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Ruhi Classes & Jr. Youth Groups

Junior Youth Groups and Brilliant Star - Breezes of Confirmation

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Activities to Complement JY Groups
V2.1.1.PE (May 2012)
 

The Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program (JYSEP) is a learning and social experience for kids ages 11-15 around the world. With the help of a trained “animator” or tutor, junior youth explore universal values and Bahá’í teachings, help serve their communities, and have fun. Breezes of Confirmation (by DL Publicaciones) is one textbook used in the program. Over 14 lessons, it tells a story of Musonda, a girl of 13, and her cousin Rose, along with Musonda’s brother Godwin and his friend Chishimba. The characters reflect on career goals and discuss the concept of making sincere efforts and receiving help, or confirmations, from God. Participants in JYSEP are encouraged to discuss these topics, decide on acts of service to do as a group, and enjoy artistic activities and/or sports together.

The Universal House of Justice, the worldwide guiding council of the Bahá’í Faith, says JYSEP is effective in “enhancing the power of expression and the quality of spiritual perception within its participants and in assisting them to develop the capabilities necessary for a life of meaningful service to their communities.”

This list of activities, songs, and stories from Brilliant Star magazine can be used to complement themes in the book.

We’d love to know how you’re using Brilliant Star materials with your junior youth groups and what other materials you’d find helpful. E-mail us at brilliant@usbnc.org or share your ideas on our Facebook page or in our Facebook group, the Brilliant Star Idea Exchange.

 

> Lesson 1: Let’s Meet Musonda

Story: Musonda is excited because her cousin and friend Rose is coming to stay with her family for a few weeks. 

Magic Memories – Write or draw about favorite memories
Vol. 43 No. 5, p. 9

Silent Storytellers – Draw a family stories totem pole
Vol. 43 No. 6, p. 21

 

> Lesson 2: Meeting Rose at the Bus

Story: Musonda meets her 15-year-old cousin, Rose, at the bus stop. Rose is hungry because on the bus, she gave her bread to a mother whose little boy was hungry. 
Quote: “. . . let your heart burn with loving kindness for all who may cross your path.”

Welcoming Words – Search for “Welcome” in 16 languages
Vol. 40 No. 1, p. 5

Growing a Better World – Learn about hunger and unscramble service words
Vol. 45 No. 6, p. 17

 

> Lesson 3: Dinner

Story: Musonda’s mother serves dinner. Rose and Musonda talk about their future careers and the idea of “confirmation”—God confirms us and helps us in what we do.

Nur’s Nook: Leap into Action - Make an origami frog that jumps (discusses confirmations)
Vol. 41 No. 6, p. 9

Cooking Up Fun – Find nine items in the kitchen and stir up family unity
Vol. 45 No. 5, p. 17

Clues to Your Career – Explore your skills and preferences—imagine your dream job!
Vol. 46 No. 1, p. 21

 

> Lesson 4: Whispering at Night

Story: Rose and Musonda talk about confirmation and their dreams for future careers. Musonda thinks of her older brother, Godwin. 

Wishing Tree – Write and draw your wishes for the future
Vol. 44 No. 6, p. 9

A-maize-ing Escapades, by Donna Price – Fiction story about a challenge faced by two friends, who discuss their dreams for the future
Vol. 44 No. 5, p. 21

Maya’s Mysteries: Tiny Seeds - Make grass head guys
Vol. 45 No. 5, p. 16

 

> Lesson 5: Prefer Your Brother

Story: Musonda and Rose talk about conflicts among kids and countries and the importance of showing love to all, including siblings.
Quotes: “Ye were created to show love one to another…” and “Blessed is he who preferreth his brother before himself.”

Sibling Squabbles - Find virtues to get along (includes lesson quote)
Vol. 42 No. 4, p. 7

Are you a Team Player? – Quiz yourself on family unity skills
Vol. 45 No. 4, p. 9

My Alien Family – Solve tips for family unity with hidden words around the room
Vol. 43 No. 5, p. 22

 

> Lesson 6: Chishimba

Story: Godwin’s friend, Chishimba, comes to dinner and the family talks about confirmation—how God helps us in what we do. Chishimba is concerned about not being able to afford to go to school. Musonda and Godwin’s father says that life has difficulties and injustice, but we can be sure God will help us when we work hard.

Treble Chef’s Music Café - Sun Will Shine Again, by Frances England
Vol. 46 No. 1, p. 20

When Troubles Trouble You – A powerful prayer for tough times
Vol. 42 No. 4, p. 5

Power of Perseverance – Quiz yourself on handling rough roads
Vol. 42 No. 4, p. 6

 

> Lesson 7: The Football Match

Story: Musonda and Rose visit Musonda’s grandparents in a nearby village, teach a class to young kids, then watch Godwin and Chishimba play football/soccer. Godwin’s team loses, but they still help a tired woman carry home firewood. 

