Online Classes
SRF Online How-to-Live Classes for Children and Teens
“Building Joy-Filled Spiritual Friendships”
The fall session of live, interactive classes conducted via Zoom will take place September 14 – December 21 (see details about class schedule and structure below).
Please note that when you register for this fall session of classes, you will also have the option to register for the upcoming spring session.
Creating a Spiritual Foundation for All Ages
Paramahansa Yogananda felt deeply for the welfare of youth and took a lifelong interest in their all-around education. Building on the rich, in-person offerings developed for SRF Youth Programs over many decades, SRF online How-to-Live programs teach young people how to lay a spiritual foundation for their lives, one that becomes a sustaining positive influence long after the series of classes.
Curriculum
Children and teens will join in the practice of the SRF Energization Exercises and meditation, and engage in discussions, storytelling, and other activities that illustrate Paramahansaji’s wisdom for building strengths, facing challenges, and approaching life with the abundant joy and self-confidence that come from spiritual understanding and experiencing “how-to-live” education.
The classes are designed to:
- Promote peer interaction and student support, similar to in-person gatherings, through small classes (organized with separate classes for boys and girls);
- Help introduce your child or teen to Paramahansa Yogananda’s inspiring “how-to-live” principles, using age-appropriate approaches (see age ranges below);
- Provide an immersive experience in an online learning environment that encourages uplifting fellowship; and
- Establish spiritually grounding friendships and a sense of inner peace and security.
Schedule
September 14 – December 21, 2024
Classes are held on two Saturdays each month:
- September 14 and 21
- October 12 and 26
- November 9 and 23
- December 7 and 21
Classes are only being taught in English, but there are currently three class times to choose from to accommodate those living in various time zones.
Children: 9 – 12 years
- 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., or 5:00 p.m. (PT)
- Class duration: 60 minutes
Teens: 13 – 14 years
- 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., or 5:00 p.m. (PT)
- Class duration: 60 minutes
Teens: 15 – 17 years
- 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., or 5:00 p.m. (PT)
- Class duration: 60 minutes
Teachers
Many of the teachers have served as long-time SRF Sunday school teachers, and a number of them work professionally as teachers. All teachers and teaching assistants have completed extensive training in age-appropriate instruction, online classroom management, and youth protection.
Please note that to help make this program widely accessible, the classes are currently being offered free of charge.
Please email any questions to helpdesk@yogananda-srf.org or call 760-421-5151.
We hope that these new online classes will help children and teens set their feet on the path of spiritual development, leading to truly satisfying inner and outer lives. May God bless you and your family!
We welcome and are deeply grateful for your support.
About the program
How long is the program?
The fall session runs from September 14 through December 21, 2024. (The upcoming spring session will run from January 25 through May 24, 2025)
What is the class schedule?
Classes are held on two Saturdays each month:
Fall 2024 session
- September 14 and 21
- October 12 and 26
- November 9 and 23
- December 7 and 21
Spring 2025 session
- January 25
- February 8 and 22
- March 8 and 22
- April 12 and 26
- May 10 and 24
On those days, each child/teen will have a class at their scheduled time: 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., or 5:00 p.m. (PT).
How long is each class?
Classes are 60 minutes in duration.
How many children/teens will attend each class?
The average class size will be approximately 15 to 20 students, however this is dependent upon how many registrations are received. Attendance could be higher or lower.
Can I donate to support this program?
Registration
How many classes can I register my child/teen for?
When you register your child/teen for a session, they will be registered for all classes in that session. See above for class schedule.
Will my child or teen need his/her own email account?
If a child/teen does not have their own email account, you can use the email address of a parent or guardian to register them. Each child/teen will be registered based on a unique email address. The program link will be sent to that email address and will allow each child/teen to join their age-appropriate class.
My child is almost at the required age (9 years), can he/she still attend?
Children who will reach the required age within two months of the start of the program will be able to attend.
How do I change the class time that I requested when I registered my child for the class?
Attending classes
Will I receive a reminder about the class?
Yes, a notification will be emailed to both the parent/guardian and child/teen prior to the start of each class.
Is there any preparation that parents or children/teens need to do in advance of the class?
No preparation is required. Over time, things such as pre-class activities may be added. Your child/teen might find it helpful (but it's not necessary) to have basic supplies such as: paper, notebook or journal, pen, pencil, colored pencils, or markers.
Is there any homework required?
Can my child/teen attend using their smartphone?
Although a computer or tablet is ideal for visibility of the Zoom controls and the group, a cell phone will work. Families are encouraged to create a calm environment in a designated area and turn off notifications on the device being used to allow children/teens to focus during class.
Can I be in the room with my child/teen during the class?
Yes, however, we have found that the best experience comes from the child/teen being able to engage in the classes independently. Of course, if there is a technical difficulty, a parent may need to assist as necessary, but in this case we request that parents not be visible on camera.
What if I can’t find my login information for the class?
Please refer to the “set password” email sent to the email address you used to register your child/teen (usually the child/teen’s email address). Or, you can contact helpdesk@yogananda-srf.org or call 760-421-5151 for assistance.
Can my child/teen attend multiple classes that are being offered for their age group?
To allow as many children and teens to attend these classes as possible, we ask that students attend only one class each Saturday.
What If my child/teen cannot attend the class they are registered for?
If it is a one-time conflict, they may join one of the other class times for their age group on that day — using the same Zoom link. If they will not be able to attend regularly at their registered time, please contact helpdesk@yogananda-srf.org or call 760-421-5151 to notify or reschedule.
My child/teen has a friend visiting. Can the friend also attend the class?
Yes, the friend can attend the class while visiting. If they wish to attend future classes, they will need to register.
After my child/teen has attended classes, is it possible to change to a different class time? What is the process?
In some cases it may be possible to change class time, depending on availability. Please contact helpdesk@yogananda-srf.org or call 760-421-5151 for assistance.
Journey to Lake Shrine Video Series
Journey to Lake Shrine Video Series
We are happy to present an online experience especially for youth: “Journey to Lake Shrine.” This five-part video series was created by SRF’s Youth Services Department as a way to connect youth around the world in an ever-greater bond of joyful spirituality and supportive fellowship.
Each of the five episodes in the “Journey to Lake Shrine” series is structured as a day of learning and fun, similar to a day at an in-person youth program.
Though created especially for youth, this special video series can be enjoyed by all ages.
“Journey to Lake Shrine” includes:
- Stories about Paramahansa Yogananda and the Lake Shrine's early days
- Information about Lake Shrine’s wildlife, unique buildings, and special features
- Short guided meditations led by monastics and affirmation practices to help youth easily and effectively apply “how-to-live” principles.
Journey to Lake Shrine: Part 1
Journey to Lake Shrine: Part 2
Journey to Lake Shrine: Part 3
Journey to Lake Shrine: Part 4
Journey to Lake Shrine: Part 5
