Winter 2025 Teen Camp

Finding Me thought Divinity 

It's time for our teens (and their families) to start thinking about Teen Camp again. Teen Camp is hosted every Winter by Centers for Spiritual Living during the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend. Here's some basic information about teen camp. 

Who:12.5-18 year olds plus at least two advisors

What: https://youtu.be/H6R0CX6YrQc

When: Jan. 17-20, 2025

Where: Vernonia, Oregon at a lovely property owned by CSL

How: We will travel together via plane leaving from Santa Rosa to Portland. We will take a shuttle from airport to camp. 

How much: All teens who plan to attend will be required to pay the non- refundable deposit. No teen will be turned away for lack of funds. There are scholarships available for attending this camp. The total cost for the camp (before Nov. 24) is $375. There is an additional fee if registered after this date. The airfaire fee will be determined when we know how many participants are going. It is safe to plan $200 for airfaire and shuttle fee. 

You should also submit a Statement of Purpose for going to camp. A letter composed by the teen of 250-500 words about why you want to attend the event, and what you offer spiritually to your fellow attendees. These can be submitted directly to Youth Program Coordinator, Jennifer Caldwell. These need to be submitted by December 1, 2024. 

jennifer.caldwell@cslsr.org

We will hold fundraisers and parent meetings starting this Fall. If your teen is interested in attending, I encourage them let me know on a Sunday during our Youth Program held at 11 or to schedule a time to meet with me. 

Jennifer Caldwell

Youth and Family Coordinator

October 2024 Topics

Sunday Topics at a Glance. I will post the monthly topics here and also any special notes each month. If you are ever wanting to know more - feel free to reach out to youth@cslsr.org

October 2024

Special Events for the Month: On 10/27 there will be a costumes parade during the 11 o’clock service. We will also have a  pumpkin carving party after the service. As if that wasn’t enough fun- the teens will also be hosting a  bake sale fundraiser that day from 10-11 for their upcoming winter camp. 

Monthly Theme Summary: A Grand Rising with power begins within us. We do our inner work to create a relationship with our inner power that supports us. As we forgive and heal our internal relationship with power, we take the next step in rising by how we express our personal power. This step asks us to release our hidden agendas. We begin to express our power with integrity and authenticity. Power expressed in this manner supports and draws those around together in support of shared causes and ideas. Coming together in our authentic power multiplies what we can do. The difference for Good we can make as a group, community, and more is expanded… to express our power.

Each month we choose a few virtues to focus on with the youth and teens. We choose activities and stories that highlight the virtue. For October, we will focus on Assertiveness and Truthfulness.  

How do young people get to experience power? Once they find their power, they can learn to harness it and learn how to use it for good. This month we will start from within and see the power for our own and for greater good is here for each of us to use. 

Affirmations for the month:

Week1: I go within to connect with my Source of Power.

Week2: I stand in my Power as a Presence for Good.

Week3: Together, we empower each other for the greater Good.

Week4: As I stand in my authentic Power, I welcome a World that Works for Everyone

I checked out some really neat books to help us along the way! Here are some of the titles:

A World of Pauabilities

DIa de los Muertos

Happy Diwalil

I think, I am

Superluminous

The Fierce Yellow Pumpkin

The Panda Problem

Affirmative Prayer for Power

I know that there is a great power in the world, a power of love, strength, and light. This power is always here, and it fills the earth, the sky, and every living thing.

I am connected to this power. It lives in me, and it lives in every person, no matter how big or small. We are all made from the same energy of love and strength, and it helps us to grow, learn, and shine.

I believe that this power makes me strong, brave, and capable. Whenever I face a challenge, I know that the power inside me helps me to keep going, to be kind, and to do my best. I trust that I can achieve great things.

I am so grateful for this power in my life. I thank the universe for giving me everything I need to be happy, healthy, and strong. I appreciate the love and care that is always with me.

I let go, trusting that this power is always working for my good. I know that I am safe, supported, and loved, and that everything will be okay. And so it is.

