New Youth Curriculum
The Neighborhood Love Quest
Designed for youth ages 10-14, the Neighborhood Love Quest teaches youth to understand their freedoms and how to advocate for themselves and their neighbors through games, activities, and reflections — all promoting the principle of the Golden Rule.
Want to use this curriculum? Connect with us!
Join us September 1
Want to get a preview of this curriculum and be part of piloting it in your congregation? Join us on Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 1 p.m. ET / Noon Central Time to learn more and talk with two of the creators, Dr. Sabrina E. Dent and Dr. Jaimie Crumley.
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What is this Curriculum?
The next generation can use their freedom to protect, advocate, and care for the freedoms of their neighbors, and this curriculum helps them see how. Created by BJC, “The Neighborhood Love Quest” promotes the principle of The Golden Rule, which is common to many religious traditions and worldviews. It is designed to be used by small groups in houses of worship.
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How Does it Work?
Each of the five sessions of this curriculum will last for 60 minutes, including reading, discussion, and an activity. Students will meet neighbors who engage in conversations with each other, and they will be featured in a journal for students to use. We also provide a resource list to encourage youth and their families to keep learning at home.
Snapshot of the Sessions
Session 1 teaches what religious freedom is, why it matters, and how young people can respect others’ religious freedoms.
Session 2 explores how our beliefs inspire our actions.
In Session 3, youth learn what Christian nationalism is and its damaging impact on American society.
In Session 4, young people will learn practical ways to show love and respect to their neighbors of different religions and cultures in response to Christian nationalism.
Finally, in Session 5, they will explore ways to advocate for themselves and others in response to the rise of Christian nationalism.
Congregations that complete all five sessions of The Neighborhood Love Quest curriculum will be eligible to apply for a microgrant to support the planning and implementation of a communal project, which can support ideas created in Session 5.
Meet the Neighbors
While engaging in the curriculum, students will meet five friends who will join them on the Neighborhood Love Quest. John, Samara, Phoebe, Levi, and Miriam are all in the 7th grade and are members of their school’s Junior Youth Activism Club, where they are learning how to advocate for issues that matter to them and their peers.
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John
Hey! I’m John. You might know my sister, Lisa. She’s a great tennis player. I am super into sports. Let’s talk more after this game.
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Miriam
Hi! Are you joining the backstage crew? I’m Miriam. I’ll show you the lighting for our production of “The Wiz.” Have you seen the show before? The music is fire.
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Samara
Hi there. I’m Samara. It’s great that you’re here because I have been trying out new recipes. My family is from Somalia, and my grandparents have taught me how to make some of our cultural dishes. Do you want to try some of the curry and rice I made?
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Phoebe
Hi. I’m Phoebe. I’m reading my favorite fantasy book, An Ember in the Ashes. You should know that my brain processes information in a unique way. My doctor told me it’s called being neurodivergent. I hope knowing that helps us understand each other.
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Levi
Hey! I’m Levi. Are you going to the library? Can we go together? I’m checking out some books about coding. Have you ever tried coding? It’s fun! What do you want to find in the library?