Goal for the Global Team – Just like in soccer, we need teamwork to help the world
Vol. 45 No. 6, p. 10

Losing Like a Winner – Why is it important to be a good sport?
Vol. 43 No. 4, p. 23

 

> Lesson 8: The Clinic

Story: Musonda and Rose offer to volunteer at a clinic. They care for children while their mothers attend a nutition class.  They’re invited to come back the next week. Musonda asks if it’s confirmation, because she wants to be a nurse and Rose wants to be a teacher.
Song: Love Your Fellow Man 

What’s Your Service Style? Multiple choice quiz
Vol. 44 No. 2, p. 5

Walk in Love, by Steven Courtney  – Sing about showing you care
Vol. 44 No. 4, p. 20

Maya’s Mysteries: Growing Love – Ideas for planting seeds of services over two weeks
Vol. 46 No. 1, p. 16

 

> Lesson 9: A Special Place

Story: Musonda goes to a tree near the river to think about how useful she felt at the clinic and how she wants her life to bear good fruits. She watches the wind pushing a bird to fly higher, and thinks that it’s an example of confirmation. 
Quote: “God is the helper of those souls whose aim is to serve humanity and whose efforts and endeavors are devoted to the good and betterment of all mankind.” 

Maya’s Mysteries: Reaching New Heights – Make your own catapult
Vol. 45 No. 3, p. 6

Maya’s Mysteries: Wings for Flight! – Make a fun bird kite
Vol. 45 No. 6, p. 16

Happy to Serve – Memorize a prayer and match words to definitions (O Lord! Make us useful…”)
Vol. 46 No. 1, p. 24

Maya – Listening to Your Spirit - Ideas for Meditation
Vol. 39 No. 5, p. 17

 

> Lesson 10: Fixing the Bicycle

Story:   Godwin works on fixing Chishimba’s bicycle. Musonda and Godwin talk about career ideas for the future and confirmations. Rose joins them and suggests that Godwin would make a good mechanic. Chishimba offers to introduce him to a mechanic so he can ask about learning the skills he needs.
Quote: “Work done in the spirit of service is the highest form of worship.” 

________ Scores a Goal! – Write down your goals and take steps to achieve them
Vol. 40 No. 6, p. 9

Traveling through Time - Draw your future self fulfilling your dreams  
Vol. 42 No. 6, p. 9

 

> Lesson 11: Godwin the Mechanic

Story: Chishimba and Godwin visit the mechanic, Mr. Chiyesu. Godwin offers to work for free so he can learn, and Mr. Chiyesu invites him to start right away. As Chishimba walks home, he sees Rose and Musonda helping with the children and thinks that helping others is a good thing.

Nur’s Nook: Mystery of Me - Make a mobile that reflects your virtues, interests, and goals
Vol. 43 No. 1, p. 5

Maya’s Mysteries: Your Radiant Character - Write about your strengths and discover the best you
Vol. 41 No. 6, p. 5

 

> Lesson 12: Helping Chishimba

Story: Godwin hurts his hand at work, and Musonda cares for him using her new nursing skills. Chishimba comes for dinner and then talks about his concern about not being able to afford school. Mrs. Mulenga offers to contact a cousin in Kabwe, where the school is, so he can have housing. Mr. Mulenga and Rose encourage him to find a way to earn money for his expenses.  
 
Exploring My World – Write about your favorites and create a box that reflects the one and only you
Vol. 42 No. 3, p. 6

Smart Spending – Make a budget to plan your income, savings, and expenses
Vol. 41 No. 6,  p. 8

 

> Lesson 13: Confirmation

Story: Chishimba decides to try to earn money by doing shopping for people so they don’t have to leave their jobs. His parents and the Mulengas encourage him. Mr. Mulenga advises him not to spend his money on silly things, but to save it for school. 
Quote: “. . . make ye a mighty effort, and choose for yourselves a noble goal.” 

Need It or Want It? - Unscramble words and discover the difference
Vol. 45 No. 6, p. 4

Tree of Thanks – Draw your needs and wants
Vol. 45 No. 6, p. 5

Are You Cent-Sible? - Quiz yourself on money management skills
Vol. 44 No. 4, p. 5

Stellar Shoppers – Complete the tips for smart spending
Vol. 44 No. 4, p. 18

 

> Lesson 14: Promising Futures

Story: Rose’s holiday is over, and she prepares to go home and return to school. She plans to offer to teach children’s classes in her home village. Musonda wants to continue at the clinic. They reflect on the confirmations they’ve all experienced. 
Quote: “Make thou an effort that thou mayest take thy place under the sun and receive an abundant share of its dazzling light.” 
         
Mapping Your Future – Write your goals and plan a life map
Vol. 41 No. 6, p. 22

Drawing on Your Experience – What would you build to help others? 
Vol. 42 No. 1, p. 9

 

For more information about the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program, see www.ruhi.org.

Updated on 2.12.15