   

Jennifer Caldwell

Youth and Family Coordinator

September 2024 Topics

Sunday Topics at a Glance. I will post the monthly topics here and also any special notes each month. If you are ever wanting to know more - feel free to reach out to youth@cslsr.org

September 2024

Author of Summary: Rev. Kathy Mastroianni

When it feels like everything is falling into pieces, how can you find more Peace?  When we are confused and asleep in the illusion of separation, there is no Peace in our world. Spiritual wisdom and tools can help us awaken and rise to the Truth that, as Dr. Ernest Holmes said, “Peace is always at the center of our own soul.” Oneness, Peace and Harmony prevail.  Spiritual tools in our toolkit for Life help us have a Grand Rising in our personal and collective experience of Peace. In this month’s topic, we will explore: What is Peace? How to cultivate Inner Peace, Peace with others, Peace in community, and Peace on Earth--and truly put the “Peaces” together in order to Rise Up and BE the Peace we see in the world. 

Each month we choose a few virtues to focus on with the youth and teens. We choose activities and stories that highlight the virtue. For September we will focus on Peacefulness and Faithfullness.

Affirmations for the month:

Week1: I easily tune into the Peace at the center of my soul.

Week2: The Divine in me recognizes and honors the Divine in you.

Week3: Om Shanti Shanti Shanti Om: Peace Peace Peace!

Week4:I imagine the world living Peacefully as One.

Week5: I AM the Peace I see in the world!

I checked out some really neat books to help us along the way! Here are some of the titles:

Title: Can you say peace? /

Title: Peace /

Title: The peace book /

Title: Peaceful piggy meditation /

Title: Healing breath : a guided meditation

Title: My magic breath : finding calm throu

Title: Sea Otter Cove : a relaxation story 
 

Title: Bubble riding : a relaxation story /

Title: I am a peaceful goldfish /

and more!

We will discuss the feelings we feel of peace. We will learn how to find our own peace. We may discuss the symbols that are associated with the concept of peace.

Affirmative Prayer for Peace

I recognize that there is a calm and peaceful presence in the universe, guiding and supporting me.

I am one with this peaceful presence; it flows through me and surrounds me.

I am at peace. My mind is calm, my heart is serene, and I am centered in tranquility.

I am grateful for the peace that fills my heart and mind. I give thanks for this calmness and clarity.

I release any thoughts of worry or stress, trusting that peace is my natural state. I let go and allow this peace to guide me.

Jennifer Caldwell

Youth and Family Coordinator

Back to School

 Summer is winding down and as Autumn draws nearer we prepare for school time again. If you have children in your life or if you ever were a child-  you understand how big of an impact school has on kids. 

On average, a person will spend 13 years of their life in some form of formal education. That is more than 1000 hours a year and it can easily be more if you go on to post secondary education. With such a great amount of time spent on their academic pursuits, we can see that it can be a very shaping experience. 

Aside from maths, and language, and sciences, kids learn other things along the way. Some good, some...not so good. In this playground of childhood, children may learn to share, or raise their hand for help...and in some cases they learn that sharing isn't always good and that occasionally when you need help it doesn't arrive.

These lessons can be useful, though, they certainly aren't all easy. I find that sometimes it's the lesson "in between the lines" that sink the deepest. I remember the day I met my longest friend. We were in second grade. I was the new girl. I liked to keep to myself and recess was often a time of quiet contemplation for me. But not joining the other kids games made me an outsider. I became easy to pick on or tease. It didn't bother me so much- but it did really bother her. She got in between me and some kids taunting and told them to stop and go pick on somebody else - because we were friends and she wouldn't put up with what they were doing. You know what? We've been friends ever since. I learned a lesson in between the lines that day. I learned about kindness and bravery and friendship. 

At Center for Spiritual Living we get to spend an hour each week learning and growing with each other. We often focus on the 'in between the lines' lessons. We look at Virtues like honesty and kindness and peace. We try and tie our lessons in with the big lesson for adults in the sanctuary in an age appropriate and meaningful way. We use stories that have morals. We try out things like sound meditation, and yoga and mindfulness games. We say positive affirmations with each other and take seriously the requests for prayer about pet hamsters or a final exams coming up. 

