Youth Curriculum, 8-3-25

Announcements: 

You’re Invited: CSL Olympia Community Picnic – Sunday, August 24th!

Join us after service on Sunday, August 24th, for our Annual CSL Olympia Community Picnic — a joyful celebration for all ages! Our youth program is helping by, planning outdoor games, a kid-friendly water feature, an obstacle course, a photo booth, and live music to keep the fun flowing.

Bring your neighbors, friends, and family, a lawn chair, and a dish to share (sign-ups available). Let’s come together for a beautiful afternoon of connection, laughter, and summer sunshine!

Curriculum Overview
This week, CSL Youth embark on the Launch of Love, the opening step on a month-long journey into the power and practice of love. Drawing from the Four Immeasurable Minds — loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity — youth are invited to feel, reflect on, and embody the love that originates within. Through breathwork, storytelling, and creative expression, we celebrate love as a living force that shines from the inside out.

August Monthly Theme: Love in Motion: Cultivating Compassion, Courage & Connection
Week 1 Value: Ignite — Launch of Love
Affirmation: “I am amazed by my journey in love today.”

Spiritual Lesson:
Love is more than emotion — it is spiritual energy that uplifts, connects, and awakens us. This week, youth explore how the love that lives within them becomes a guiding light in their lives and communities. Inspired by Science of Mind and the Buddhist teachings of the Four Immeasurables, we reflect on how unconditional love grows when freely given and shared. Youth are empowered to recognize themselves as radiant sources of loving-kindness and compassion.

Mindfulness: “Love Light Breath”
Youth breathe in slowly while imagining a warm light glowing at the center of their chest. With each exhale, they envision that light expanding outward — to a friend, family member, or someone in need. This heart-based practice centers the body and awakens empathy, kindness, and presence.

Focus: “Love begins within and flows outward.” Repeat affirmation: I am amazed by my journey in love today.”

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

• Book (older youth): Love by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Loren Long (A poetic and emotionally intelligent exploration of love in its many forms — deep, complex, and ever-present.)
• Music (older youth): “Love My Love” by Sia (An anthem of inner love and strength — both gentle and powerful.)
• Book (younger class): I Am Love: A Book of Compassion by Susan Verde, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
• Music (younger class): “Love Makes a Family” by Lindsay Muller (A joyful, affirming song that reflects love in action through kindness and care.)

Creative Expression: “Love Lanterns”
Youth create personalized paper lanterns using translucent paper, markers, tissue, and light sources (LED tealights or glow sticks). Each lantern represents the light of love within — decorated with images, symbols, and words that reflect loving-kindness, joy, and compassion. The lanterns can be placed at home or gifted as an act of love.

Lessons in Action: “Four Loves Walk”
Youth participate in a guided movement activity where each corner of the room or space represents one of the Four Immeasurable Minds. At each station, they engage in a short prompt, stretch, or action (e.g., offer a silent wish for someone’s joy or share a compassionate smile). The walk reinforces that love has many expressions — all of which begin within.

Connecting: “Lit from Within” Sharing
Youth gather in circle, holding their completed lanterns, and reflect on a time they felt love flowing from within — or someone shared unconditional love with them. As they share, they repeat the affirmation together: “I am amazed by my journey in love today.”