Youth Curriculum, 8-9-26

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August Theme: The Fear and the Furious
Week 2 Value: Fierce Clarity: When Fear Becomes a Compass
Affirmation: I face fear with fierce clarity and unwavering presence.

Curriculum Overview:

Fear often shows up when we’re trying something new, facing uncertainty, or stepping outside our comfort zone. This week, youth and teens will discover that fear doesn’t always mean “stop”—sometimes it means “pay attention” and “grow.” Through physical challenges, teamwork, and reflection, participants will learn that courage isn’t the absence of fear, but choosing to move forward one step at a time.

Spiritual Lesson:

Courage is choosing faith over fear, one step at a time.

Science of Mind teaches that fear does not define us. We can acknowledge our fears without allowing them to make our decisions. As we remember our connection to Spirit, we gain the confidence to move through uncertainty with wisdom, courage, and trust.

Spiritual Practice: Courage Compass

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?

Active Listening: Book / Music /Video

Younger Children (Ages 4–7)

• Book: The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
• Music: Try Everything by Shakira
• Video: The Invisible String Read Aloud by Patrice Karst

Children & Preteens (Ages 7–12)

• Book: The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett & Gary Rubinstein
• Music: High Hopes by Panic! At The Disco
• Video: Pixar’s Float

Teens (Ages 13–16)

• Reading: Selected excerpt from The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown (Wholehearted Living and Courage)
• Music: I Lived by OneRepublic
• Video: TED-Ed – Why Do We Feel Fear? (A short science-based explanation of fear and how our brains respond.)

Creative Expression Activities: Courage Course

Participants work in teams to complete five stations. Before beginning, explain that none of the challenges are about winning—they’re about noticing what happens when something feels difficult and encouraging one another to keep going.

The Courage Course challenges youth and teens to step outside their comfort zones through a series of five interactive stations focused on communication, trust, teamwork, resilience, and confidence. As participants navigate obstacles, solve problems, and encourage one another, they’ll discover that courage isn’t about never feeling afraid—it’s about choosing to take the next step with faith, support, and a willingness to grow.

Closing:

In a closing circle, we discuss which activity was the most challenging, what helped to keep you going, and name one fear that could become your teacher.

We will repeat three times: I face fear with fierce clarity and unwavering presence.

Close with a brief prayer affirming that Spirit walks beside us in every new experience and gives us the courage to take the next loving step.