I hope to see you on Sunday. We hope to be a part of the village that help to raise the children. If you are curious, look ahead for a post about our topics for the month. You can also reach out directly at youth@cslsr.org.

 

An Affirmative Prayer to Share with your Child/Teen

(I wrote this out and taped it inside my kiddos planner- you can too!)

I know that there is a loving power in the Universe that is always with me. 

I am connected to this power, and it helps me in everything I do. 

I am smart, kind, and capable of learning and doing my best at school. 

I have gratitude for this and feel confident and ready for my day. 

I let go and trust that everything will be ok. 

Jennifer Caldwell

Youth and Family Coordinator

Summer Teen Camp 2024

 

I don't know if there is a word in our language- or even 100 all strung together that can adequately describe the magical transformation of what happens at Teen Camp. (But I am going to do my best and try). The theme of the camp this summer was Finding me Through Divinity. 

We worked so hard to get to take 7 teens (and 2 advisors) to teen camp. We baked goods, wrote scholarship essays, made art and prepared our hearts. The travel to get there is filled with excitement and a long day. Learning to move as a group can be challenging but when we finally arrive at camp- the magic begins. 

Cabin assignments and bunk selection is made easier by some of the choices already made for you. There were two boys cabins, two girls cabins, and a cabin for non -gendered persons. Advisors always sleep by the door- the rest is up to the teens. After that, we head into our first groups where we meet other campers. We meet in various group throughout the week. You've got your "just teens" group led by elected teen leaders. There's the "youth group" which is the Center you came with. Then, there the small process group the "family group".  Made of 2-3 advisors and 5-6 teens - this is the group we spend most of workshop time with. There were 10+ workshops this time. Each of them aimed to get us to know ourselves better, practice some of our spiritual practices, and ask ourselves important questions. Teen get to practice expressing themselves, receive validation, and practice listening to others. 

With all that hard work there has got to be some balance. This time at camp we got to slide down the big giant slip'n' slide as opposed to sledding down in on baking sheets in the snow last winter. The other options were swimming in the pool, the arts and crafts table, writing in camp stroke books, basket ball, tether ball, kickball, walking the labyrinth, taking a hike, just chillin' with friends, working with a licensed prayer practitioner....the list goes on......

Are you hungry yet? Great! The food in the kitchen is ready- just listen for the bell! We had a variety of things from Chinese food, Fettuccine Alfredo, Chili Dogs, Tacos and my absolute favorite Tetris Tots. The name of the game this year was making sure everybody stayed hydrated. With several of the days reaching over 100 degrees we stayed on top of filling our water bottles with ice and water and staying in the shade.

As if our hearts weren't already full each day we got to participate in several nurturing practices. You may wonder what this means? It could be group singing or dancing, passing around the love awards, practicing affirmative consent hugs, Angel Wash or As and Bs. These nurturing practices are so meaningful for teens. While everybody gets to choose their own limits and participation- it is pure magic to watch as barriers drift away and they can both give and receive unconditional love from others. It is like watching the harshness of the work melt off their faces and a warmth that lets them know they are special and desrve this kindness. 

I bring you back changed beings. I am proud of who they are - we have some really great teens. But the magic that transforms them into even better people at each camp is simply out of this world. I appreciate all their hard work at fundraising and all of our community support. Most of all, I am proud that they are able to use the opportunity, stay present - even through the tough moments and grow. Thank you CSL Santa Rosa for being part of the village that raises our youth into he best adults they can be. 

When I did an informal survey on the way back - they are excited about Winter Camp and they know that we can grow our teen program to invite more friends to come with us. And so it is!

Jennifer Caldwell

Youth and Family Coordinator 

April Teen Overnight and Camp is Coming!

 

Have you ever wondered what it might be like to play with 100 stressballs? All at once?  (A big thank you to Catholic Charities for the donation!) Or maybe sleep on the floor at Center? Curious how many mini marshmellows fit into the mouth of a teen or what time a room of young ladies might go to sleep? Maybe not. But I bet you might be more interested if you could feel the energy of people connecting for the first time in warmth and love and supporting each other in safety as they explore spiritual practices. Our young people of CSL have such an amazing way of welcoming and accepting each other and opening themselves up when sometimes it can be very scary. We recently held a Teen Overnight at CSL Santa Rosa. Good 'ole fashioned pizza, games and fun- but with a twist. 

