A discussion around negative and positive self-talk, rooted in the science of neuroplasticity.  Ask youth what they know about how their brain works.Our brain receives information from our senses—sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell—and from our memories of previous experiences, and interprets...

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint from Activity 3 with traits compiled from group work Small pieces of paper or card stock, pens or markers Optional: a selection of costumes and props 

Activity time: 20 minutes Materials for Activity A sheet of poster board as a background (one per group) Colored paper, especially in earth tones, tape, glue, scissors, markers, other craft supplies such as popsicle sticks, pipe cleaners, crepe paper, fabric 

Activity time: 10 minutes Description of Activity This “spectrum” activity allows a bit of movement as participants respond to ten character traits. Give instructions like these: I am going to read ten statements. If you believe the statement represents a positive or wholesome character trait...

Activity time: 10 minutes, Materials for Activity, Story: "Seeds in the Mind-Garden", Preparation for Activity, Read the story. Optional: Copy the story, "Seeds in the Mind-Garden," for volunteers to read aloud

Youth apply the metaphor of the seeds to taking action toward the positive outcomes they want to see in the world. They identify the tools that help them and others nurture good character.

Adapted from Christian scripture, John 8: 2-11, New Revised Standard Version. Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At dawn, he appeared in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The scribes and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in sin...

Adapted from Christian scripture, Luke 23, New Revised Standard Version. An angry crowd demanded that Jesus be put to death. Pilate decided to grant their demand, and he surrendered Jesus to the will of the crowd. The crowd grabbed Simon and made him carry the cross behind Jesus....

Zeus was not big on forgiving. He was the chief god on Mount Olympus, and what he said went. When the other gods and goddesses obeyed, fine. When they disobeyed, he threw thunderbolts around and thought up some very nasty punishments....

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Story 3, "Cast the First Stone" Preparation for Activity Read the story. Photocopy Story 3, "Cast the First Stone," one for each participant....

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint and washable markers Preparation for Activity Write and display on newsprint the Alexander Pope quotation at the beginning of the session. Description of Activity Point out the Alexander Pope quotation you have written on newsprint....

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Two dice (extra large if possible) of different colors Ethics Play role nametags Ethics Play Scenarios (Session 1, Leader Resources 2-7) Optional: Masks, costumes, and wigs for roles Preparation for Activity If you are or your group is new to Ethic...

Activity time: 10 minutes Description of Activity This activity asks youth to move around to show their answers to some belief questions based on Sessions 9 through 12 of Amazing Grace: Exploring Right and Wrong....

Activity time: 20 minutes Materials for Activity Story 1, "Zeus Punishes," and Story 2, "Jesus Forgives" Preparation for Activity Read the stories. Photocopy Story 1, "Zeus Punishes," and Story 2, "Jesus Forgives," one for each participant....

Activity time: 3 minutes Materials for Activity Copies of Taking It Home Preparation for Activity Create a handout from Taking It Home that is specific to the activities used in this session. Description of Activity Briefly summarize what you have done in this session. Hand out any Taking It Home...

Activity time: 20 minutes Materials for Activity Pencils and two sheets of paper for each participant A paper bag or other disposable container Optional: Portable paper shredder Preparation for Activity Decide how to dispose of participants' papers in a way that assures them their answers will no...

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Conundrum Corner poster/banner Leader Resource 1, Church Sign Chalice and matches Optional: Newsprint, markers and tape Optional: Recording of "Amazing Grace" and music player Optional: Nametags and markers Optional: Decorative cloth for Conundrum...

Here are two stories of Unitarianism, Universalism, and Unitarian Universalism unexpectedly in the news which raised our name recognition across the country. For good or for ill? You decide. The Last Blasphemer Abner Kneeland (1774-1844) carried many banners through his lifetime: Universalist...

Any diner at the Ferry Beach Conference Center can tell you the campers' favorite song. As coffee cups bounce off soundly thumped tables and kitchen ladles hit impromptu serving tray gongs in time to the tune of "There is a Tavern in the Town," the campers, with unnerving regularity, close the...

Activity time: 45 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers, and tape Craft materials and supplies such as clay, wire, beads, fabric, paint, paper, markers, magazines for collage, scissors, glue, and tape Preparation for Activity Write on newsprint, and post: What event or person covered ...