy, and including everyone’s ideas rather than speed or competition.

Possible relay stations include:

Cross the River – Using stepping stones, boards, or hula hoops, teams work together to safely move everyone across an “imaginary river.”

Mystery Builder – One teammate sees a simple structure while the others recreate it using only verbal directions.

Common Ground Connections – Participants receive bingo-style cards with prompts such as “Has visited another state,” “Speaks another language,” or “Likes gardening.”

Kenyan Water Relay – Safely transport water together, demonstrating cooperation and shared responsibility.

Canadian Canoe Run – Teams move in sync while carrying a lightweight “canoe” around an obstacle course.

Connecting: Bridge Builders Circle

Participants will gather around the completed bridge and finish the sentence:

“This week I will build a bridge by…”

Group Response:

“Together we create a world where everyone belongs.”