If you've met me- you know I love our youth at CSL and I love planning things for them. They had such a fun time at camp over the winter and were eager to spend more time together and continue to build relationship with other New Thought teens. As our movement is coming back out post pandemic the growth has been steady. Both in number of youth as well as their spiritual growth. 

During this overnight we practiced writing our own mind treatments, meditation, spiritual circulation of giving and receiving, talked about things that are on our minds and made new friends! (We also ate a copious amount of jello and marsh-mellows.) As they entered the weekend so they did not leave. They are all a little wiser, hearts filled, new experiences had, loved on a little more by people who care.

We look forward to hosting more events over the summer and already have plans for another over night. We can't wait to see our friends again at summer camp. If you have a teen who might be interested in joining- we have some spaces open! Please contact the Youth and Family Coordinator for more information before May 20.  Also, another big thank you to our adult volunteers! 

Warmly, 

Jennifer Caldwell

Youth and Family Coordinator

(Yes, this is my candle holder out of a playdoh jar!)

Spring is Coming!

 Spring is Coming! 

Every year, sometime in January, I start getting achy for the sun to return and for Spring to come.   I think about what I want to do in the garden, long for warmth of the sun and grow wearisome of being cold and of sweaters. I have, over time, had to develop patience for the period between January and the actual Spring to come. This year seemed especially hard to hold out hope for the return of the warmth as the rain soaked every inch of our county. Don't get me wrong, I am greatful for the rain but was definitely longing for sun.

In Science of Mind, we have a very useful teaching metaphor about planting a seed and of all gardening as a matter of fact. Maybe you've heard it? It can go something like this. We are taught that our minds are the fertile soil for which thoughts are the seeds. We can plant what we want there and nurture it to grow. We talk about the importance of tending this garden and the practice of removing anything unwanted to make space for the seed we planted. It is actually the basis for our teaching symbol.

When working with our youth, I have repeated this metaphor- usually I like to help plant some actual seeds to go along with the project. Last year we got some wildflowers growing in a little planter box in my office window. The children took joy in spraying it with water each Sunday and watching the seeds emerge. We wondered which color flower would emerge. We even had a chance to discuss some of the seedlings that didn't make it. Not all ideas are meant to grow and must be given the conditions that it needs.

Over this last Winter I was so blessed to get to go with our Teens to Teen camp. In fact, when they got back they immediately set about planning how to get back to camp in the summer and to bring more friends along with them. A seed had been planted and they were nurturing it. I was in awe at their complete conviction and readiness to not only return but to bring others along. It wasn't the mid winter longing- it was just a knowing that it will happen. (You can contact me or click on the link for more information: https://csl.org/teencamp/camps/ 

It is that same energy I try to use with my own children as I guide them into being the best versions of themselves. I remember a time when I was absolutely certain that we would not have need for any screen time. I thought I would always have enough time to sit and read and that it would cultivate curious and creative children. For a long time that seed was blooming in our parenting garden. Life got busier and then at some point we came across a realization that one of our two kiddos struggles with written word and does much better with audio. In fact, absolutely loves audio books, documentaries and anything of the type. I had, in fact, grown a creative and curious child but it was time I had to plant a new seed regarding use of screens and electronics. 

For a moment of contemplation. Take a moment to jot down or think on what seeds have been planted in your life? In your children lives? What kind of cultivation are you ready for? 

It may be necessary to cultivate your garden, to uproot the weeds and straighten out the rows, planting new seeds – new ideas, broader visions and deeper realizations of life. New aspirations must be bedded here, fertilized with the fervor hope, the conviction of faith, the beauty of wholeness and quietness of peace. Watch your garden carefully, guarded patiently, waiting for a new harvest - for you shall reap what you have sown.

— Ernest Holmes, This Thing Called You Chapter V

The Garden is calling me- warmly yours,

Jennifer Caldwell

Youth and Family Coordinator