Youth Curriculum, 9-28-25

Announcements:

A heartfelt thank you to all of our amazing volunteers who are bringing our very first Community Harvest Festival to life! Your energy will make it a joyful and memorable event for everyone.

Looking ahead, our Youth & Family program is planning a fun day at the pumpkin patch — stay tuned for the date! And as we prepare for the holiday season, we’re calling all youth and teens who would like to share their musical talents at our upcoming celebrations. If you sing, play an instrument, or just want to join in the joy, we’d love to include you!

September Monthly Theme: Transcendent Purpose: Living Beyond Limits
Week 4 Value: Mission Possible
Affirmation: “I know that ANYTHING is possible.”

Curriculum Overview

This week, youth discover that hope is more than a wish — it is a powerful, active force that moves us toward new possibilities. Through story, music, reflection, creative art, and cooperative games, children and teens explore how hope lifts us, strengthens resilience, and fuels creativity. By practicing the “Science of Hope,” they learn that setting goals and imagining many pathways to reach them makes even the most challenging missions possible. Each youth will create a “Hope Charm” — a handmade token to carry or share, reminding them that they hold the power to bring new possibilities into being.

Spiritual Lesson

Hope is Spirit’s way of whispering “yes” in the face of challenge. It is not passive, but an active choice to engage the creative process. With every prayer, every vision, and every act of courage, we move closer to our divine possibilities. When we root our hope in God, we know that even when the way isn’t clear, Spirit provides a path. Hope gives us strength to persevere, imagination to dream bigger, and faith to know that truly anything is possible.

Mindfulness: “Breathing in Hope”

Youth place a hand on their heart and take three deep breaths. On each inhale, they imagine breathing in bright light, filling their heart with hope. On each exhale, they silently say, “Anything is possible.”

Repeat Affirmation: I know that ANYTHING is possible

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

• Book (older youth): What Do You Stand For? by Barbara A. Lewis (excerpt on resilience and hope)
• Music (older youth): “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor
• Book (younger class): The Thing Lou Couldn’t Do by Ashley Spires
• Music (younger class): “Try Everything” by Shakira

Creative Expression: “Hope Charms”

Youth design small handmade tokens — such as beaded keychains, painted stones, or clay symbols — that represent hope. Each charm is a reminder of their inner strength, creativity, and the truth that hope makes all things possible.

Lessons in Action: “Mission Possible” Games

Younger Youth: Play a cooperative obstacle course game where children set a “goal” (ringing a bell, carrying an object, or reaching a marked spot) and brainstorm fun ways to get there together. Each round, they try new “pathways” — crawling, skipping, or team-carrying — learning that there is more than one way to reach a goal.

Older Youth: Play a “Hope Pathways Challenge.” Small groups receive a “mission” (like planning a fun community event or helping someone in need). Together, they brainstorm multiple possible solutions, practicing resilience and creativity. The group reflects on how having many pathways strengthens hope and makes big goals possible.

Connecting: “Circle of Hope”

Gathered in a circle, youth share one hope they are carrying for themselves, their family, or the world. Holding their Hope Charms, they affirm together:

“I know that ANYTHING is possible.”