Youth Curriculum, 8-16-26

Announcements:

Want to support our teens currently participating in Teen Foundations class? Donate a portion of the $140 registration cost for each of our three teens. If you feel inspired to contribute, you can make a donation through our website by selecting the Teen Foundations Workshop Fund. Thank you for investing in the next generation of spiritual leaders.

We are excited to announce that young artist, Sarah Burke who is a multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter and educator will be performing during our Harvest Festival. She is known for her soulful, introspective music and expressive performances. Look for local events all summer long where she will be performing at places like Tides n Timber Fest, Hector’s Tacos, Wild Child, Spanish Ballroom and True Self Yoga Summer Concert Series.

August Theme: The Fear and the Furious
Week 2 Value: Fierce Clarity: In the Presence of Fear
Affirmation: I meet fear with curiosity, compassion, and courage.

Curriculum Overview:

This week, youth and teens will explore what happens when we stay present with fear instead of immediately trying to escape it. Through a Fear to Faith Escape Challenge, a mindful nature experience, and creative reflection, participants will discover that curiosity can change how we experience uncertainty. They’ll practice noticing fear without letting it make their choices and learn how connection, faith, and encouragement can help them move forward.

Spiritual Lesson:

Fear can be a doorway to greater awareness.

Science of Mind teaches that we are not defined by the emotions we experience. Fear is part of being human, but we can choose how we meet it. When we pause, become curious, and remember our connection to Spirit, fear can reveal what matters to us and invite us toward greater courage and understanding.

Spiritual Practice: Courage Compass/Fear to Faith

Gathering in a circle, participants think of something that feels challenging right now.

Considering the following four points of a compass, participants create a simple paper compass and write one answer for each direction before sharing with a partner.

•              North – Strength: What strengths do I already have?

•              East – Wisdom: What have I learned from past challenges?

•              South – Support: Who can help me?

•              West – Faith: What does Spirit want me to remember?

Youth are introduced to the idea

Fear says, “What if something goes wrong?”

Faith asks, “What if I can handle what comes next?”

Youth take three slow breaths while silently repeating:

I am here. I am supported. I can take the next step.

Active Listening: Book / Music /Video

Younger Children (Ages 4–7)

• Book: The Dark by Lemony Snicket
• Music: The Dark by Lemony Snicket
• Video: Pip by Southeastern Guide Dogs
  An animated short about perseverance, courage, and discovering what you’re capable of.

Children & Preteens (Ages 7–12)

• Book: The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
• Music: Keep Your Head Up by Ben Howard
• Video: Lou by Pixar
  A short film about empathy, courage, and changing how we see someone else.

Teens (Ages 13–16)

• Reading: Selected excerpt from The Upside of Stress by Kelly McGonigal
  Explores how our interpretation of challenging experiences can influence how we respond to them.
• Music: Shake It Out by Florence + The Machine
• Video: TED-Ed – Why Do We Have Anxiety?
  A concise introduction to the purpose of anxiety and how understanding our responses can help us navigate challenging situations.

Creative Expression Activities: Fear to Faith Escape Challenge

Youth and teens work in small teams to complete a series of challenges. Each challenge reveals a word or clue that eventually forms the phrase:

COURAGE GROWS WHEN WE STAY PRESENT.

The goal isn’t to “escape” fear by avoiding it. Instead, teams practice staying calm, communicating, asking for help, and trying again when something feels difficult.

The Fear to Faith Escape Challenge helps youth and teens practice staying calm and curious when something feels difficult or uncertain. Through challenges focused on communication, questioning assumptions, trust, problem-solving, and courageous decision-making, participants discover that they can face uncomfortable situations without immediately reacting or giving up. The goal is to help them recognize fear, lean on support, and choose a thoughtful next step with curiosity, compassion, and courage.

Closing:

In closing, circle youth complete one sentence:

“When fear shows up, I can…”

Close with the affirmation:

I meet fear with curiosity, compassion, and courage.

Brief Prayer:

Spirit within us, help us stay present when we feel uncertain. Give us curiosity when we want to assume, compassion when we want to judge, and courage when we want to turn away. Remind us that we are never alone and that we can always take the next loving step. And so it is.