Youth and Junior Youth Course Information

 

All those in Courses Y1 and Y2 will join in the afternoon plenary talk; Y3 can choose to join the plenary session or a discussion group. There are separate activities arranged for those in Y4.

 

Are you aged 13, 15 or 17?

 

As you can see for the course list below, you will have a choice from two courses. For example, if you are 13, you could choose course Y4 or Y3. Please make sure that you include this information on your booking form.

 

If you are 17 you can choose between Y2, Y1 or any of the adult courses.

 

Y1 (17-25yrs) – Sara Talai

Planning a Life of Service

 

At its base this course will be an inspired reflection on the station and characteristics of youth and the significance of this precious time in the life of an individual human being. We will share examples from both the history of the Faith and current times, to assist in refining our vision of this theme.

From this context, we will consider the meaning of service, as described and demonstrated by Abdu’l-Baha, our Perfect Exemplar, and specifically detailed as part of the Divine Plan of God. We will explore what it means to “plan” for a life of service, dealing with dichotomies that can create a fragmented view of our lives.

Finally we will explore the concept of transformation, both in terms of the life of an individual and that of our communities and society. We will draw from the above themes and explorations to better understand why the Youth are described as the spearhead to the Cause of God and in what ways this directly impacts the building of a New World Civilisation.

 

The course will be co-facilitated by an adult and a youth. It will draw on the Writings of the Faith, including Guidance from the Universal House of Justice, communications from the World Centre and material from the Training Institute courses.

 

Short plenary sessions will introduce the session material, and these will be subsequently explored through smaller, participatory group workshops. Individual and collective thoughts will enrich the feedback plenary sessions and enable a broader collective understanding to be shared and achieved. Each session will include integral, artistic/creative explorations to enrich the process of learning and fellowship.

 

Y2 (15-17) – Paddy Villiers-Stuart & Tara Byrne

How shall I live?

 

If you have ever felt that you are being pulled in all directions with studying, leisure, work, family life, spiritual life, physical health, individual development and duties to society, all demanding your time and energy then this course explores how we can see all of these as one organic whole.

 

This practical course will help us find ways to best develop our own potential while also being of service to others.

 

We will embark on a voyage of discovery, inward and outward, using Bahá’í Writings to inspire discussion, rap, expressive dance, opera, song, art or anything that takes our fancy. Bring instruments, spandex dance outfits, your favourite art pencils/paints and whatever else you draw inspiration from. See you there.

 

Y3 (13-15yrs) - Tina Honarmandan - “Rebuilding a broken world ”

exploring who we are and how our actions can affect the world we live in

 

Baha'u'llah says ‘Regard the world as the human body which, though at its creation whole and perfect, hath been afflicted, through various causes, with grave disorders and maladies’. The UHJ in the Ridvan 2009 message talked about the ‘bewilderment and confusion of a world caught in a spiral of crisis’.

This course will look at rebuilding a broken world through the vision set by the Universal House of Justice and explores how we as individuals can become empowered and contribute to creating an ever advancing civilization. We will draw deeper into the idea of self and service through audio visual presentations, discussion, arts and games. We will not be alone as we embark on this journey of exploration as we will be gaining a little help from our Walt Disney friends of Pocahontas and John Smith! Whose vision could see an ever advancing civilization? Well you will have to come on this journey to find out!

 

Y4 - 11-13 – Becky and Tim Maude

 

The Junior Youth are getting together again at Spring School this year. The questions we shall be asking are: “What would you like to do to help build a World Civilisation?”

 

“Who do you want to do it with?” – Tim and Becky and all the other Junior Youth will be there.

“How can you do it?” – We will start with discussion, art, games, activities and getting to know each other – the rest is up to you.

“When can you start?” – as soon as you get there!

How can you join in?” – Come along and find out!

“Where will you do it?” – at Spring School!

This isn’t about teachers telling you what to think – it is about you sharing what you think about the many ways of building a World Civilisation at the Junior Youth course!

s and enhanced skills to develop and conduct classes in different contexts. They will leave with a pack of practical ideas.